Topic: Ben Jerry S

Unilever has announced a workaround to continue selling Ben & Jerry's ice cream in the West Bank by selling the business interests to an Israeli manufacturer. This follows a year of controversy and divestment by several U.S. states after Ben & Jerry's attempted to boycott the region. The hosts view this as a failure of "ESG" (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activism and a victory for Israeli officials.

Traces of the herbicide glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup, were reportedly found in Ben & Jerry's ice cream. This discovery follows a series of health and safety setbacks for Chipotle, including E. coli outbreaks and recent rodent sightings. Some analysts speculate these incidents may be "dirty tricks" or corporate sabotage targeting companies that have taken public stances against GMOs.

The hosts discuss a list of 40 restaurants in Portland being targeted for "cultural appropriation" because they are owned by white people. They also mention a Ben & Jerry's ban on two scoops of the same flavor in Australia until marriage equality is passed. They argue these trends represent "over-socialization" and the absurdity of modern social justice movements.

The "Thumbs Up" organization in Austin received city funding to promote a certification system for ride-sharing vehicles, utilizing the B Corporation model. B Corporations, such as Ben & Jerry's and Etsy, sign a declaration of interdependence and pay certification fees based on revenue to prove they meet specific social and environmental standards. Critics argue these certifications act as a "social justice warrior seal of approval" and create unnecessary financial barriers for independent contractors.