ESG News from Leading Brands

Responsible Production & Consumption

REI Skips Black Friday and Opts Outside

Nov 2, 2015 10:15 AM ET

Last week, REI sent an email to its 5.5 million co-op members, notifying them that, for the first time, REI would be closing its doors on Black Friday. As part of the #OptOutside campaign, the outdoor retail giant will be closing all 143 locations and instead giving its employees a paid day off.

Events, Media & Communications

Harvard’s Eccles on the UN SDGs – They Are “Good for Business”

Nov 2, 2015 10:15 AM ET

After months of study, deliberation and negotiation, members of the United Nations task force charged with establishing “Sustainable Development Goals” can take a bow -- all 193 member nations have signed on to the goals, which address a wide range of ESG issues, such as solving hunger and poverty issues, addressing inequalities, dealing with climate change issues, creating more “sustainable cities,” and encouraging “more responsible” consumption.

Energy

GM’s Energy Stars: Tom Quinn, Spring Hill Manufacturing

Nov 2, 2015 10:10 AM ET

All this week, we will be recognizing employees from our U.S. facilities who have helped GM realize $435 million in energy savings by reducing energy intensity by 40 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 41 percent over the last 20 years.

Environment

Whalesafe Project on Board Costa Cruises' Ships to Raise the Awareness of Guests to the Conservation of Sperm Whales

Nov 2, 2015 10:10 AM ET

The Whalesafe Project, co-funded by the European Union’s Life+ Program with the involvement of partners including the Università degli Studi di Genova (Department of Physics and Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Life), Costa Edutainment, Genoa Maritime Directorate, Savona Harbor Master’s Office and Softeco who have joined forces for the conservation of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), has come on board Costa Cruises’ ships.

Energy

Take Away Light and You Take Away Opportunity

Nov 2, 2015 10:00 AM ET

The occasional power outage in a developed country can feel like a spontaneous vacation day; an opportunity to disconnect from the constant deluge of digital life. Only in rare circumstances will a power outage last longer than a few hours, and in most cases communities are equipped to respond immediately to the underlying issue.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Volunteerism: Enhancing Our Corporate Culture

Nov 2, 2015 10:00 AM ET

Events, Media & Communications

Inaugural "Media Literacy Week" in the U.S. November 2nd thru 6th, 2015

Nov 2, 2015 10:00 AM ET

The launch of Media Literacy Week (#MediaLitWk) in the U.S. is being held November 2-6, 2015. The mission of Media Literacy Week is to highlight the power of media literacy education and its essential role in education today. Sponsored by Trend Micro and hosted by the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), Media Literacy Week U.S. is the first event of its kind in the U.S. This important inaugural event has the support of 85+ partnering organizations and dedicated, passionate media literacy experts and practitioners across the nation.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Let's Act Now to Disrupt the Pipeline to Prison

Nov 2, 2015 9:45 AM ET

Why does America imprison 2.3 million people, a higher percentage of its population than any other free society on earth? And why does this group disproportionately represent African-American and Hispanic men? In large part, it is because the public defense system in this country is constitutionally inadequate.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Targeted Philanthropy Can Drive Better Business Results

Nov 2, 2015 9:45 AM ET

Corporate brand is not just about what you do, it’s about who you are as an organization. I’ve talked before about how that brand has become a key to attracting and keeping your workforce. One of the crucial components to a company’s brand centers on the choices it makes in the world of philanthropy. It’s not just a question of sharing wealth in a responsible way, but about choosing those with whom you share it in a way that reflects the values held by your company and its employees.

Energy

ITIC Automotive Test Bed Offers Wireless Charging as a Service

Nov 2, 2015 8:20 AM ET

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

$75 Million Wells Fargo Program Supports Diverse-Owned Small Businesses with Loans, Grants to CDFIs

Nov 2, 2015 8:15 AM ET

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) are getting a $75 million boost from Wells Fargo's new Diverse Community Capital program. The three-year program will provide grants and lending capital to CDFIs that support diverse-owned small businesses.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Veteran Jobs Mission: New Name, New Goal for Hiring One Million U.S. Military Veterans

Nov 2, 2015 8:10 AM ET

The 100,000 Jobs Mission today announced a new goal and name for the coalition of companies committed to employing U.S. military Veterans. Beginning today, the coalition will be renamed the Veteran Jobs Mission and commit itself to collectively hiring a total of one million military Veterans. This new commitment reflects the coalition’s longstanding commitment to support Veterans and their families.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

All the Ways to Follow the #BSR15 Conference

Nov 2, 2015 8:00 AM ET

The BSR Conference 2015 kicks off on November 3. Here are five ways you can follow the conversation.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Edison Volunteers Help Install Smoke Detectors

Oct 30, 2015 6:30 PM ET

You’re at home, fast asleep at 2 a.m. Down the hall, a lit candle falls to the ground and ignites a fire. You’re woken by a blaring smoke alarm and jump out of bed.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Pro Bono Week: Pro Bono Service Builds New Communities Through Knowledge Sharing

Oct 30, 2015 6:00 PM ET

From San Francisco to Slovakia, people and organizations came together during Pro Bono Week 2015 to share the latest insights, learnings, and challenges in pro bono service.This week of knowledge-sharing has built stronger communities and is resulting in more and more social change organizations adopting pro bono service as a “go to” resource.

Innovation & Technology

Putting Diverse Abilities to Work

Oct 30, 2015 4:50 PM ET

Health & Healthcare

Hear Firsthand Why Early Detection Makes A Difference

Oct 30, 2015 4:25 PM ET

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is winding down, but BJ's Wholesale Club continues to celebrate Team Members who inspire us with their stories of strength and courage.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Sustainability is Part of our Culture

Oct 30, 2015 4:10 PM ET

Salmon farming in British Columbia began three decades ago, and was developed by true pioneers who set a strong foundation of innovation and adaptation. Salmon farmers have always worked to grow healthy fish, and make improvements to ensure the long-term vibrancy of the ocean environment and marine wild species.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Whirlpool Corporation Receives Environmental Protection Agency’s 2015 SmartWay Excellence Award

Oct 30, 2015 3:15 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Action Team Captains from Maine Fall into Service

Oct 30, 2015 3:00 PM ET

Innovation & Technology

Honored by the Colorado Environmental Leadership Program

Oct 30, 2015 2:10 PM ET

The state of Colorado, home to the Rocky Mountain Institute, has a decidedly green patina in the world of sustainability. Headquartered in Denver, Arrow Electronics proudly joins the ranks of environmental leaders, recently garnering the coveted “Gold Leader” status in the Colorado Environmental Leadership program.

Environment

Norfolk Southern Plans a Clean, Green Halloween Treat at Atlanta’s Piedmont Park

Oct 30, 2015 1:45 PM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

2016 Honda Battle of the Bands Lineup Announced

Oct 30, 2015 1:30 PM ET

Environment

Ghoulishly Green Halloween Entertaining Ideas

Oct 30, 2015 1:20 PM ET

Planning a last-minute Halloween house party and need a lot of ideas with minimum environmental impact? TerraPass got you covered with easy tips and tricks to keep your guests on their toes and your carbon footprint in check. Read our blog for food, decor and eerie-tainment ideas!

Events, Media & Communications

Are You an Emerging Leader Under 35? Don’t Miss Out on the Chance to Attend #SDGForum!

Oct 30, 2015 12:45 PM ET

On November 10-12, more than 200 leaders and innovators will come together in Washington DC for the Global Engagement Forum. The event will engage leading voices from the public, private, and social sectors to explore the potential for partnership and collaboration to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

Right now, we’re offering 35 emerging leaders under the age of 35 the chance to attend the Forum for 40% off, a savings of $260! You can register right now: http://bit.ly/GEF2015-35under35, or if you know someone under 35 who you think is a fit, I’d be grateful if you could forward them this message.