Final answer:
The trend toward sustainable and socially oriented business models is supported by increasing consumer demand for ethical practices and corporate responsibility, evidenced by commitments from major companies and global initiatives for sustainability. It is more accurate to disagree with the claim that these business models are a passing fad, given the continued growth and integration of sustainability in various industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opinions on the longevity of sustainable and socially oriented business models vary. Critics who consider them a passing fad may underestimate the growing consumer demand for ethical practices and greater corporate responsibility. With companies like Inditex, the owner of Zara, making commitments for sustainable practices, and initiatives such as the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action emerging from conferences like COP24, it's clear that there is a systemic change underway seeking net zero emissions and sustainability in the industry.
Moreover, the public's increasing demand for better buying habits and accountability in production practices signals a shift in market behavior. The fashion industry is just one example; others include organizations that adhere to ethical labor practices and environmental stewardship. Such models are not just limited to fashion, as many industries are now recognizing the importance of integrating sustainable development with economic growth, facilitated through innovation, technology development, and regulatory intervention.
Assessing the degree to which I agree or disagree with the claim that sustainable and socially oriented business models like Toms Shoes are a passing fad, it would be more appropriate to disagree given the evidence of a persistent and growing trend toward sustainability in business. It is clear that this is a response to a genuine and significant movement in consumer preferences and global awareness of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of industry.