SMEs should not neglect social responsibility
In May last year, following the blue algae outbreak in Taihu Lake, several small and medium-sized chemical companies in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces were forced to shut down. While the algae incident was not directly caused by these chemical firms, it serves as a wake-up call for them to reassess their environmental practices.
Over the years, large chemical enterprises have generally made more progress in environmental protection. As they operate on a larger scale, their emissions of "three wastes"—waste gas, waste water, and solid waste—are inevitably higher, which makes them more visible to the public and regulatory bodies. This increased scrutiny has pushed some big companies to invest in desulfurization systems and new wastewater treatment facilities, showing early steps toward environmental responsibility.
However, small-scale chemical producers often lag behind in terms of technology and infrastructure. Their equipment is usually outdated, and their environmental control measures are insufficient. Moreover, many of these businesses are privately owned, and profit-driven motives often overshadow environmental concerns. During a recent visit to remote areas in Hebei, Henan, and Shanxi, I found that small chemical plants there still face serious pollution issues.
In one interview with a fertilizer company in Shenzhou, Hebei, local residents expressed frustration over the company’s environmental impact. A few days later, during a visit to a coking plant in Shijiazhuang, I met with locals who also complained about pollution. At noon, I saw thick yellow smoke coming from the factory’s chimney, confirming that it was operating—but likely emitting excessive pollutants.
These polluting small enterprises are often located far from cities, rivers, and lakes, but their unchecked emissions continue to cause complaints from nearby communities, including numerous petitioners.
Because these small businesses are often considered the backbone of local economies, especially at the county and township levels, local governments tend to turn a blind eye or even protect them. Even when such companies are exposed by the media or sued, they often manage to stay in business. However, this short-term approach is unsustainable. With the country increasingly prioritizing environmental protection, small enterprises that ignore social responsibility will find it harder to survive.
For those looking to thrive in the long run, taking proactive steps to address pollution is no longer optional—it's essential.
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