On a Web page labeled "vision and values," Alcoa says it intends to be "the best company in the world — in the eyes of our customers, shareholders, communities, and people." And Alcoa has made Fortune magazine's list of Most Admired Companies and the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index, but the aluminum company's rhetoric doesn't always match its performance. INTEGRITY vs. BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS The Rhetoric: "Alcoa's foundation is our integrity. We are open, honest and trustworthy in dealing with customers, suppliers, coworkers, shareholders and the communities where we have an ... Read More

DuPont's 2010 sustainability report begins with a message from CEO Ellen Kullman touting the firm's track record as "one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals" some 20 years ago. During that same time frame, the company has been embroiled in federal investigations and lawsuits in several states over allegations that it contaminated air, water and soil over the course of decades. The Environmental Protection Agency has named the company in association with 103 Superfund sites. MIRACLES OF SCIENCE vs. DIRTY MIRACLES The Rhetoric: Slogan: "The miracles of ... Read More

No company is perfect, but we've found four examples — Patagonia, Honest Tea, The Timberland Company and Seventh Generation Inc. — of companies that share their corporate social responsibility successes and recognize which areas can be improved. PATAGONIA The outdoor clothing and gear company is widely considered a leader in the corporate sustainability movement, and it's breaking the mold on how it talks about sustainability efforts, as well. On its website, the company asks and answers tough questions: Do children make your clothes? Do workers in factories making Patagonia clothes ... Read More

On one of the links on the "Corporate Responsibility" section of its website, Cargill asks a question: "What is our impact on society and the environment?" And then it gives an answer: "Corporate responsibility is part of everything we do. It is a company-wide commitment to apply our global knowledge and experience to help meet complex economic, environmental and social challenges wherever we do business. Four commitments anchor the hundreds of programs and initiatives we have under way at any given time." FOOD SAFETY LEADERSHIP vs. RECALLS The Rhetoric: "We work with customers and ... Read More