Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

International Justice Mission Announces Third Grant from Walmart.org to Combat Trafficking in Thai Fishing Industry

Jun 11, 2019 12:00 PM ET

International Justice Mission (IJM), the world’s largest international anti-slavery organization, has announced its third grant awarded by the Walmart Foundation to continue addressing human trafficking, also known as modern slavery, in the Thai fishing industry.

Environment

EHS Global Moments: U.S. Emergency Exits

Jun 11, 2019 11:35 AM ET

Antea Group’s blog discusses emergency exit requirements in the U.S.

Research, Reports & Publications

Las Vegas Sands Releases Newest Environmental Report

Jun 11, 2019 11:30 AM ET

This year was a year of sustainability milestones and achievements for Las Vegas Sands, the global Integrated Resort developer and operator with properties in Macao, Singapore, and Las Vegas. Detailed in their newest 2018 Environmental Report, the company highlights Sands ECO360 initiatives ranging from energy to waste and plastic, and expands on some of their most notable 2018 eco-moments.

Energy

Smithfield Foods Marches Forward with Renewable Energy Projects

Jun 11, 2019 11:10 AM ET

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the construction of new biogas gathering systems in Missouri and Utah, which bring the company steps closer to delivering renewable natural gas (RNG) to communities in multiple states using manure from its hog farms. Detailed in its recently released Sustainability Report, Smithfield’s “manure-to-energy” projects are part of Smithfield Renewables, the company’s platform that unifies and accelerates its renewable energy efforts to help meet its goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2025.

Environment

#BeatAirPollution with Schneider Electric's Definitive Guide to Renewable Electricity

Jun 11, 2019 11:10 AM ET

It’s time to #BeatAirPollution. Air pollution requires urgent societal action, with businesses on the front lines of the fight for cleaner air. Many companies have set ambitious sustainability and renewables goals for 2020, including Schneider — with a commitment to be powered by 80% renewable electricity by 2020. We’re also helping other companies speed up their renewables adoption for cleaner air via a definitive guide to renewable electricity.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Bacardi Limited's Rick Wilson Appointed Vice Chairman of Responsibility.org Board

Jun 11, 2019 10:30 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

More Than 10,000 Racers Participated in the 16th Annual Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, Raising Over $500,000 for Local Community Charities

Jun 11, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Known as "the people's marathon", over 10,000 participants lined up at the start line for one of the seven running events this weekend at the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, raising over $500,000 as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Fair Trade USA® Raises the Bar for Cocoa Farmers

Jun 11, 2019 9:55 AM ET

Fair Trade USA announced today that it will increase its minimum price and premium for cocoa by 20 percent as of October 1, 2019 to move farmers closer to a living income and reduce the extreme poverty and child labor that is prevalent in West Africa’s cocoa fields.

Diversity & Inclusion

National Parks, Museums, and Grade 9 Civics – It’s about the Experiences that Bring Us Together

Jun 11, 2019 9:30 AM ET

Deciding to put roots down in a new location or a whole new country can be overwhelming. There are many reasons that can lead people to move, but what draws a person to stay? Feeling a sense of belonging to your community and society is one factor that can influence how comfortable you feel with where you live – whether you’re a newcomer or long-term resident.

Environment

The Movement Towards Natural & Organic Food and Healthy Lifestyles

Jun 11, 2019 9:05 AM ET

Consumer demand for healthier products continues to grow. With concerns ranging from the cost of healthcare to the effects of food and agriculture on climate change, consumers of all ages are opting for natural, organic and functional foods and beverages, nutritional supplements, natural medicines and other eco-friendly products from mission-based companies that share their values and address their concerns.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

The Advantages of Working for a Business with Purpose

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

It’s not just millennials who are driving the change; it is a global shift. Nearly two in three consumers around the world buy based on belief, not just whatever catches their eye or is on sale. According to the latest Edelman survey, belief-driven buyers are now the majority in markets from China to Germany to the U.S., across age groups, and income levels.

Environment

National Grid Electricity Crews Perform Live Line Demonstration For New York State Parks & Recreation Personnel

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

The demonstration featured a model, live electricity pole similar to those in place in most residential neighborhoods and presentations on the dangers of live electricity wires and how fences and other materials can become energized. Dig Safely New York also offered tips on damage prevention by calling 8-1-1 before doing any outside ground work and the hazards caused by digging into underground facilities.

Events, Media & Communications

What Does a Girl Do When She’s Told She Can’t Do Something?

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

When she was in seventh grade, Kylee Guenther was told by a teacher that she would never be good at math because “you’re a girl.”

Today, Guenther, with the backing of Silicon Valley tech investors, is blazing a path forward by taking on one of the most widely used yet environmentally taxing materials in the world — plastic.

Energy

Consumers Energy Starts New Era for Renewable Energy in Michigan with Approval of Clean Energy Plan

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Education

The Amgen Foundation and Amgen Scholars at The Atlantic Education Summit 2019

Jun 10, 2019 5:30 PM ET

Kudos to Amgen Scholars alumni Corshai Williams and Enrique Garcia-Rivera for so eloquently sharing their stories at The Atlantic Education Summit (per this 10-minute session).

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Walt Disney Company Kicks Off Annual Disney Toy Delivery Program Supporting Children’s Hospitals Across the U.S. In Celebration of the Studio’s Upcoming Release “Toy Story 4”

Jun 10, 2019 5:30 PM ET

This past weekend, The Walt Disney Company kicked off its annual Disney Toy Delivery, a part of the Disney Team of Heroes philanthropic initiative, at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, Florida. Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, and Tom Hanks, the voice of Woody, from the upcoming film Toy Story 4 were present and helped to bring some joy to the patients at AdventHealth for Children by distributing toys to kids and families. Patients also were pleasantly surprised with photo opportunities with Toy Story characters and toy giveaways.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Taproot Foundation Announces the Election of Oracle Netsuite's Peggy Duvette and the Resurrection Project's Anjanette Brown to the Board of Directors

Jun 10, 2019 4:30 PM ET

Taproot Foundation announces the election of Peggy Duvette and Anjanette Brown to its Board of Directors.

Peggy Duvette has been a thought leader in technology, social change, and women leadership for over 15 years. As the Head of Social Impact at Oracle NetSuite, she is responsible for the donation of NetSuite products to nonprofits globally as well as NetSuite’s signature capacity programs, Suite Pro Bono and Suite Capacity.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Las Vegas Sands’ ECO360 Strategy in Action: Advancing Environmentally Responsible Operations, Sustainable Seafood Commitments at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas and Parisian Macao

Jun 10, 2019 4:00 PM ET

Las Vegas Sands continues to make strides in advancing our ECO360 global sustainability strategy at our properties internationally. On the United Nations’ World Environment Day on June 5, we announced that The Venetian Resort Las Vegas built on its support for the development of renewable energy and sustainable seafood through new strategic partnerships. Additionally, we proudly announced that The Parisian Macao received a prestigious LEED Silver certification for the entirety of its operation - making it the first integrated resort in Macao to do so.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Smithfield Foods Highlights Charitable Grant Program Recipients, Recaps Year of Philanthropic Efforts Totaling Nearly $29 Million in 2018 Sustainability Report

Jun 10, 2019 3:30 PM ET

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the Smithfield Foundation’s inaugural charitable grant program, which was launched in 2018 to continue to bolster the company’s charitable giving efforts. The Smithfield Foundation is a nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of the company. In addition to unveiling the new grant program, 2018 marked a tremendous year of philanthropic giving, with Smithfield contributing nearly $29 million in cash and in-kind donations to organizations and projects outlined in the company’s recently released 2018 Sustainability Report.

Sustainable Development Goals

Women Deliver Announces Partnership With Merck and P&G in an Effort to Advance Gender Equality

Jun 10, 2019 3:10 PM ET

Women Deliver has announced Merck and Procter & Gamble as founding partners of the Deliver for Good Business Ally Network at the Women Deliver 2019 Global Conference. The network will provide a platform for private sector champions to work alongside leading civil society organizations and governments to drive solutions toward a more gender-equal world.

Education

MetLife Foundation is Making a Difference by Sharing Expertise

Jun 10, 2019 3:00 PM ET

MetLife Foundation focuses on improving the financial health of low-income people. And that can be done in many different ways, including by making a social impact in local communities. Thanks to MetLife volunteers, numerous nonprofit organizations have gained invaluable help and improved their futures – without spending a dollar.

Sustainable Development Goals

Book Excerpt: Designing with Society

Jun 10, 2019 3:00 PM ET

Design is relatively a new discipline, its terminology dating back to the creation of tools and products that have influenced and shaped our world, and our humanity. Today, design is a practice that can solve some of the most complex social challenges around the world.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Hot Tips for Keeping Our Communities – Especially Children – Safe

Jun 10, 2019 2:00 PM ET

Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer, which means school is out and more kids are playing outside in their neighborhoods. We know our big blue trucks and our drivers have many young fans along their routes, so it’s especially important to keep everyone safe around our collection vehicles during this time of year

Events, Media & Communications

Sustainable Brands Detroit: Transforming Brands to Deliver the Good Life

Jun 10, 2019 1:20 PM ET

This week, the Porter Novelli/Cone team headed to Detroit for the annual Sustainable Brands conference, contributing to four days of inspirational conversation around transforming brands through sustainable innovation.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

An Innovative App Helps Minnesota Companies Get Leftover Food to People in Need

Jun 10, 2019 12:45 PM ET

The free app, MealConnect, was developed in 2017 by Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the nation, thanks to a $1 million grant from Minnesota-based General Mills. Food banks across the U.S. are now using the app, which allows organizations to post when they have excess food; the app then matches them with an agency that can pick up the donation.