Brands Taking Stands | Big Tech Faces Bigger Social Issues

Not so long ago, the major tech companies were held up as ideal models of innovation and progress. Now, a reality check seems to be setting in as they face increased consumer and regulatory scrutiny. Facebook continues to be under fire for lack of transparency in how it shares customer data. Amazon is taking hits for “unethical and illegal” workplace conditions in the Chinese factories that produce its Echo and Kindle devices. It’s gotten to the point where Hollywood is turning out features in which Silicon Valley figures are portrayed as supervillains.

Marina Bay Sands: Turning the Tide in Asia

Just below the surface of Malaysia's bright blue and green waters, fish nets bob up and down in the ocean's current, bustling with abundant sustainably raised snapper, grouper, and seabass. It wasn't always like this. Mr. Lee Ya Qu, founder of Aqua Ceria fish farm, reflects, "I chose to give up fishing and started aquafarming because there were no fish left."

What Does China's Plastic Ban Mean for Healthcare?

HPRC explores the consequences of the Chinese ban on the import of certain plastic wastes and the solutions being crafted to address this issue.

How Communications Technology Is Supporting Human Rights: A Q&A With Verizon CSR Director Chris Lloyd

In this Q&A, Chris Lloyd, Verizon’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy, and Chair of the GeSI Human Rights Committee, shares his views on the industry’s responsibility to support human rights.

Volunteer Spotlight: Taryn Sauthoff Uses Tech Talent for Good

Taryn Sauthoff, a Viacom employee in New York, is the embodiment of Talent for Good at work. She applied her web development skills to help YoungMoms, a non-profit organization that supports pregnant and parenting young women in rural Pennsylvania, build a new website. Sauthoff completed the volunteer project in a few months and continues to collaborate with the organization.

Sustainable Brands Vancouver Redesigns the Good Life

Brands and organizations shared aspirational and inspirational messages and stories throughout the week – from Vancouver’s City Manager Sadhu Johnston who explained how Vancouver plans to be greenest city in the world by 2020 to REI’s ambition to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Here are three ideas – some big and some small – that stood out to us last week:

eBay | Everyday Heroes: Connecting a City

Millions of people from all around the world connect on eBay. Each time that happens, something positive happens in the world. These are the stories of everyday people on eBay making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.

Schneider Electric | Powering the Industry of the Future

At the heart of innovation is action, and when it comes to energy management and automation, innovation means embracing digital transformation to build a more sustainable future.

Agroforestry Gives Kenyan Indigenous Community a Lifeline

The Cherangani people, an indigenous community in Kenya’s Rift Valley, have always called the Cherangani Hills Forest their ancestral home.
Also known locally as the Sengwer, they were traditionally reliant on the forest for hunting and gathering, herbal medicines, honey, and sorghum and millet farming. Then the colonial government evicted them from the forest, only permitting them access to medicinal plants; gathering and hunting in the forest is still prohibited.

Committed to Adoption, Family Finally Has Their Day in Court

Foster care adoption takes dedication and commitment from the families and the children they hope to adopt. It can be a long process depending on circumstances, but the Bruns family never let that dissuade them.