Although it is not currently the responsibility of businesses to track and manage the social, economic and environmental impacts of theirs actions, as consumer awareness has been heightened about the relationship between people, planet and profit, businesses are increasingly feeling a social obligation to do so.

According to Elkington, the value TBL brings to a business lies in responsibility, resilience and regeneration, and is well worth the potential drawbacks of incorporating because of the benefits to the natural environment.

The values that businesses bring to society include the investment in the environment from which all members of society benefit and an emphasis on the importance of shifting the mindset of young and old alike. If TBL were not a common practice, society might not have the heightened awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability.

In your replies to at least two peers, use the questions below to guide your discussion. Make sure to cite any evidence you use to support your ideas.

• Do you agree or disagree with your peer's initial post? Why or why not?
• What examples from the textbook or outside resources (such as news articles) support or dispute your peer's stance, and how?
• Did your peer provide any insight or information that changed your opinion about the TBL? If so, how?