ESG News from Leading Brands

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Towards a Circular Economy to #MoveTheDate

Aug 18, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Across the globe, about 50 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are tied to materials. The United Nations, for example, estimates that in 41.8 million tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste there is 16 Mt of iron, 1.9 Mt of copper and 300 tonnes of gold, plus other precious metals such as palladium, with a combined value of $52 billion. Therefore, the transition to a circular economy not only contributes to climate action, but can have significant economic benefits as well.

Environment

VIDEO | Sands ECO360: Las Vegas Sands' Global Sustainability Program

Aug 18, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Las Vegas Sands’ responsibility to the planet is as important to us as our commitment to the comfort and well-being of our guests and Team Members. The Sands ECO360 Global Sustainability strategy is designed to help minimize our environmental impact, and it reflects our vision to lead the way in sustainable building development and resort operations.

Responsible Production & Consumption

VIDEO | Sustainable Ingredients are the Future of Personal Care

Aug 18, 2017 9:05 AM ET

Cargill's Tony Jaillot describes the state of the personal care market today, and why sustainable ingredients and improved product formulation are the future of the industry.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Gildan Supports JCPenney Pair Up Giving Promotion Through its Gold Toe® Brand

Aug 18, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Gildan has partnered with JCPenney to provide a free pair of socks to children in need for every pair of Gold Toe® socks sold through JCPenney’s special buy one, give one promotion.

Sustainable Development Goals

PT Freeport Indonesia, a Freeport-McMoRan Company, Invests in Fishery Program to Empower Local Communities

Aug 18, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Environment

The Living Forest: What Tree Rings Tell Us About the Life of a Tree

Aug 18, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Trees are great record keepers, they tell us so much about the past. They are also resilient organisms, outliving humans and animals. Some of the oldest trees in the world are thousands of years old — like bristlecone pine.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Nespresso Proves That Single Serve Coffee Makers Can Be Environmentally Friendly

Aug 17, 2017 11:05 PM ET

Machines that brew single cups of coffee are extremely popular but is single-serve environmentally friendly? Gina-Marie Cheeseman says Nespresso proves it can be.

Events, Media & Communications

The Players Trust Treats 50 Individuals From Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities to A Unique Day of Baseball

Aug 17, 2017 7:30 PM ET

The day’s activities were coordinated through the Players Trust’s Buses for Baseball program, which provides transportation, game tickets and personal greetings from Major Leaguers to children across the country. This baseball season, the program will make 10 Major League ballpark visits and provide over 500 children with an unforgettable experience. At each game, players sign autographs, pose for photos and answer questions. The children also receive free souvenirs, food and beverages.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Next Steps for the (Former) Members of the Business Advisory Councils

Aug 17, 2017 4:00 PM ET

In the wake of yesterday’s collapse of the advisory councils assembled by Donald Trump, BSR President and CEO Aron Cramer offers five key principles for the business leaders who were on the councils to help define and promote a thriving economy.

Health & Healthcare

Lessening the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases

Aug 17, 2017 3:40 PM ET

Fundamental to Pfizer’s approach in supporting global health is helping to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy lives.

Green Infrastructure

Whirlpool Corporation Awarded Gold, Silver LEED® Green Building Certifications

Aug 17, 2017 3:15 PM ET

Whirlpool Corporation has been awarded a prestigious LEED® Certification for two of its recent building projects, both located in Benton Harbor, Mich.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Adobe Brings Design Thinking to Nonprofits in Need

Aug 17, 2017 2:05 PM ET

Diversity & Inclusion

VIDEO: Innovation, Education and Bringing a New Experience to the Blind

Aug 17, 2017 1:50 PM ET

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Measuring What Matters: The Power of KPIs to Advance Sustainability

Aug 17, 2017 12:55 PM ET

When it comes to the disclosure of non-financial information, it’s understandable that many businesses come begrudgingly to table. But when sustainability reporting is focused on a few, truly relevant issues, it creates vital data that can help companies contribute to sustainable development and be more profitable in the process.

Education

Equip Students with Tools for Success Through a Gift for Teaching's Back-to-School Drive

Aug 17, 2017 12:35 PM ET

While Central Florida has seen a 1% decrease in its overall student population and number of homeless students in the area, the number of children in the free-and-reduced lunch program has risen by 2%. More children than ever need essential tools (like No. 2 pencils, loose-leaf paper, and crayons) to succeed in school. A Gift For Teaching is committed to providing these students with a head start for achievement by equipping them with school supplies.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Scotiabank New CSR Perspectives Series: Supporting Gender Equality through the HeForShe movement

Aug 17, 2017 12:30 PM ET

Gender equality remains a global issue and achieving equality requires an inclusive approach. Scotiabank is supporting the UN Women Solidarity Movement, HeForShe, with their efforts towards gender equality as one way for employees to advocate inclusion.

Green Infrastructure

Save Money and Improve Your Energy Experience with Smart Meters

Aug 17, 2017 12:05 PM ET

What's the difference between a smart meter and a regular digital meter? With a smart meter, you have two-way communication with your energy provider. Smart meters allow you to see how much energy you use, when you use it, and its cost. You can use this information to monitor and reduce energy use to save money.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Timberland Puts Samples to Good Use

Aug 17, 2017 12:00 PM ET

The sample sale typically raises at least $10,000, but this year we raised a remarkable $29,345 to benefit Lucy’s Love Bus—a Boston-based non-profit that provides funding for integrative therapies to children with cancer. Employees and their guests came out in record numbers with over 300 in attendance. The funds raised for Lucy’s Love Bus will allow the organization to add four new Healing Rooms at children’s hospitals across New England.

Health & Healthcare

The Care Van Program: A Small Program with a Huge Impact on Healthcare

Aug 17, 2017 11:25 AM ET

Media & Communications

Expanding Career Horizons at Marina Bay Sands

Aug 17, 2017 11:05 AM ET

With his natural affinity for interacting with people and an interest in the casino industry, James Chong was drawn to a position in Player Development after hearing of various job opportunities at Marina Bay Sands. Initially a Supervisor in the Public Area Department (PAD), he decided to apply for a transfer.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Statement by Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford on the Violence in Charlottesville, Virginia

Aug 17, 2017 11:05 AM ET

We don’t have answers as to why the kinds of evil and hatred experienced in Charlottesville this week exist in the world, but we do know these three things: People who are swinging a hammer are not swinging a stick or a flag pole. When we are given the opportunity to work side by side with someone from a different background, we inevitably replace fear with a shared sense of purpose and humanity. And when we commit to listening without judgment, we all inspire people to be guided by their better angels.

Education

Belle Heth Builds New Thinkabit Inspired Lab

Aug 17, 2017 11:00 AM ET

The school has been implementing new technology such as Chromebooks for each student and new robotics. One of the new additions to the elementary is the Qualcomm inspired Thinkabit Lab. There are only two Thinkabit labs in the entire country and the school is working over the summer to have their inspired lab ready for the school year.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Turning Passion into Action, Skilled Cook Empowers Young People to Make Healthy Food Choices

Aug 17, 2017 11:00 AM ET

Kim Doyle Wille, a Colorado native, has been passionate about cooking since she was a young girl creating meals in her childhood home. Creating a nonprofit focused on healthy food options for the students and families in Garfield County was a natural way to turn that passion into action.

Environment

Powerful Pages Puts Books in the Hands of Children

Aug 17, 2017 10:15 AM ET

Books hold a special place in our hearts, in our business and, we believe, in children’s hands. That is why Domtar created its Powerful Pages program—to promote literacy by providing books to children who may not otherwise have access to a rich library of stories.

Events, Media & Communications

Sustainable Brands Reveals SB’17 Copenhagen Program

Aug 17, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Sustainable Brands® recently announced program details for the upcoming conference, SB’17 Copenhagen, running October 30th - November 1st at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. Over 450 brand and sustainability leaders are expected to gather and collaborate on how redefined societal aspirations are transforming the ways brands deliver value for their customers.