Where is your country on the Good Country Index?
Every time I begin to write the weekly newsletter, I burst with curiosity because the topic is a surprise even for me! I know I say this often, but it is true. For example, today, I came across a fascinating article that touched on the topic of the Good Country Index.
I was curious to see what the “parameters” were, and I love what I learned. The Good Country Index is determined by the following criteria:
- Global contribution to science and technology
- Global contribution to culture
- Global contribution to international peace and security
- Global contribution to world order
- Global contribution to the planet and climate
- Global contribution to prosperity and equality
- Global contribution to health and wellbeing
You may have noticed that the word "global" appears at every point. This is very important, because the index is established by what countries do outside their borders, not what they are doing at home. In other words, It is based on the country's contribution to the betterment of the world.
To clarify, if such an index existed for individuals, the ranking would be determined by the person’s contribution to the wellbeing of society, other people, and animals. It would set aside self-focused interests.
If you are curious about how your country of residence ranks, you can have a look at the results table below.
The good country index
Coming across this index made me realize that companies could also be rated by making a difference and standing up for important values. In a world where the loudest, often not the best, wins, good companies often go unnoticed.
I sometimes feel down that many people only care about the price, free shipping, and don't give a squat about other important factors.
I often hear people complaining about Big Pharma or pet food companies. Even these giants depend upon the choices consumers make, and I dare to say that many of them would cease to exist if people based their purchasing decisions on the Good Company Index checklist below:
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Does the company offer free help, services, courses, or tools to improve the wellbeing of animals or people?
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Do they share part of their proceeds with a charitable organization?
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Are their products Eco-friendly?
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Do they use sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging for products and shipping?
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Are they harmless to other living animals and life forms?
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Do their employees seem happy and can you find a presence of employee complaints online?
- What are their customer service ratings and reviews?
The above points have also become guiding posts for our company's work, and I am happy to report that we have checked off all of them, except one. We have the goal of replacing the plastic lids on our glass jars with metal ones, which will be completed in the first half of 2021.
I gather you are reading this newsletter because you trust me and my team, and have similar values. My hope is that you will carry this checklist in your head, or your smartphone, when you are making any purchase decisions for your dog or yourself.
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
