ESG News from Leading Brands

Sustainable Development Goals

Morgan Stanley Announces New Goal of Carbon Neutrality for Global Operations by 2022

Sep 20, 2017 1:20 PM ET

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced a new goal to achieve carbon neutrality for global operations by 2022. Underpinning this goal is a long-standing commitment to reducing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency and procuring renewable energy.

Education

PayPal Hosts Kids in Tech Coding Camp

Sep 20, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Every year, PayPal hosts a four-week long coding camp across five campuses in the U.S. that is open to kids of PayPal employees, introducing them to coding in fun and creative ways. This year, with nearly 90 employee volunteers and 190 kid participants across San Jose, Omaha, Scottsdale, Austin and Timonium, it resulted in our most successful program yet.

Environment

Our Disposable Society: From Plastics to Prisons

Sep 20, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Plastic and prisons: two of America’s most toxic habits. Happily there are people working to create alternatives. This week on Sea Change Radio we learn about a new type of flexible compostable packaging, developed by Israeli entrepreneur, Daphna Nissenbaum, who hopes this new polymer will take a bite out of the enormous problem of plastic waste. Next, we speak to Zoe Loftus-Farren about her Earth Island Journal piece that exposes the multitude of environmental hazards created by the prison industrial complex and America’s unhealthy addiction to locking people up.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Walmart and the Coalition for Veteran Owned Business Host VetSource Event to Boost Business Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Sep 20, 2017 12:25 PM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Carnival Cruise Line Helping International Coastal Cleanup With Local Community at Lifou in New Caledonia

Sep 20, 2017 12:15 PM ET

Carnival Cruise Line’s Captain Vittorio Marchi and other volunteers from Carnival Spirit worked shoulder to shoulder with the local community at Lifou in New Caledonia playing their part in an international movement to clean up the world's coast lines.

Innovation & Technology

Searching for the Next Facebook or Google: Bloomberg Helps Launch Tech Incubator

Sep 20, 2017 11:55 AM ET

Michael Bloomberg likes to say that being fired from his high perch at Salomon Brothers in the summer of 1981 was one of the best things that happened to him. Freed from the golden shackles of one of Wall Street’s most iconic investment firms, the future mayor of New York City wasted little time.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Xylem Commits $1 Million in Expanded Support for Relief Efforts in Response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and Flooding in South Asia

Sep 20, 2017 11:45 AM ET

Xylem announced plans to expand its support to $1 million in contributions and volunteer time to the recovery and rebuild efforts underway in response to some of the most devastating weather events on record: Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and the severe flooding in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The Company’s actions include monetary contributions from the Company and its corporate citizenship initiative Xylem Watermark, employee plus matching gift donations and an expansion of its ongoing employee volunteer initiatives in the affected areas.

Sustainable Development Goals

Amway Open Meeting Video | Trendspotting: CSR with the Power of 5

Sep 20, 2017 11:15 AM ET

Education

HP Reinvents Learning in the Developing World

Sep 20, 2017 11:05 AM ET

Today, HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) announced the new HP School Cloud featuring the HP Open Learning Platform during Global Citizen Week. HP School Cloud will provide access to educational materials and apps to students, teachers and adult learners in rural and poor communities around the world.

Green Infrastructure

Resiliency is Preparedness

Sep 20, 2017 10:40 AM ET

In addition to addressing the demands of urbanization growth, cities must also prepare for climate-related challenges via developing a resiliency strategy.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

CITGO Corpus Christi Sponsors Ready or Not Foundation’s Luncheon in Support of Pediatric Cancer Research

Sep 20, 2017 10:30 AM ET

CITGO Corpus Christi is supporting Ready or Not Foundation’s efforts in pediatric cancer research by sponsoring this year’s Best Dressed Luncheon on Sept. 21 at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. Childhood brain tumors are the leading cause of death in pediatric cancer patients under the age of 19, and the Ready or Not Foundation aims to increase awareness and raise funds for vital research.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Comcast NBCUniversal Receives Top Awards at USBLN Annual Gala

Sep 20, 2017 10:05 AM ET

Comcast NBCUniversal is honored to be named one of the 2017 Best Places to Work by the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) and American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), after receiving a score of 100 out of 100 on their annual Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Points of Light Releases The 2017 Civic 50 Report

Sep 20, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, has released a new report, “Inspiring and Leading in Times of Change: Insights and Best Practices from The 2017 Civic 50.” The Civic 50 provides a national standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and other resources to improve the quality of life in the communities where they do business.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

Consumers Energy Helps 10,000 Small Businesses Through Program that Rewards Energy Efficiency

Sep 20, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Consumers Energy has helped 10,000 small businesses across Michigan lower their costs through an eight-year-old program that rewards them financially for taking steps to use less energy.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Aliko Dangote Foundation and GBCHealth Join Forces to Build African Business Coalition for Health

Sep 20, 2017 10:00 AM ET

Building on the leadership, reputation and convening power of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the experience, reputation and global reach of GBCHealth, the African-led coalition of companies and philanthropists, will seek to improve the health and wellbeing of Africans, both within the workplace and within the broader communities. The partnership will develop and scale impactful health programs across Africa, deepening knowledge, building evidence for future investment and strengthening coordination among African philanthropists, business leaders, companies and local business networks.

Research, Reports & Publications

Trends in Integrated LNG and Gas Generation: A Timely Consideration for Indonesia and the Philippines

Sep 20, 2017 10:00 AM ET

For growing maritime nations like Indonesia and the Philippines, integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminals and gas-fired gen can help balance the power mix. Although coal remains the No. 1 fuel choice, LNG and gas-to-power development could gain momentum, according to this year’s Electric Industry Report.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Tupperware Celebrates Extraordinary Youth

Sep 20, 2017 9:55 AM ET

Tupperware Brands has a long history of supporting youth at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Canada. Here, the crème de la crème (Youths of the Year) share their achievements with over 3,000 Tupperware independent Sales Force Members.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Introducing the 42BELOW® Lemon Soap Science Series

Sep 20, 2017 9:50 AM ET

The “Lemon Ladies” are back! Check out the latest episodes of our planet saving, recycled cocktail lemons soapy scheme including the one where the Lemon Ladies reveal what's in our secret soap recipe.

Diversity & Inclusion

Advancing Gender Equality

Sep 20, 2017 9:45 AM ET

Responsible Production & Consumption

VIDEO | Behind-the-Scenes: Mohawk Group’s Lichen Collection

Sep 20, 2017 9:35 AM ET

Mohawk Group’s award-winning Lichen Collection is the world’s first floor covering to achieve Living Product Challenge Petal Certification from the International Living Future Institute.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Online Home Furnishings Retailer The Mine Makes a Commitment to Habitat for Humanity ReStores Valued at $1 Million

Sep 20, 2017 9:35 AM ET

Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell building materials, appliances, new and gently used furniture, and home accessories at a fraction of the retail price. With nearly 900 Habitat ReStores across the U.S., proceeds allow Habitat to help more families build and improve their homes.

Responsible Production & Consumption

INTERVIEW: Yosemite Has A Trash Problem. What's Being Done About It?

Sep 20, 2017 9:10 AM ET

Yosemite National Park has a trash problem. The more than 4 million people who visit every year and those that live in Yosemite leave 2,200 tons of garbage there annually.

Responsible Production & Consumption

The Next Quarter Century’s Organic Marketplace: Insights from Stonyfield Farm's Gary Hirshberg

Sep 20, 2017 9:05 AM ET

The overall organic sector has followed the same impressive trajectory. According to the "Natural Foods Merchandiser", in 1992 organic sector sales were $1.54B. Organic food sales have enjoyed double-digit growth every year since the 1990’s, topping out at $47B in 2016 and on pace for another roughly 10 percent growth this year, when they will likely cross the $50B mark. The organic sector now makes up about 5 percent of US retail food sales and Growing.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Sands ECO360 | Hosting Green Meetings and Events

Sep 20, 2017 9:00 AM ET

With a few simple steps, we can help transform an event into a sustainable gathering. Many of our facilities have been awarded third-party environmental certification, providing a robust foundation for a successful sustainable meeting.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Up to $5 Million in Aid Committed by VSP Global to Support Victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

Sep 20, 2017 9:00 AM ET

Eye care and eyewear are not usually top of mind following a natural disaster, but rebuilding your life in the aftermath when you can’t see clearly can make it even more difficult. VSP Global is committed to providing access to care at all times, but in times of crisis, that focus is amplified. To help, VSP Global has committed up to five million dollars in relief efforts. This includes partnering with VSP network doctors whose businesses have been damaged to help them return to providing eye care and eyewear for community members in need.