Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Dow Leadership in Action

May 3, 2018 2:30 PM ET

In 2016, The Dow Chemical Company deployed 40 employees from across the globe to Cebu, Philippines as part of the company’s signature skills-based volunteer program, Leadership in Action. The Dow employees collaborated on six different projects as pro bono consultants for local government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address local challenges. Now, two years later, one of the more comprehensive projects—to increase access to sufficient, affordable, and safe water to 50 households of Sitio Kabatbatan in the Buhisan Watershed—has been successfully completed and was turned over to the local community on March 9.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Astellas Included in Forbes Best Midsize Employers List for Fourth Year

May 3, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Astellas was again named one of America's top workplaces by Forbes Magazine for the fourth consecutive year. Astellas appeared among the top 200 best midsize companies in the U.S. from 2,300 employers assessed. Astellas also ranked eighth out of the top pharmaceutical companies, up from the 25th spot previously.

Environment

Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Leads in Tackling Water Challenges at National Meeting

May 3, 2018 12:35 PM ET

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation convened its national network of environmental grantees in Oyster Bay, Long Island, last week with one goal: Addressing America’s toughest water resource challenges. Dr. Christopher Gobler, head of the Gobler Laboratory at SUNY Stony Brook, presented the keynote address on his research exploring the causes and effects of harmful algal blooms, as well as potential solutions.

Education

EcoRise, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club® Team up to Educate Students about Sustainability

May 3, 2018 12:00 PM ET

EcoRise, the school-based nonprofit organization inspiring a new generation of leaders to design a sustainable future for all, and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club are joining forces to deliver a new program of leading-edge, student-driven sustainability curriculum, project grants, and training an estimated 50 K–12 educators at no cost to teachers, schools, or school districts.

Diversity & Inclusion

HPE’s 2018 Women's Excellence Award Winner: “I Will Always Encourage Everyone to Pursue Their Passions”

May 3, 2018 11:50 AM ET

Research, Reports & Publications

Running a Sustainable Airline

May 3, 2018 11:45 AM ET

Last week, JetBlue published its 2017 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report which highlights all the work the airline has done to ensure JetBlue’s sustainability. Throughout the report, readers will see mentions of all the work JetBlue is doing to run a sustainable business. For any airline, this is mostly about conserving fuel.

JetBlue has a lot to share…from introducing electric Ground Service Equipment at JFK to our recent order for the latest fuel-efficient engines…to equipping our aircraft in preparation for the latest advances in air traffic control…to providing support and funding for renewable jet fuels. The list is extensive and impressive – and it speaks to JetBlue’s culture of caring and our long history of innovation.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Deciphering the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

May 3, 2018 11:30 AM ET

Climate change not only poses serious threats to communities in the form of natural disasters such as catastrophic floods, droughts and storms, but it also impacts businesses operating in the affected communities. Companies around the world, and in nearly every sector, are increasingly acknowledging that climate change presents significant risks to the economy, while battling climate change may bring new opportunities for growth as well.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

We Lost Our Pigtails for National Foster Care Month

May 3, 2018 11:25 AM ET

Why did Wendy’s® remove the well-known pigtailed girl (or as we call it, the cameo) from our cup?

Events, Media & Communications

How Social Sustainability Can Change the Industry

May 3, 2018 11:10 AM ET

In this interview with Green Building + Design, Mohawk's VP of Sustainability discusses the lessons he has learned over time that helped him distrupt the industry.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace Survey Closing Soon

May 3, 2018 11:00 AM ET

Each year the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption recognizes employers in the United States that offer adoption benefits to their employees. Each year the Foundation is thrilled to see more and more companies recognizing the significance of adoption benefits. This time away from work allows families to bond and the financial reimbursement for private adoptions and international adoptions is critical to many families.

Responsible Production & Consumption

INFOGRAPHIC: Animal Care at Smithfield Foods

May 3, 2018 10:45 AM ET

Learn more about Smithfield’s industry-leading approach to keeping its animals safe, comfortable, and healthy in its 2017 Sustainability Report.

Green Infrastructure

Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Keep America Beautiful Award More Than 900 Recycling Bins Through 34 Grants to Improve Recycling in Public Parks

May 3, 2018 10:25 AM ET

Public space recycling efforts in dozens of communities across the U.S. will be getting a boost this spring thanks in part to a significant contribution by Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) in partnership with national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Spilling the Beans: Peru's Coffee Value Chain in a Changing Climate

May 3, 2018 10:20 AM ET

Climate change will affect Peru’s northeastern coffee region across all links in the crop’s value chain, though primary production will be impacted most significantly, according to a recent study from the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

Environment

La Prensa Gráfica: Non-profits to Be Awarded for Promoting Innovation Among MSMEs

May 3, 2018 10:00 AM ET

The US Department of State together with World Environment Center (WEC), Le Groupe-conseil baastel Itée (Baastel), and RioSlum Studio launched the “Power to Grow” Challenge. The challenge has been promoted by a partnership called La Red de Innovación e Impacto, funded by the US State Department.

Environment

La Prensa Gráfica: Premiarán a entidades que promuevan la innovación de mipymes

May 3, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Le Groupe-conseil baastel Itée (Baastel), y RioSlum Studio organizaron el concurso “El Poder de Crecer”. Este es impulsado por una coalición de organizaciones denominada la Red de Innovación e Impacto, y es financiada con fondos del Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Wells Fargo and ‘The Mission Continues’ Nonprofit Deploy Veteran Volunteers

May 3, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and the nonprofit The Mission Continues announced they will join forces to create community service projects designed to empower military veterans who are transitioning to civilian life.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Bacardi Announces Annual Good Spirited Awards for Environmental Sustainability Gains

May 3, 2018 9:45 AM ET

While we’re all winners when sustainability becomes the norm, Bacardi announced its internal winners of its 4th Annual Bacardi Good Spirited awards. Employees, teams, and facilities received recognition for their substantial environmental achievements within five different award categories. From upcycled glassware in Australia to engineering feats in Puerto Rico, and continued efforts to popularize the Bacardi No Straws campaign, among other initiatives, the winners produced considerable achievements for the environment, brand recognition, and savings.

Innovation & Technology

RoboZone TV | Consumers Energy CEO Patti Poppe on FIRST Championship Detroit

May 3, 2018 9:40 AM ET

The President and CEO of Consumers Energy discusses the importance of FIRST Robotics, the excitement that the Championships have brought to Detroit, and she even predicts who will take home the title!

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

5 Students Changing the Future of Food and the World

May 3, 2018 9:15 AM ET

Earlier this year, we kicked off the inaugural General Mills Feeding Better Futures Scholars Program, an initiative aimed at solving the food accessibility problems of today and tomorrow with help and ideas from amazing young people.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Sodexo Recognized as a Top Company for Diversity by DiversityInc for 10 Consecutive Years

May 3, 2018 9:05 AM ET

Sodexo, a food services and facilities management company committed to improving Quality of Life, announced today it has been recognized for 10 consecutive years by DiversityInc and was named to six of its specialty lists, including: Top Companies for LGBT Employees; Top 11 Companies for Recruitment; Top 12 Companies for Executive Women; Top 13 Companies for Employee Resource Groups; Top 14 Companies for Mentoring; and Top 20 Companies for Diversity Councils.

Research, Reports & Publications

CDL Integrates SDGs & TCFD for Concrete Actions

May 3, 2018 9:00 AM ET

City Developments Limited (CDL) published its latest Integrated Sustainability Report 2018: On Track To CDL Future Value 2030. The report shows the eco-developer’s progress towards its material Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and targets established under the CDL Future Value 2030 sustainability blueprint.

Health & Healthcare

SC Johnson Offers Tips to Help Families Protect Themselves for the Upcoming Mosquito and Tick Season

May 3, 2018 9:00 AM ET

A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that instances of tick and mosquito-borne diseases like Zika virus and Lyme disease have increased more than 350 percent since 2004 in the United States. With warmer weather on the horizon and more people heading out of doors, the experts from the SC Johnson Institute of Insect Science for Family Health offer three useful tips to help protect you and your family from mosquitoes that may carry Zika or West Nile virus and ticks that may carry Lyme disease.

Events, Media & Communications

UN Environment, Nordea and Carlsberg on Sustainability Opportunities

May 3, 2018 5:00 AM ET

Business needs progressive leadership if it is to get where it needs to be given the current geopolitical climate which I’m sure your business is tackling this issue.

Events, Media & Communications

International Living Future Institute Kicks off 12th Annual Living Future unConference in Portland

May 3, 2018 1:00 AM ET

The International Living Future Institute (ILFI) today kicked off the 2018 unConference, a sold-out gathering of 1,000+ experts in green building, placemaking and regenerative design from around the globe. Author and conservationist Terry Tempest Williams, opens the conference; other keynote speakers include sustainable food activist Raj Patel and revitalization strategist Majora Carter. Challenging the status quo of everything from how we redesign buildings and products to systems and communities is at the heart of this year’s conference, which is built around the theme, “Authenticity + Action.”

Diversity & Inclusion

What Is Community Investment's Role Within a Diversity & Inclusion Strategy?

May 2, 2018 4:25 PM ET

June 5th, 2018 in Calgary, join LBG Canada companies for a full day discussion on how community investment can enable companies to achieve their vision for diversity & inclusion.