Environment

Shel Horowitz on Enlightened Self-Interest

What is meant by “enlightened self-interest,” and how does it inform consumer decisions? Shel Horowitz, a profitability and marketing consultant for green and sustainable businesses, thinks that moving forward, more and more of us will be doing our own legwork when it comes to making well-informed purchasing decisions. Furthermore, he thinks that more socially-responsible consumer choices have a hidden bonus: more profit. This week on Sea Change Radio, we speak to Horowitz about the ripple effect of socially-responsible business practices into developing nations, talk about the business edge that comes with being a socially responsible company, and break down the role of the general public in all of this.

Corporate Responsibility

Brands Taking Stands | Climate Change Tops the Issues Agenda Across S&P 500

Of the several big issues that have attracted the attention of brands taking stands recently, climate change looks to be topping the agendas of the world’s largest companies.

Environment

Tulsa, Okla. Student Wins Xylem-Sponsored U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Will Represent the U.S. in International Competition

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) proudly announced this week that Braden Milford of Tulsa, Oklahoma has won the 2018 U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP), the nation’s most prestigious youth competition for water-related research sponsored by Xylem. Students from 49 states and Puerto Rico competed for the prize from June 16-17 at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The SJWP aims to increase students’ interest in water issues, research, and careers, as well as to raise awareness about global water challenges. The competition is open to projects focused on improving water quality, water resource management, water protection, and drinking water and wastewater treatment.

Research & Reports

Edison International Illuminates Transition to Clean Energy Future in 2017 Sustainability Report

At Edison International, we are leading the transformation of the electric power industry toward a clean energy future by focusing on opportunities in clean energy, efficient electrification, the grid of the future, and customer choice. As we pursue this vision, sustainability remains at the core of who we are and what we do. With roots dating back 130+ years, we know that our long-term success is based on delivering value to all of our stakeholders, and we’re committed to doing well by making a positive impact and doing our part to respond to broader societal challenges, such as climate change.

Events

Republic Services Joins New Orleans in Celebrating World Environment Day

New Orleans was selected as the host city for World Environment Day. Community leaders and businesses, including Republic Services, came together for an educational summit followed by a traditional New Orleans Second Line Parade where groups then picked up recycling and garbage from the neighborhoods. Many members of Republic’s New Orleans team joined in the efforts!

Responsible Production & the Circular Economy

From Single-Use to Re-Use

For me, one of the key lessons from our program is that partnerships and a sustainable business model are key to making single-use recycling programs successful. The work to get to where we are today has been challenging but also rewarding – especially when you are working with truly innovative companies who are determined to find solutions to a difficult problem.

Environment

Ocean Plastics Top Agenda for G7 Leaders – But Giant Consumer Brands Can Take the Lead

At Sustainable Brands, we spoke with Virginie Helias, vice president of global sustainability for P&G, to hear how the Cincinnati-based CPG company will attack the ocean plastics crisis as part of a progressive ESG agenda that also includes dialog with consumers about responsible consumption.

Philanthropy

Tetra Tech’s Engineers Without Borders Tranquilla Norte Water Supply Project

With support from Tetra Tech’s Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Grant Program, the EWB Sacramento Valley Professional Chapter is developing a sustainable water distribution system for the 3,000-person community of Tranquilla Norte, Panama. The community’s existing system, which was installed by the government in the 1980s to serve 150 homes, does not provide adequate supply for the current 950 connections. The system’s flow is limited during peak hours, and households furthest from the four springs that serve as the community’s water source often receive poor-quality water, or none at all. These water supply challenges lead residents to purchase bottled water or travel to homes at higher elevations that have more reliable access.

Education & Workforce Development

These Wildlife Species Are Disappearing From North American Forests

Our forests are home to critical wildlife habitat. When our forests are threatened, it also threatens the homes of all the diverse wildlife habitat that live there. Natural disasters, urbanization, and agriculture are just a few of the common causes of deforestation. But as deforestation continues to rise, the animals that call it home start to disappear. These are just a few of the endangered and threatened animals disappearing as recorded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Education & Workforce Development

10 Drought-Tolerant Trees That Will Throw Shade

The summer heat has arrived. With the unpredictable climate patterns, one can only plan strategically when it comes to keeping cool long-term (and lowering energy-costs). Rising temperatures and drought in many communities make planting even harder. But don’t worry, here are 10 shade trees with drought-tolerance that will keep you cool and add beauty to your yard.

Latest Campaigns

Leadership

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AEG's Commitment to Sustainable Operations

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Opportunity for All

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Cascale Governance

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Accelerating access to healthcare technology

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Wesco Cares

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People

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SustainabilityHQ.com Weekly Highlights

Highlighting the top news, commentary, and research for the week coming from SHQ. The highlights newsletter also spotlights one profiled organization...