Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Ideas to Put More ESG Impact Into Your Portfolio

Nov 28, 2017 9:05 AM ET

For investors looking to take steps towards impactful investing, a good place to start is with the concept of doing no harm — a baseline for investors to look at their portfolio and remove any exposures that might have a negative ESG impact. With this approach, consider whether companies in which you invest are applying efforts to minimize negative externalities of their operations and ensure that, ultimately, the net impact of their operations is not negative.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Agxa Achieves FSC Chain of Custody Certification

Nov 28, 2017 9:00 AM ET

agxa, an AG International company, is an international trade and offshore business entity operating in Australia, Sri Lanka, India, and Singapore with principal networks in Asia, Europe and North America. It has now gained the most credible certification in the forest trade – Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification through SCS Global Services.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Hormel Foods and Jennie-O Turkey Store Help Provide Thanksgiving Meal for Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Nov 28, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Hormel Foods Corporation and its subsidiary Jennie-O Turkey Store donated turkeys and hams for a Thanksgiving meal and event for around 1,000 people affected by Hurricane Harvey and others in need on Nov. 22. The event took place at Celebration of Life Church in Baytown, Texas, and featured a musical performance by Mandisa, an American gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist and former American Idol contestant.

Health & Healthcare

Protecting the Future of Children Diagnosed With Cancer

Nov 28, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Each year, more than 40,000 children undergo cancer treatment. Sadly, only three cancer medications have been specifically approved for children in the last 20 years. Even with these treatments, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children. Those that survive often face a future of serious side effects from treatments given at this delicate stage of their development.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

12 Hours, 40 Miles and One Giant Heart for Kids

Nov 28, 2017 9:00 AM ET

These actions might seem small in the moment, but they end up touching the lives of people we’d never expect. Joe Speagle, a systems engineer in Walmart’s technology division, wanted to do something no one else would do in order to bring attention to a cause near to his heart – Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Good Intentions Are Not Enough: How Microfinance Can Truly Serve Low-Income Women Entrepreneurs

Nov 28, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Low-income women entrepreneurs in Egypt, as in many developing countries, face multiple obstacles to securing small-business financing. They seldom hold legal title to the kinds of assets (e.g. land or home) that could serve as collateral for a loan. Their businesses also tend to be smaller (often home-based) enterprises more compatible with family duties. Smaller businesses require smaller loans, which are generally less practical or profitable for a financial institution to deliver.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Be a #DreamMaker This #GivingTuesday

Nov 28, 2017 8:55 AM ET

Many of our greatest memories are made with the children in our lives, whether it be our children, nieces, nephews, or grandchildren, center around the holidays; there is something truly magical about this time of year. Unfortunately, some families only have a limited time to make incredible memories with the children in their lives, since many children are fighting a critical or chronic illness.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

On #GivingTuesday Help StandUp for Kids and End the Cycle of Youth Homelessness

Nov 28, 2017 8:45 AM ET

On #GivingTuesday we will ask a supporter to donate $5 to our cause and then post about the donation to their social media, tag five of their friends, and ask them to match the gift.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Young Jewellery Designers Reach De Beers Group Shining Light Awards Final

Nov 28, 2017 8:30 AM ET

The finalists, three from each of the company’s southern Africa producer countries of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, were selected from more than 130 entries.

Sustainable Development Goals

Upgrading Technology and Farming Methods Will Help India’s Mint Farmers: Mars

Nov 28, 2017 8:00 AM ET

We use it in tea, lip balm, shampoos and a myriad of culinary recipes. It grows like a weed in North America, but is the currency of survival for many struggling farmers in India. Mint, a common plant that includes menthol, peppermint, lavender and sage has for years, a redeeming quality that has benefited rural farmers in Asia’s second-largest country: It’s simple to grow and harvest, and doesn’t take a lot of technological knowledge to benefit from its crops. It can also be sold as an oil and repurposed to a variety of commodities.

Events, Media & Communications

Today: A Giving Tuesday Chat With Cool Effect at #CarbonCantHide!

Nov 28, 2017 7:15 AM ET

Join Cool Effect, March for Science, The Redford Center, and TriplePundit at #CarbonCantHide on “Giving Tuesday” – today, November 28th at 9am PT / Noon ET – to discuss ways that individuals and organizations can fight climate change and “give back” to Mother Earth!

Research, Reports & Publications

Barclays Releases New Access to Employment Report

Nov 28, 2017 6:55 AM ET

The past decade has seen arguably the greatest shift in employment models for a generation. Technology has in part driven a de-centralisation in employment in a way not seen since the mass-privatisations of the 1980s in the UK. Fast-forward, and instead of a move from public to private sector, we’ve seen a huge shift towards self-employment in the UK.

Research, Reports & Publications

How to Deliver Business Quantifiable Impacts - Complimentary Report

Nov 28, 2017 4:30 AM ET

We have recently published a 28-page report with experts from the likes of Unilever, Dell, Heineken, ebay, Mastercard, WBCSD, IKEA, Vodafone and Siemens on how they’re driving quantified social impact through their business.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Celebrating Somerville, MA’s Performance in the National Grid Community Initiative of 2016

Nov 27, 2017 4:05 PM ET

Watch the video: Somerville, MA’s performance in the National Grid Community Initiative of 2016, completing 750 Home Energy Assessments.

Energy

Cool Effect Rolls Out Its Holiday Gift Packs

Nov 27, 2017 3:15 PM ET

With Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah just around the corner, crowdfunding platform Cool Effect is rolling out a new set of holiday gift packs for the eco-conscious consumer. The six innovative concepts aren’t just designed to make gift-buyers feel good about their choices, though. They send that all-important message to recipients that Mother Earth should be on all of their gift lists as well. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that all gifts purchased with Cool Effect are tax-deductible!

Social Impact & Volunteering

GM Employees Help Texas and Puerto Rico Recover

Nov 27, 2017 1:30 PM ET

When Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico a little over a month ago, GM engineers mobilized to help the U.S. island territory. Hundreds of GM employees donated more than 12 tons of goods including batteries, solar cellphone chargers and lights, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, bottled water, baby formula and canned foods.

Energy

Unwrap Some Energy Savings This Holiday Season

Nov 27, 2017 1:15 PM ET

Don’t let holiday shopping sap your energy this year. While this season can increase costs and bring on stress, you can reduce those worries with a few simple steps. Think about these six energy-saving gifts and ideas that can keep on giving throughout the year.

Diversity & Inclusion

Innovators @ Qualcomm: Kim Koro

Nov 27, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

Giving Tuesday Twitter Chat: #GivingSkills to Build Nonprofit Capacity

Nov 27, 2017 12:15 PM ET

In honor of Giving Tuesday, Common Impact is hosting a Twitter chat on Tuesday, November 28th to reflect on a year in review through the lens of skills-based volunteering (SBV). In light of everything that happened over the past year, we will explore ways in which nonprofits and corporations are working together to building nonprofit capacity and enhance the social sector’s ability to meet their missions.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Erb Institute | Business for Sustainability Faculty Member, Andy Hoffman Quoted in PRI.org on Mars Billion Dollar Investment in Sustainability

Nov 27, 2017 12:10 PM ET

In the US, and throughout the globe for that matter, the private sector is increasingly being looked to as a source of leadership for combating climate change. And many companies are stepping up, especially with the lack of leadership coming from Washington.

Health & Healthcare

New Public-Private Partnership Promises Shared Value for Better Nutrition and Livelihoods in Nigeria

Nov 27, 2017 11:45 AM ET

In Kaduna State, Nigeria, as in many parts of the developing world, post-harvest losses due to high levels of mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, and other contaminants have plagued staple crops such as maize and soybean, making it much harder for small-holder farmers to earn a decent income. These mycotoxins also threaten the health and lives of humans and animals.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

From Noble Poverty to My Brand of Joy

Nov 27, 2017 11:45 AM ET

The first 40 years I lived a life of noble poverty. When I heard the term “noble poverty,” I had a visceral reaction in my heart and my gut. I felt deeply understood. I experienced a relief of having named a condition I had lived with since I was a child.

Innovation & Technology

Empowering Local Innovators to Solve Today’s Global Health Challenges

Nov 27, 2017 11:15 AM ET

A $3 birthing kit created by an entrepreneur in India. A mHealth tool that enables health workers to accurately and rapidly diagnose common illnesses in rural Liberia. A chain of primary health clinics in rural Kenya that employ a community-ownership model. These are just a few of the unique healthcare approaches being supported by the Pfizer Foundation through its Global Health Innovations Grants (GHIG) program.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

#SeizetheSeason and Give Back this Holiday with PayPal

Nov 27, 2017 11:05 AM ET

#GivingTuesday is just a week away on November 28th and we are gearing up for an exciting holiday season. We’re delighted to once again partner with 92nd Street Y, founders of this global day of giving, to rally people to celebrate the day, and to give generously to causes close to their heart.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

KeyBank Provides $8.3 Million in Total Financing for Affordable Housing in Cincinnati

Nov 27, 2017 11:00 AM ET

KeyBank Community Development Lending & Investment (CDLI) has provided a total of $8.3 million in 9% LIHTC financing to The Model Group, Inc. and Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Inc. (OTRH) for the acquisition and renovation of Morgan Apartments, a 48-unit scattered site, affordable multifamily housing project in Cincinnati, OH. KeyBank arranged a $7.8 million construction loan and a $450,000 permanent loan, using the FHLB of Cincinnati’s Community Investment Program (CIP).