CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Values and Ethics

1.1: Human values and Ethics

a) Introduction to values

Values are fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes and behaviors. They assist us in
determining what is important to us. Values describe the personal characteristics we choose to
embody in order to guide our actions; the type of person we want to be; how we treat ourselves
and others; and how we interact with the world around us. They provide general guidelines for
behavior.

A relationship between a person and a goal is defined by value. It is relational in the sense that
what one person values may not be the same as what another person values, even if they are in
the same situation. For example, someone who values honesty may report financial wrongdoing
by a superior, whereas someone who values loyalty may remain silent. This is an example of a
clash of values. The honest person may believe that there are limits to loyalty and that remaining
silent about wrongdoing out of loyalty may harm others. The loyal person may believe in the
importance of maintaining one's trust even if it may harm others as a result of the trusting
relationship.

Some values withstand the test of time; they are always good or righteous behavior. Two such
examples are honesty and kindness. It's difficult to imagine having a satisfying relationship
without them because they foster trust. There are always exceptions, but they are few and far
between. For example, if a criminal intending to harm your friend knocks on your door and asks
if you have seen the friend, you are unlikely to say yes and rationalize it. In this case, the greater
good is to keep your friend safe.

Values are thus the collective notions of what is good, desirable, and legitimate in a society or
what is bad, unpleasant, and improper.
 b) TYPES OF VALUES

The five core human values are: (1) Right conduct, (2) Peace, (3) Truth, (4) Love, and (5)
Nonviolence.
1. Values related to RIGHT CONDUCT are: (a) SELF-HELP SKILLS: Care of possessions, diet,
hygiene, modesty, posture, self reliance, and tidy appearance (b) SOCIAL SKILLS: Good
behavior, good manners, good relationships, helpfulness, No wastage, and good environment,
and (c) ETHICAL SKILLS: Code of conduct, courage, dependability, duty, efficiency ingenuity,
initiative, perseverance, punctuality, resourcefulness, respect for all, and responsibility
2. Values related to PEACE are: Attention, calmness, concentration, contentment, dignity,
discipline, equality, equanimity, faithfulness, focus, gratitude, happiness, harmony, humility,
inner silence, optimism, patience, reflection, satisfaction, self-acceptance, self-confidence,
self-control, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-respect, sense control, tolerance, and understanding
3. Values related to TRUTH are: Accuracy, curiosity, discernment, fairness, fearlessness,
honesty, integrity (unity of thought, word, and deed), intuition, justice, optimism, purity, quest
for knowledge, reason, self-analysis, sincerity, spirit of enquiry, synthesis, trust, truthfulness, and
determination.
4. Values related to LOVE are: Acceptance, affection, care, compassion, consideration,
dedication, devotion, empathy, forbearance, forgiveness, friendship, generosity, gentleness,
humanness, interdependence, kindness, patience, patriotism, reverence, sacrifice, selflessness,
service, sharing, sympathy, thoughtfulness, tolerance and trust
5. Values related to NON-VIOLENCE are: (a) PSYCHOLOGICAL: Benevolence, compassion,
concern for others, consideration, forbearance, forgiveness, manners, happiness, loyalty,
morality, and universal love (b) SOCIAL: Appreciation of other cultures and religions,
brotherhood, care of environment, citizenship, equality, harmlessness, national awareness,
perseverance, respect for property, and social justice.
PERSEVERANCE is defined as persistence, determination, resolution, tenacity, dedication,
commitment, constancy, steadfastness, stamina, endurance and indefatigability. To persevere is
described as to continue, carry on, stick at it (in formal), keep going, persist, plug away,
(informal), remain, stand firm, stand fast, hold on and hang on. Perseverance builds character.
ACCURACY means freedom from mistake or error; conformity to truth or to a standard or
model and exactness. Accuracy is defined as correctness, exactness, authenticity, truth, veracity,
closeness to truth (true value) and carefulness. The value of accuracy embraces a large area and
has many implications. Engineers are encouraged to demonstrate accuracy in their behavior
through the medium of praise and other incentives. Accuracy includes telling the truth, not
exaggerating, and taking care over one’s work.
DISCERNMENT means discrimination, perception, penetration, and insight. Discernment means
the power to see what is not obvious to the average mind. It stresses accuracy, especially in
reading character or motives. Discrimination stresses the power to distinguish or select what is
true or genuinely excellent. Perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment, as of
shades of feelings. Penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or
superficial. Insight suggests depth of discernment.
 Evolution of Human Values
The human values evolve because of the following factors:
1. The impact of norms of the society on the fulfillment of the individual’s needs or desires.
2. Developed or modified by one’s own awareness, choice, and judgment in fulfilling the needs.
3. By the teachings and practice of Preceptors (Gurus) or Saviors or religious leaders.
4. Fostered or modified by social leaders, rulers of the kingdom, and by law (government).

c) Introduction to ethics

The word ethics is derived from an ancient Greek word ethos which means habit, custom or
character. That is morality in the real sense. The habits and character of a person talk about the
moral values ​he/she holds. In other words, a person’s moral values ​define his character. We are
all told what is good and what is bad based on moral norms set by society. Ethics and morality
are usually stated in relation to values, as they are the moral and social ideology and application
of one’s values. Professional or personal ethical codes render the ability to understand what is
right, fair, honorable, and righteous. Misc. organizations and businesses have established codes
of ethics and have an ethics committee also by which they conduct business. The code of ethics
or rules of ethics is the standards to which employees are expected to abide and follow the same.
The purpose of ethics

1. Satisfying Basic Human Needs: Being fair, honest and ethical is one the basic human needs.
Every employee desire to be such himself and to work for an organization that is fair and ethical
in its practices.
2. Creating Credibility: An organization that is believed to be driven by moral values is respected
in the society even by those who may have no information about the working and the businesses
or an organization. Infosys, for example, is perceived as an organization for good corporate
governance and social responsibility initiatives. This perception is held far and wide even by
those who do not even know what business the organization is into.
3. Uniting People and Leadership: An organization driven by values is revered by its employees
also. They are the common thread that brings the employees and the decision makers on a
common platform. This goes a long way in aligning behaviors within the organization towards
achievement of one common goal or mission.
4. Improving Decision Making: A man’s destiny is the sum total of all the decisions that he/she
takes in the course of his life. The same holds true for organizations. Decisions are driven by
values. For example an organization that does not value competition will be fierce in its
operations aiming to wipe out its competitors and establish a monopoly in the market.
5. Long Term Gains: Organizations guided by ethics and values are profitable in the long run,
though in the short run they may seem to lose money. Tata group, one of the largest business
conglomerates in India was seen on the verge of decline at the beginning of 1990’s, which soon
turned out to be otherwise. The same company’s Tata NANO car was predicted as a failure, and
failed to do well but the same is picking up fast now.
6. Securing the Society: Often ethics succeeds law in safeguarding the society. The law
machinery is often found acting as a mute spectator, unable to save the society and the
environment. Technology, for example, is growing at such a fast pace that by the time law comes
up with a regulation we have a newer technology with new threats replacing the older one.
Lawyers and public interest litigations may not help a great deal but ethics can.

d) Personal ethics
Personal ethics defined
Personal ethics are ethical principles that a person uses when making decisions and behaving in
both personal and professional settings. These ethics influence various aspects of a person’s life
and help individuals develop their work ethic, personal and professional goals, and values.
Individuals use their ethics to determine between right and wrong and influence how someone
behaves in challenging situations. Each person’s code of ethics varies, but many people share
common ethics such as honesty and respect. A few of the most common personal ethics are
Honesty, Loyalty, Integrity, Respect, Selflessness, Responsibility.

Why are personal ethics important?

A person’s personal ethical principles are important for several reasons, including that they:
 ● Allow leaders to more effectively lead their teams: When a leader regularly follows a
predictable and respectable code of ethics, their team is more likely to follow their lead
and feel confident in the contributions they make to the organization as a whole.
● Instill a sense of trust and support in leaders: Leaders and other professionals who
regularly behave in the same way no matter the situation are more likely to be trusted and
supported by colleagues and employees. Individuals who follow a sound ethical code are
easier to believe in and are more likely to establish credibility among others.
● Give individuals a solid basis of which to determine the most appropriate action in
any given situation: When a person has solid personal ethics, they are better able to
make decisions and take action in situations that may otherwise seem challenging.
● Improve the decision-making process: A professional’s ability to make decisions is
based on their personal and professional ethics and what they believe to be good or bad.
Having strong ethics makes the decision-making process easier and more streamlined.
● Set a standard of behavior: In the workplace and in life, ethics help establish an
appropriate standard of behavior for individuals. This behavior is called ethical behavior
and refers to a person’s ability to make sound decisions based on their ethical nature.
● Support motivation: Individuals with strong ethics are often easily self-motivated and
willing to go the extra mile to accomplish a task or goal on time and in the correct
manner.
Differences between personal and professional ethics
There are a few key differences between personal and professional ethics. The primary difference
is that a personal set of ethics refers to an individual’s beliefs and values in any area of life, while
professional ethics refers to a person’s values within the workplace.

An example of a personal code of ethics is as follows: A person chooses to return a wallet that
they found on the ground to lost and found rather than keep it for themselves due to their
personal ethic of honesty. In the workplace, an example of professional ethics would be the same
person returns a wallet to their coworker due to a code of conduct rule of no stealing.

Some people differentiate personal and professional ethics by viewing a personal ethical system
as a personal moral code or a person’s conscience, while professional ethics are viewed as a set
code of conduct that must be adhered to in the workplace.

e) Codes of ethics
A code of ethics is a set of principles and rules used by individuals and organizations to govern
their decision-making process, as well as to distinguish right from wrong. They provide a general
idea of the ethical standards of a business or organization. However, people can have their own
personal code of ethics as well. Keep reading for a more thorough explanation of a code of
ethics, as well as several code of ethics examples.

Professional Codes of Ethics

Several professions have a code of ethics that exists independent of any particular employment.
For instance, a doctor or lawyer is always bound by the code of ethics for their profession,
regardless of whether they work for a large organization or are in private practice. These codes
constitute the basic expectations of these jobs and guide them when making decisions.

The Legal Profession

Lawyers, paralegals and other employees of the legal profession are bound to a general code of
ethics. A few of these governing ethics include:

● Confidentiality - Lawyers must maintain their clients' confidence at all times.

● Competence - Legal professionals must represent their clients with a high level of
competence.
● Professional Courtesy - Lawyers must treat their colleagues with fairness and courtesy.

The Medical Profession

The American Medical Association imposes a code of ethics on physicians. It addresses
everything from interpersonal relationships with other staff members to information on patient
care. For instance:

● Trust - Doctors must instill a sense of trust between themselves and their patients.
● Do No Harm - Doctors cannot engage in any activity that would cause harm to their
patients.
● Privacy - Doctors cannot share the details of their patients' medical treatments or histories
without permission.

The Business World

Corporations and have codes of ethics to help workers decide if certain behaviors are appropriate
and acceptable when dealing with clients and outside agencies. Many organizations require
employees to attend yearly training on ethics and, in some cases, to sign statements promising to
adhere to all ethical guidelines laid out by the company.

Examples of ethics in the business world include:

● Integrity - Employees should maintain honesty and clear communication in the

workplace.
● Teamwork - Members of a professional organization should work together to get the job
done.
● Objectivity - Employers should not make career decisions based on whom they like best
or with whom they have personal relationships.

Teachers and Education

Teachers and other education professionals are role models to their students. Their code of ethics
not only protects their students against mistreatment, but it also protects their sense of fairness
itself. Some code of ethics examples in education include:
 ● Consideration - Teachers should put the needs of their students first.
● Growth - Educators need to pursue professional growth.
● Communication - Teachers work with parents as a support team for each student.

Personal Codes of Ethics

Individual codes of ethics can originate from religion, secular philosophy or rules of social
behavior derived from upbringing and experience. They are typically in line with the rest of one's
society, but one may have stricter or more relaxed personal ethics as well.

Ethical Expectations in Society

Society at large assumes that certain ethics, morals and values can be expected regardless of
religion, geographic location or nationality. The classic example is the Golden Rule: "Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you." Other examples of societal ethical behavior
include:

● Respect - Citizens must respect another's property, choices and lives.

● Loyalty - People put their family and friends' needs before their own.
● Honesty - Individuals tell the truth to community members and authority figures.

Religious Codes of Ethics

Certain codes of ethics, such as religious codes of ethics, apply only to members of select
groups. They are based on morals shared by tenets and members of that religion. Examples of
religious codes of ethics include the Ten Commandments of Judaism, the Beatitudes of
Christianity, the Five Pillars of Islam, and the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism.

Some shared ethics in these religions include:

● Value of Life - Do not kill your fellow human.

● Pursue Peace - Avoid violence when possible.
● Do Not Steal - Don't take things that don't belong to you.

Secular Codes of Ethics

Personal codes of ethics do not require religion, however. Immanuel Kant's categorical
imperative and the Utilitarian rule of the greatest good for the greatest number are both ethical
codes that do not require any religious basis. Some of these ethics may include:

● Sustainable Living - Live in a way that doesn't waste unsustainable resources.

● Care for the Vulnerable - Those who are medically or economically disadvantaged should
have priority of care.
● Benefit the Greater Good - Make sure that your decisions help others rather than just
yourself.
Code of Ethics vs. Code of Conduct
A code of ethics is only effective if it corresponds to a set of behaviors that uphold those ethics.
The terms code of ethics and code of conduct are often used interchangeably; however, there are
some key differences between them.

● A code of ethics details the general ethics that a person or employee should uphold.
● A code of conduct details the way that a person or employee should behave in order to
uphold the code of ethics.

While a code of conduct may not always correspond to a code of ethics, a code of ethics must
have a corresponding code of conduct. For example, if an organization includes honesty in its
code of ethics, its code of conduct may include something like "Employees will come to their
supervisor with any problems before discussing it with outside members of the team." A business
that values safety in its code of ethics would set very specific safety rules in its code of conduct.

f) Values vs. Ethics vs Morals:

Personal Values
Values are the foundation of an individual person’s ability to judge between right and wrong.
Values include a deep-rooted system of beliefs that guide a person’s decisions. They form a
personal, individual foundation that influences a particular person’s behavior.

Examples of Values
There are examples of values everywhere in your daily life. For example, if your value system is
founded upon honesty, you would probably choose to study for a difficult test rather than
cheating for a passing grade. However, if you value achievement and success over honesty, you
may decide to cheat on the exam instead. This relates to which value is “worth more” to the
individual.

Other examples of values include:

● a person who values integrity admits that they stole a piece of candy
● someone who values friendship drops everything to help a friend
● people who value a healthy lifestyle make sure they have time to work out in the morning
● a person who values success works late nights to achieve a promotion
● someone who values commitment may be more willing to go to marriage therapy than to
file for divorce

These values form our personality types. They also help us make decisions that affect the course
of our lives. When these values are shared by others in our community, they are known as
morals.
Code of Morals
Morals, also known as moral values, are the system of beliefs that emerge out of core values.
Morals are specific and context-driven rules that govern a person’s desire to be good. They can
be shared by a larger population, but a person's moral code may differ from others' depending on
their personal values.

Examples of Morals
We make moral decisions based on personal values all the time. An example of a moral in the
example above is determined by a person's value of honesty: cheating is bad. Someone who
values success more than honesty may behave by another moral: cheating is fine.

Additional examples of morals include:

● It is bad to steal candy (based on a value of honesty).

● Helping a friend is a good thing to do (based on a value of friendship).
● It is bad to skip a workout (based on a value of a healthy lifestyle).
● Working late at night is a good thing to do (based on a value of success).
● Saving your marriage is a good way to move forward (based on a value of commitment).

Moral dilemmas occur when morals conflict with each other. For example, what if a daughter
couldn’t afford the life-saving medicine her dying mother needed, but she had access to the
medicine storeroom?

Her core values might tell her stealing is wrong. However, her morality would tell her she needs
to protect her mother. As such, the daughter might end up doing the wrong thing (stealing, as
judged by her values) for the right reasons (saving her mother, as judged by her morals).

Morals vs. Ethics

Ethics and morals are very similar. In fact, many ethicists consider the terms to be
interchangeable. However, there are slight differences in how they affect our lives.

While morals are concerned with individuals feeling "good" or "bad," ethics determine what
behaviors are "right" or "wrong." Ethics dictate what practical behaviors are allowed, while
morals reflect our intentions. Consider morals as the rulebook and ethics as the motivator that
leads to proper or improper action.

Examples of Ethics
You're most likely to see a code of ethics in the business or legal fields. These areas are much
blacker and whiter than personal values or morals since they set rules for employees and citizens
in a society. For example:
 ● Doctors are held to a strict code of ethics when they swear the Hippocratic Oath. They
are bound to the rule "do no harm," and can be held accountable if they do cause harm to
their patients.
● An organization like PETA, which stands for “People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals," pursues legal action against those who do not treat animals in an ethical way.
● Employees often sign a code of ethics, which includes keeping important matters
confidential and not stealing from the workplace — both of which would be fireable
offenses.
● Defense lawyers are ethically bound to defend their clients to the best of their ability,
even if they are morally opposed to their clients' crimes. Breaking this ethical code could
result in a mistrial or disbarment.
● A student who helps another student cheat on a test is breaking their school's ethics. Even
though they are doing it for a moral reason (helping a friend), they are committing an
ethical violation and can be punished.

Ethics are basically an institution's attempt to regulate behavior with rules based on a shared
moral code. Violating ethics has the same consequence as breaking a rule, while violating one's
morals results in personal guilt and shame instead of a societal consequence. Ethical dilemmas
occur when an institutional set of ethics conflicts with one's personal moral code.

1.2: Benefit of Ethical living

 a) Importance of ethics and values
b) Living an ethical life
c) Advantages of ethical behavior

Definitions of Ethics: The word ethics is derived from an ancient Greek word ethos which
means habit, custom or character. That is morality in the real sense. The habits and character of a
person talk about the moral values ​he/she holds. In other words, a person’s moral values ​define
his character. We are all told what is good and what is bad based on moral norms set by society.
Ethics and morality are usually stated in relation to values, as they are the moral and social
ideology and application of one’s values. Professional or personal ethical codes render the ability
to understand what is right, fair, honorable, and righteous. Misc. organizations and businesses
have established codes of ethics and have an ethics committee also by which they conduct
business. The code of ethics or rules of ethics is the standards to which employees are expected
to abide and follow the same.

Definitions of Values: Values are of extreme importance to a person. This is because they
determine their behavior, temperament, and overall behavior towards life and other people. The
decisions we make in our lives are largely based on our values. A value or ethics is, according to
Ozment, “an enduring belief or trust that a specific mode of conduct and dealing or end-state of
its existence is personally or socially likable to an opposite or converse mode of dealing or
end-state of existence”. Skillful values are the same as explained above but in the reference of a
company, any organization, or group and what they would want their expected end-state to be.
The efficient value system of group entities is shown in their business practices and habits; from
their communication with other companies to how well taken care of the old and new employees
are.

Importance of Values and Ethics

Importance: The human being as a social animal has to follow certain social norms. Truth,
non-violence, benevolence, humility, and truthfulness are many qualities in these limits of
society. Ethics and values are very crucial for a human being when it comes to personal and
professional success. The ways an individual or any group discusses with others express their
real character because actions always speak louder than words. Those who have strong values
and ethical standards of the highest degree are easily remarkable by their actions.

Ethics and values come and develop from the place, family, beliefs, and school; professional
values and ethics are bare developments of what one learns prior to joining the personnel. So, the
attitude and habits one picks up early in his life follow into the experienced world and show an
impact either a positive, or negative over career success.

It has a great value in human personal and professional life both. Everything directly or
indirectly depends on ethics.

If people have all the qualities and they do not have good ethics to respect and understand other
emotions then they will not be able to connect and enjoy the world.
To maintain a good relationship with either our partner, family, friends, in our workplace or
anyone else ethics plays a great role in human life.

Ethics also shows human behavior and their background the way they were brought up.

That other way people want to be treated, never try to show down others.

Why Ethics is Important to Our Daily Life

Ethics is important because it says a lot about who we are. It’s a line in the sand showing where
you stand. Most of us are raised with a set of principles we later adopt to make our own. This in
turn creates our standards for guiding our moral compass.

The direction you follow is dictated by what you feel guides you to your promise land. Being
ethical sets a line that cannot be crossed. Doing what you truly believe in and staying true to it is
a good example of such.

When you truly believe in something, you live by it. You aren’t swayed by any outside noise
because the act of going against ethics is far worse than anything. You know what it means to do
otherwise and it means too much to you for you to let it go.

For citizens, even for those of us with no aspirations in a career in law enforcement, morality and
integrity are important characteristics to demonstrate. We instinctively know that it is good to be
moral and act with integrity, but by coming to an understanding of the reasons for morality and
integrity, we will be motivated to champion such behaviour.

Among the reasons to be moral and integral, regardless of occupation are to:

Make society better: When we help make society better, we are rewarded with also making our
own lives and the lives of our families and friends. Without moral conduct, society would be a
miserable place.

Treat everyone equally: Equality is a cornerstone of most Western democracies, where all
individuals are afforded the same rights. This is not possible without the majority of citizens
behaving in a moral manner.

Secure meaningful employment: Often employers will look at a person's past behaviour as a
predictor of future behaviour. Someone who has a history of immoral behaviour will have
difficulty securing employment in a meaningful job, as that person may not be trusted.

Succeed at business: If you are employed in an occupation in which you must rely on others,
your moral conduct will determine the degree of goodwill that you receive from others.
Businesses that have a checkered moral history are typically viewed with caution and are
unlikely to attract new customers through word of mouth, and therefore are unlikely to prosper.
This is especially the case where social media ­makes customer reviews readily accessible.

Lessen stress: When we make immoral decisions, we tend to feel uncomfortable and concerned
about our decision making. Making the right moral decision, or taking a principled perspective
on an issue, reduces stress.

Ultimately, ethics is important not so that “we can understand” philosophically, but rather so we
can “improve how we live” (Lafollette, 2007).

By being moral, we enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. It’s especially important to
live a moral life when we are young, as it is helpful to exercise and practice these concepts
before being confronted with more complex issues. Lafollette (2007) theorizes that ethics is like
most everything else that we strive to be good at; it requires practice and effort. Practicing and
making an effort to make moral decisions throughout life will pay dividends when we are faced
with serious moral dilemmas. Furthermore, having insight into “…historical, political, economic,
sociological and psychological insights…” (Lafollette, 2007, p.7) allows us, as decision makers,
to make more informed decisions, which will likely result in moral decisions. In sum, the
practice of being moral, allows us to work on these skills, so when we are faced with real
situations that impact others, we are ready

Lafollette (2007) also emphasizes the need to understand and develop our virtues. Knowing that
we ought to behave in a certain way, yet missing an opportunity to exercise moral behaviour, is
an indication of the need to “sharpen moral vision.” For example we know that we ought to stay
in good physical shape but often do not. This illustrates the need to be mindful of a virtue (in this
case perseverance) that is important and must be developed. If, as people aspiring to become law
enforcement officers, we develop the virtue of perseverance by staying in shape, we are more
likely to hone that skill when we are working in law enforcement. We will be able to draw on
that virtue when needed for even more serious situations, not only in law enforcement, but in
other challenges that we may face in life.

Ethics is also important for those citizens who do not aspire to work in law enforcement.
Successful business leaders often say that treating people morally is a very important aspect in
obtaining success. A person’s reputation is of key importance for a business leader, and if a
person’s reputation is damaged by poor ethical conduct, the business will also suffer. The same is
true in all walks of life. Where ethics are taken seriously, and people strive to make ethical
decisions and actions, personal and professional success follows.

Critics may argue that this attitude is self-serving and that some individuals act ethically only for
their own self-interest to be successful or happy. Critics would add that this is not the right
reason to be ethical, and therefore is not being truly ethical. A counter argument may be that the
action itself can be regarded as ethical, regardless of the reason for taking the action. This
perspective focuses more on the end result rather than the means to the end.

10 Ways to Start Living Ethically Today

We all struggle with how to live ethically and how to make considered decisions in everyday life
that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Today, we can decide to make small lifestyle changes in
order to limit our carbon footprint and protect the environment.

Small things like reducing electricity use, buying sustainable and organic produce and taking
public transportation as opposed to driving are easy ways to greener life and help others. It’s all
about living a conscious lifestyle and making smart choices. What are some simple changes you
can make in your daily life to start living more consciously? Here's how to.

1) Recycle

It may seem obvious but making sure to recycle paper (25 percent of our trash is paper), plastic,
glass, cans, boxes and cardboard in accordance with your local laws is essential. When possible
purchase goods made from recycled paper and 100 percent post consumer recycled materials
—even buying vintage clothing.

Did you also know that items like batteries, paint, oil, tires and electronics need to be safely
disposed of and not just chucked in the trash? Pouring paint or a harmful chemical cleanser down
the drain or tossing it with your normal garbage can be dangerous for people and the
environment. Additionally, look for alternative, non-hazardous products instead of those with
harmful chemicals.

2) Donate Clothing

The average New Yorker tosses 46 pounds of clothing and other textiles in the trash annually.
Donating gently used professional work clothes to nonprofits like Dress For Success and
Bottomless Closet, which help men and women trying to get back into the workforce dress the
part for job interviews, is a great way to pass on clothes you’re no longer wearing. With partner
charities all over the country, it’s easy to find a local drop-off.

Same goes for winter coats—most cities have coat drives at a local shelter or church for those in
need. Textile recycling is another way to get rid of old clothing sustainably. Many pieces that
can’t be donated second hand can be recycled and if not, turned into insulation or rags. Wearable
Collections is an organization that does just this.

3) Shop Ethically

Customers want to spend money with companies that they feel are aligned with their values and
ethos. Direct-to-consumer clothing brand Everlane with its promise of “radical transparency”
with regards to its sourcing and production is a great example of a do-gooding company that has
resonated with customers. It’s important to spend money smartly. Being a Fair Trade Certified
company and purchasing artisan-made goods are two things that consumers should be looking
for.

4) Choose The Right Ingredients

It’s hard to know what ingredients are ethically sourced and even harder to avoid them all
together. We are told that certain packaged goods and soda are bad because they contain
processed foods, fake sugar and preservatives to extend their shelf life. Items like coffee and
chocolate also raise ethical concerns due to the use of child labor needed to harvest these
ingredients.

5) Get To Know What’s In Your Beauty Products

The ingredient list is paramount when you’re shopping for new products. Being aware of
synthetics and chemicals like parabens, phthalates (acid), triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
and propylene glycol will help you be aware of what you are putting on your skin. If you prefer
to avoid these ingredients you should search for non-toxic makeup, haircare and skincare
alternatives. If you have sensitive skin, watch out for ingredients like petroleum, mineral oils and
fragrances, as they can cause anything from skin irritations to allergic reactions.

6) Try Cutting Out Meat

As author Michael Pollan (In Defense of Food), a critic of U.S. food policies, famously said “Eat
food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” He and other authors such as Jonathan Safran Foer (Eating
Animals) have advocated for the reduction of meat in one’s diet. Try going meat-free one day a
week, a la Meatless Mondays whose goal is to reduce meat consumption by 15 percent for our
personal health and the health of the planet.

7) Eat Locally Sourced Food

Locally sourced food is more nutritious, seasonal, fresher and helps support the local economy
and farmers. Whether produce purchased at a local farmers market or line-caught fish caught in
local waters, try to eat only what’s fresh and produced nearby. Foods that are shipped hundreds
or thousands of miles have a big carbon footprint that could easily be avoided by purchasing
local and seasonal foods.

For example, don’t buy strawberries if they’re not in season locally because that means they’re
likely coming from Mexico, Central America or the West Coast. Try to eat with the seasons: if
you’re on the East Coast, that means root vegetables and squash in the fall, and tomatoes, corn,
peaches and eggplant in the summer.

8) Practice Mindfulness

Life is busy and hectic. Practicing mindfulness can calm the body and mind and promote
wellbeing. The idea is to achieve a state of alert, focused relaxation by deliberately paying
attention to thoughts and sensations. You want to allow your mind to refocus on the present
moment.

Mindful meditation is a great way to quiet the body and mind especially if you tend to worry or
overthink things! This can be done at a meditation studio, via a guided meditation app like
InScape or Headspace or in the quiet of your home by just closing your eyes and sitting in
silence to focus on the precious present.

9) Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need

How much of what you buy do you actually need? These days we as consumers spend too much
money on things we don’t need (from food to clothes to products) and much of it ends up in the
garbage. More stuff doesn’t equate to more happiness. Limit you purchases to functional items,
and seek durable goods in place of consumables. You can even go the opposite route and donate
or get rid of more possessions you don’t have much use for.

10) Use A Water Bottle

Not only do some plastic water bottles contain hormone disrupting chemicals like BPA, but they
also are wasteful and are polluting our oceans (the combination of UV light and the salt cause
these plastics to break down and release BPA, Phthalates, PCBs and DDT into the water) and
clogging up landfills for future generations. Try to use a metal, glass, recycled or reusable hard
plastic bottle—especially when they’re readily available in fun colors and patterns and are
lightweight enough to carry in your bag to the gym or office.

YouTube materials:

Name of the Contents Link

নীতিতত্ত্ব কি? | What is Ethics? https://youtu.be/MilsFx-sn7c
Importance of Values & Ethics https://youtu.be/f-cjloSoCoE
Wellbeing For Children: Identity And Values https://youtu.be/om3INBWfoxY
World best Award winning short film 'Ambani
The Investor https://youtu.be/DubdqpkKsPA
Balance https://youtu.be/YQ_LjjBgOM4
Simple Acts of Kindness https://youtu.be/GEV-8wnvwes
Parents Love and Sacrifice https://youtu.be/aKcylKJYyNw
How To Check Your Mind - a story about
happiness(and chocolate) https://youtu.be/aAOmT5oqffw
I Learned From People's Mistakes |
Motivational | Jack Ma https://youtu.be/rSDy5AdfRDI
I Can't Do It (Real Life Story) https://youtu.be/AypqmMuxNno
The Most Inspirational Video You Will Ever
See https://youtu.be/Q6HnFuzSJdQ
Teamwork can make a Dreamwork - best ever
motivational short film on youtube https://youtu.be/6fbE52YDEjU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWZ6b_I-
Djg&ab_channel=RunwayReel-TeluguLatestS
"Life" - A Silent, Smart & Simple Short Film! hortFilms
AWARD WINNING Best Short Video - Share...
Care... Joy... - By Naik Foundation https://youtu.be/HkuKHwetV6Q
The Paper - 2 Minute | Short Film https://youtu.be/1TR9riaDzY8
Change | Motivational Video https://youtu.be/lvv-DXUenxs
The Journey to Yes - Motivational Video https://youtu.be/pptN9HIj4nU
THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE | a motivational
video https://youtu.be/YP3rgOrtQkY
A Story About Life (INSPIRATIONAL) https://youtu.be/Cj5Z9FY9FR8
Be the Change - Inspirational Video by Jay
Shetty https://youtu.be/zIOi-B0uOqA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjqiU5Fg
The Present - OFFICIAL sYc&ab_channel=ThePresent
Most Powerful Motivational Story - By
Sandeep Maheshwari I Animated Version in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKiRLpD
Hindi 0xSo&ab_channel=SandeepMaheshwari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Sv3CitP
I AM ME. ks&ab_channel=FearlessSoul
https://youtu.be/pNQm0RB3ZO0
HEARTBREAKING VIDEO | Son left old
parents infront of Old age home https://youtu.be/rNBwSKtV6UU
Go Back To Your Parents | *Emotional* https://youtu.be/3v8r5dCbTC8
Respect your parents.. Don`t send them to old
age homes | Sprinkle of Wonder https://youtu.be/UNsU1_B73kY

Award Winning SHORT FILMS Don't Judge |

BATTI Hindi Heart Touching Short Movies |
Content Ka Keeda https://youtu.be/3-PXNnaatx4