ESG News from Leading Brands

Social Impact & Volunteering

Avery Dennison Employees Step Up for Puerto Rico Relief

Mar 20, 2018 4:15 PM ET

When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017, it launched a devastating, ongoing humanitarian crisis. Government agencies stepped in, supported by the Red Cross, NGOs and community organizations, to meet the needs of thousands of people left without food, shelter, clean water, or basic supplies. A team of Avery Dennison employees also stepped up, collecting 176 boxes of water, canned food and medicine to be sent to people in need.

Sustainable Development Goals

Turning Haiti’s Mountains of Plastic Garbage Into High-tech Printer Gear

Mar 20, 2018 3:45 PM ET

In Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake, piles of plastic bottles littering the island mushroomed into mountains. Bottled water and other supplies shipped in to help Haitians wound up everywhere — in canals, on beaches and lining the streets. Now, those bottles are finding a second life as printer cartridges.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2018: VMware Ranks #39

Mar 20, 2018 3:05 PM ET

Strong company culture is integral to the growth and success of any company, and VMware is no exception. Today, VMware is honored to announce that it has been named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For 2018 list. The competition was fierce, and VMware is proud to hold the no. 39 spot. This is the fourth consecutive year that VMware has made the list. Not only was VMware ranked in the top 100 companies overall, but we were also recognized as no. 9 on the list of Best Workplaces in Technology.

Green Infrastructure

5 Tips to Reduce Wasteful Consumption of Compressed Air

Mar 20, 2018 2:40 PM ET

Contrary to popular belief, compressed air is not a free utility. Almost all industrial plants use compressed air, but little attention is given to its costs when used improperly. These five tips will help users can reduce wasteful consumption of compressed air, saving time and money.

Environment

New WBCSD CEO Guide Highlights Why Business Must Manage Water Wisely to Become Resilient

Mar 20, 2018 2:25 PM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

Timberland X Thread: Meet Clenord

Mar 20, 2018 1:00 PM ET

Social Impact & Volunteering

Students Show SCE Linemen Random Act of Kindness for Work During Thomas Fire

Mar 20, 2018 1:00 PM ET

The 25 students had gathered around a classroom monitor to look at YouTube videos of linemen climbing poles and riding in bucket trucks as they worked to restore power. These are the heroes the kids chose to thank for a recent national Great Kindness Challenge.

Responsible Production & Consumption

Meet Emma: A Pig Farmer of Tomorrow

Mar 20, 2018 12:30 PM ET

Emma Lasco works for Smithfield Foods Hog Production in north-central Iowa. Working with roughly 30 contract farmers who grow pigs with Smithfield, Emma ensures that the pigs are healthy and getting the attention and care they need: having an ample supply of feed and water, good ventilation, and that all of the equipment is functioning. Her work helps to create stronger relationships between Smithfield and its farmers.

Sustainable Development Goals

Colombian Edgar Montenegro Wins International 2018 Oslo Business for Peace Award

Mar 20, 2018 12:05 PM ET

Edgar Montenegro, Founder and CEO of Corpocampo, is one of the 2018 winners of the Oslo Business for Peace award, Business for Peace announced today. The other winners are Lori Blaker, President and CEO of TTi Global, and Martin Naughton, Founder of Glen Dimplex Group. All three winners have made exceptional contributions to peacebuilding through business.

Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment

New Green Bond Pledge Aimed at Cities, Government & Corporates Christiana Figueres Announces Green Bonds for Infrastructure Campaign

Mar 20, 2018 12:00 PM ET

In opening remarks to a global green bonds conference, international climate leader Christiana Figueres has called on cities, governments and corporations to commit to the use of green bonds for infrastructure investment programs. Speaking to participants from over 55 nations at the Climate Bonds Initiative annual conference in London, the former UN Climate Chief & Convenor of Mission 2020 unveiled a new campaign have public and corporate capital expenditure programs increasingly aligned with climate and emissions goals.

Environment

Spring Cleaning Tricks of the Trade

Mar 20, 2018 12:00 PM ET

In most parts of the country, the sun is finally peeking out from behind the clouds, the air is warmer yet still offers a sweet breeze or calming chill, and homeowners eagerly open up windows and begin packing away signs of winter. It is the wonderful time of the year when spring cleaning occurs. More than 70 percent of American households say they engage in spring cleaning. It can be both overwhelming and refreshing.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Keep America Beautiful Inicia Oficialmente El Vigésimo Aniversario de Great American Cleanup En El Primer Día de Primavera

Mar 20, 2018 11:45 AM ET

Keep America Beautiful inaugura oficialmente el vigésimo aniversario de Great American Cleanup, el programa de mejora de la comunidad más grande de la nación, hoy, primer día de la primavera, con miles de eventos de limpieza, ecologización y embellecimiento en toda América durante la primavera, verano y otoño.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Keep America Beautiful Officially Kicks Off 20th Anniversary of Great American Cleanup on First Day of Spring

Mar 20, 2018 11:45 AM ET

Keep America Beautiful is officially kicking off the 20th anniversary of the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community improvement program, today -- the first day of spring -- with thousands of cleaning, greening and beautification events taking place across America through the spring, summer and fall.

Environment

Practitioner Spotlight--David Matthews

Mar 20, 2018 11:15 AM ET

Antea Group’s David Matthews on his career from delivering papers to evaluating the effectiveness of PPE against chemical warfare agents.

Diversity & Inclusion

A Supply Chain of Freedom: Made by Free Women

Mar 20, 2018 11:15 AM ET

Sustainability and human rights are top-of-mind issues at today’s most successful businesses, and it’s time we all take a hard look at where we source our purchases – from the department store all the way up to the boardroom to bring an end to modern slavery.

Environment

Recycling Gives Beverage Cartons a New Life

Mar 20, 2018 11:00 AM ET

The layers that make up an aseptic carton – paper fibres, polymers and aluminium – can all be recycled using relatively simple techniques, and turned into new products, cutting the amount of waste sent to landfill and reducing demand for resources. We divide recycling solutions into three categories, depending on the materials to be recycled:

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Mars Named One of the World’s Most Reputable Companies by Forbes

Mar 20, 2018 11:00 AM ET

Mars isn’t big on tooting our own horn. We don’t like to boast and that’s the way it’s been for more than a century. All along, we’ve been pleased to let our brands – from M&M’S®, Snickers® and Extra®, to Pedigree® Royal Canin®, Banfield Pet Hospital® and Uncle Ben’s®-- speak for themselves. But after much discussion and even some disagreement, we made a conscious decision to start sharing our story.

Research, Reports & Publications

Flash Report: 85% of S&P 500 Index® Companies Publish Sustainability Reports in 2017

Mar 20, 2018 11:00 AM ET

G&A Institute has analyzed index companies’ sustainability reporting activities since 2011. Our research over the past seven years shows that corporate reporting on sustainability -- including environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and achievements -- continues to be a consistent, reliable standard for the largest and most influential companies in the US capital markets. “Sustainability reporting” rose dramatically from 2011, when roughly 20% of companies published reports, to 72% just three years later in 2013. From 2013 to 2017, the frequency of reporting has increased each year, now up to 85% of companies reporting in 2017.

Sustainable Development Goals

Cities Look to 'Zero Waste' Plans, Material Bans to Reach Sustainability Goals

Mar 20, 2018 10:15 AM ET

A recent report from NRG Energy found that tackling energy sustainability is a significant challenge, though cities of all sizes can do it by first assessing their unique resources and strengths. Energy is far from the only factor cities consider when addressing sustainability, though. Cities' waste streams, and whether or not to ban controversial items like foam and single-use plastic bags, are another.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Announces Final GRO1000 Community Garden Grant Recipients

Mar 20, 2018 10:10 AM ET

To celebrate the first day of spring and the start of the community gardening season, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation today announced it final list of GRO1000 Grassroots Grant recipients, including thirty-four nonprofit organizations nationwide. The organizations awarded will use the funding to improve their neighborhoods through the development or enhancement of community gardens and greenspaces.

Environment

5 Ways 'Play' Can Help Engage People in Parks

Mar 20, 2018 10:00 AM ET

Ralph Waldo Emerson got it right when he said: “It’s a happy talent to know how to play.” This year’s Park Summit presenters have this talent nailed down. Each has a unique ability to cultivate playfulness among targeted audiences to reach particular goals.

Health & Healthcare

Thousands of Residents of Puerto Rico Vaccinated Against Influenza Thanks in Part to Donation From Sanofi Cares North America

Mar 20, 2018 9:45 AM ET

Thousands of residents of Puerto Rico were vaccinated against influenza on Saturday, March 10, in the largest single-day mass immunization campaign in the island's history. The territory-wide campaign was organized by VOCES (Coalición de Vacunación de Puerto Rico), in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Department of Health; Direct Relief, a medical relief nonprofit; and other health entities. Sanofi Cares North America (formerly Sanofi Foundation for North America) donated the vaccines.

Innovation & Technology

The Future of Forestry: Domtar’s Use of Drones

Mar 20, 2018 9:30 AM ET

Domtar’s Ashdown, Arkansas mill has used drone technology since 2016 to save time, improve efficiencies and help keep its foresters safe.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

10 Cities Awarded TD Green Streets Grants for Innovative Urban Forestry Initiatives in Low- to Moderate-Income Neighborhoods

Mar 20, 2018 9:30 AM ET

TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®, and the Arbor Day Foundation today announced the 10 cities that will each receive grants of up to $20,000 from TD Green Streets for innovative urban greening and tree-planting projects in low- to moderate-income areas.

Energy

Schneider Electric VIDEO | Helping Locals in Myanmar With 24/7 Access to Sustainable Energy and Contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal #7

Mar 20, 2018 9:25 AM ET