Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Environment

Why Recyclers Should Consider Healthcare Plastics as a Valuable Feedstock

Mar 26, 2019 11:00 AM ET

Healthcare facilities in the U.S. generate about 14,000 tons of waste per day. 25% of it is plastic packaging and products, and— 85% of this plastic waste is non-infectious (meaning it never comes into contact with a patient)! How can recyclers take advantage of this clean plastics waste stream and create value with it?

Media & Communications

Five/in/Five – IBM Predicts Five Innovations To Change Our Lives in the Next Five Years at 2019 Think Conference

Mar 26, 2019 11:00 AM ET

At the recent IBM Think 2019 Conference, fascinating artificial intelligence (“AI”) innovations were showcased; these are approaches in development to help meet the needs of global stressed food and water ecosystems.

Health & Healthcare

Novartis Foundation and Microsoft Partner to Develop AI-Enabled Digital Health Tool for Early Leprosy Detection

Mar 26, 2019 10:35 AM ET

The Novartis Foundation and Microsoft are partnering to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Digital Health tool and a Leprosy Intelligent Image Atlas to aid in the early detection of leprosy. Over 200,000 people are diagnosed with leprosy every year. Brazil, India, and Indonesia account for about 80% of new cases. If untreated, patients are left with lifelong disabilities and are often stigmatized in their societies.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

It Takes Focus to Grow and Maintain a Company Culture

Mar 26, 2019 10:30 AM ET

I spend a lot of my time thinking about corporate culture. Since we grew the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in 2015, through the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich, we’ve been navigating that interesting space of culture creation. You’ve got the established culture of the acquiring company and then you’ve got the established culture of the acquiree. How are those two things supposed to automatically mesh or even mesh after several years?

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Philanthropic Investors Tap “Catalytic Capital” to Seed Innovation & Scale Progress

Mar 26, 2019 10:25 AM ET

Often, the most compelling impact investments are made, not found. That phrase describes how foundations and impact investors use “catalytic capital” to support social and environmental progress. These patient, flexible, “catalytic” investments take on more risk and/or accept a lower return than commercial capital to finance gains that would not otherwise be possible.

Energy

Consumers Energy Achieves Broad Support for Breakthrough Clean Energy Plan, Files Settlement

Mar 26, 2019 9:40 AM ET

Consumers Energy and other stakeholders have filed a settlement with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on the company’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) outlining a breakthrough Clean Energy Plan for Michigan. The plan positions Consumers Energy as a national clean energy leader and demonstrates its commitment to people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity. Today’s settlement announcement – from a broad coalition of customer groups, environmental organizations and the Michigan Attorney General – outlines the best plan for Michigan’s energy future.

Environment

Building a Bridge to Clean Water

Mar 26, 2019 9:20 AM ET

TODAY, MILLIONS OF people around the world are forced to drink dirty, contaminated water. Nearly 1,000 children die every day as a result of drinking unsafe water and due to poor sanitation and hygiene. Fortunately, this global crisis is being addressed with vision, skill, and the life-changing magic of chemistry.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Maximizing Business and Environmental Value with the Circular Economy

Mar 26, 2019 9:05 AM ET

Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO, Antonio Neri, shares how HPE is contributing to a circular economy by building considerations like energy efficiency, materials innovation and design for recyclability right into our business design principles.

Environment

Restoring the Essentials of Life

Mar 26, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Arbor Day Foundation members and partners are integral to supporting reforestation efforts around the world. In the last 30 years, our members and partners have provided the resources to fund big planting projects in areas of high-need.

Sustainable Development Goals

UN Global Compact Bulletin (March 2019)

Mar 26, 2019 9:00 AM ET

The UN Global Compact Bulletin is designed to keep participants up to date on news, actions you can take, resources and events. Participants are encouraged to look at this monthly communication for important information. Please note that actions and events are intended for Global Compact stakeholders, unless otherwise indicated. The Bulletin is published in English, French, Spanish and Chinese.

Research, Reports & Publications

Electrolux Highlights Lower Emissions and Investments for Improved Climate Impact in 2018 Sustainability Report

Mar 26, 2019 5:00 AM ET

Sustainable Development Goals

Women Smallholder Farmers Rising to the Challenge: Firsthand Perspectives from Kenya and Thailand

Mar 26, 2019 1:30 AM ET

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, there would be a 20-30 percent estimated yield increase if women farmers had the same access to resources as men. It's a powerful statistic that underscores the global issue of gender inequality, highlighting the integral role – and extraordinary potential – of women in agriculture.

Health & Healthcare

CVS Health Fights Rise In E-Cigarette Use Among Young Adults With More Than $1 Million In New Giving To Advance Tobacco-Free Policies On College Campuses

Mar 25, 2019 5:35 PM ET

As part of its commitment to building healthier communities, CVS Health [NYSE: CVS] has announced more than $1.4 million in new giving through the CVS Health Foundation to 82 U.S. colleges and universities, helping them to advocate for, adopt and implement 100 percent smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies, including limiting the use of e-cigarettes. The new grants, delivered in partnership with the American Cancer Society and Truth Initiative, build upon the three organizations' combined commitment to helping deliver a tobacco-free generation.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

JetBlue’s Icema Gibbs Named 2019 CSR Professional of the Year by PR News

Mar 25, 2019 3:05 PM ET

Icema Gibbs, JetBlue’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and one of the airline’s founding members, was named PR News’ 2019 CSR Corporate Professional of the Year.

Environment

World Water Day: Companies Helping Billions Access This Basic Human Right

Mar 25, 2019 3:00 PM ET

Friday marked World Water Day, an annual international observance created by the UN to advocate for and grow awareness of sustainable management of freshwater resources as a worldwide issue. Despite the world’s technological advances, billions of people still do not have access to clean and safe water.

Diversity & Inclusion

Video | The Disability Collection: Munya Mahia

Mar 25, 2019 3:00 PM ET

Verizon, Getty Images and the National Disability Leadership Alliance are creating The Disability Collection, a growing collection of stock images that break stereotypes and authentically portray people with disabilities in everyday life.

Diversity & Inclusion

Recognizing Women’s Empowerment as a Catalyst for Business and Change

Mar 25, 2019 3:00 PM ET

We believe that diversity and inclusion breed innovation, creativity, engagement, collaboration, and high performance — all necessary ingredients for a successful workplace in an increasingly competitive and complex world.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Webinar | Prepare for the Circular Economy with UPS Experts

Mar 25, 2019 1:20 PM ET

Don’t miss Wednesday’s free webinar: “Preparing Your #SupplyChain for the Circular Economy.” UPS reverse logistics and e-commerce experts will share findings from recent research about incorporating circular thinking into your business strategy.

Diversity & Inclusion

No Barriers, Wells Fargo Announce Winning 2018 Global Impact Challenge Schools & Open Teacher Applications for 2019 Opportunity

Mar 25, 2019 1:10 PM ET

No Barriers USA and Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced the winners of the 2018 Global Impact Challenge, a year-long competition designed to inspire the best ideas from students to build a world free of stereotypes and discrimination. The goal of the Global Impact Challenge is to equip teachers with the tools necessary to help students dream big and break down diversity and inclusion barriers.

Education

Computational Thinking: “Decomposing" Problems & Separating Fact from Fiction

Mar 25, 2019 12:25 PM ET

The human brain is exposed to around 100,500 words per day – 23 words per second according to a University of California-San Diego study. Each day, our brains take in an average of 34 gigabytes of information, enough information to crash a computer within one week. This information overload especially affects students in school today, who are more connected to the internet than any other generation. To prepare their students for the 21st century, educators must arm students with strategies to navigate and process the vast amount of information they consume to help them distinguish fact from fiction. In my classroom, I use a program called Ignite My Future in School to address this information overload and to help my students become more conscientious about how they evaluate information.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Aflac Inducted into PR News’ CSR Hall of Fame and Took Home Awards for Facebook Communications Campaign and Sustainability/CSR Report

Mar 25, 2019 12:00 PM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

This Lineworker Shows Mia That Girls Can Dig Holes and Set Poles

Mar 25, 2019 11:35 AM ET

While lineworker Ariel Martin and her crew installed a light pole at a home in Asheville, N.C., fourth-grader Mia Eudy asked a question Martin, as one of the few female lineworkers, has been asked many times. Why did you choose this job? Martin said she loved the idea of being outside, working with her hands and learning new skills. And when the power is out, she gets to help turn it back on. “That makes you feel good,” she said, “kind of like a hero.”

Energy

Lynda Clemmons and Bradford Pete-Hill Talk Renewable Select

Mar 25, 2019 11:35 AM ET

On Monday, February 25th, 2019, we celebrated our success in bringing 25 MW of clean solar energy to Sysco, the global food service distribution company. Our Renewable Select program supports 10% of their electricity usage and puts them halfway towards their goal of 20% renewable energy by 2025.

Health & Healthcare

Menu Innovation and Consumer Engagement Drive Impact for Aramark Healthy for Life 20 By 20

Mar 25, 2019 11:30 AM ET

Three years ago, Aramark teamed up with the American Heart Association as part of an innovative initiative called Healthy for Life® 20 By 20. The combined goal: To improve the health of Americans 20 percent by the end of 2020.

Environment

PHOTO GALLERY | Barley Water Prize Finalists Visit Fourth and Final Test Site

Mar 25, 2019 11:30 AM ET

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation is proud to be the presenting sponsor of The Everglades Foundation’s George Barley Water Prize, the largest prize of its kind dedicated to finding a solution to water pollution caused by algal blooms.

On February 19, the four finalist teams––who are committed to delivering cost-effective technologies to clean polluted fresh water and reverse this environmental catastrophe––took their first step toward the Grand Challenge.