Impact & Sustainability News From Leading Brands

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Bacardi Limited's Rick Wilson Appointed Vice Chairman of Responsibility.org Board

Jun 11, 2019 10:30 AM ET

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

More Than 10,000 Racers Participated in the 16th Annual Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, Raising Over $500,000 for Local Community Charities

Jun 11, 2019 10:00 AM ET

Known as "the people's marathon", over 10,000 participants lined up at the start line for one of the seven running events this weekend at the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon, raising over $500,000 as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Fair Trade USA® Raises the Bar for Cocoa Farmers

Jun 11, 2019 9:55 AM ET

Fair Trade USA announced today that it will increase its minimum price and premium for cocoa by 20 percent as of October 1, 2019 to move farmers closer to a living income and reduce the extreme poverty and child labor that is prevalent in West Africa’s cocoa fields.

Diversity & Inclusion

National Parks, Museums, and Grade 9 Civics – It’s about the Experiences that Bring Us Together

Jun 11, 2019 9:30 AM ET

Deciding to put roots down in a new location or a whole new country can be overwhelming. There are many reasons that can lead people to move, but what draws a person to stay? Feeling a sense of belonging to your community and society is one factor that can influence how comfortable you feel with where you live – whether you’re a newcomer or long-term resident.

Environment

The Movement Towards Natural & Organic Food and Healthy Lifestyles

Jun 11, 2019 9:05 AM ET

Consumer demand for healthier products continues to grow. With concerns ranging from the cost of healthcare to the effects of food and agriculture on climate change, consumers of all ages are opting for natural, organic and functional foods and beverages, nutritional supplements, natural medicines and other eco-friendly products from mission-based companies that share their values and address their concerns.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

The Advantages of Working for a Business with Purpose

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

It’s not just millennials who are driving the change; it is a global shift. Nearly two in three consumers around the world buy based on belief, not just whatever catches their eye or is on sale. According to the latest Edelman survey, belief-driven buyers are now the majority in markets from China to Germany to the U.S., across age groups, and income levels.

Environment

National Grid Electricity Crews Perform Live Line Demonstration For New York State Parks & Recreation Personnel

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

The demonstration featured a model, live electricity pole similar to those in place in most residential neighborhoods and presentations on the dangers of live electricity wires and how fences and other materials can become energized. Dig Safely New York also offered tips on damage prevention by calling 8-1-1 before doing any outside ground work and the hazards caused by digging into underground facilities.

Events, Media & Communications

What Does a Girl Do When She’s Told She Can’t Do Something?

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

When she was in seventh grade, Kylee Guenther was told by a teacher that she would never be good at math because “you’re a girl.”

Today, Guenther, with the backing of Silicon Valley tech investors, is blazing a path forward by taking on one of the most widely used yet environmentally taxing materials in the world — plastic.

Energy

Consumers Energy Starts New Era for Renewable Energy in Michigan with Approval of Clean Energy Plan

Jun 11, 2019 9:00 AM ET

Education

The Amgen Foundation and Amgen Scholars at The Atlantic Education Summit 2019

Jun 10, 2019 5:30 PM ET

Kudos to Amgen Scholars alumni Corshai Williams and Enrique Garcia-Rivera for so eloquently sharing their stories at The Atlantic Education Summit (per this 10-minute session).

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

The Walt Disney Company Kicks Off Annual Disney Toy Delivery Program Supporting Children’s Hospitals Across the U.S. In Celebration of the Studio’s Upcoming Release “Toy Story 4”

Jun 10, 2019 5:30 PM ET

This past weekend, The Walt Disney Company kicked off its annual Disney Toy Delivery, a part of the Disney Team of Heroes philanthropic initiative, at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, Florida. Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, and Tom Hanks, the voice of Woody, from the upcoming film Toy Story 4 were present and helped to bring some joy to the patients at AdventHealth for Children by distributing toys to kids and families. Patients also were pleasantly surprised with photo opportunities with Toy Story characters and toy giveaways.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Taproot Foundation Announces the Election of Oracle Netsuite's Peggy Duvette and the Resurrection Project's Anjanette Brown to the Board of Directors

Jun 10, 2019 4:30 PM ET

Taproot Foundation announces the election of Peggy Duvette and Anjanette Brown to its Board of Directors.

Peggy Duvette has been a thought leader in technology, social change, and women leadership for over 15 years. As the Head of Social Impact at Oracle NetSuite, she is responsible for the donation of NetSuite products to nonprofits globally as well as NetSuite’s signature capacity programs, Suite Pro Bono and Suite Capacity.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Las Vegas Sands’ ECO360 Strategy in Action: Advancing Environmentally Responsible Operations, Sustainable Seafood Commitments at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas and Parisian Macao

Jun 10, 2019 4:00 PM ET

Las Vegas Sands continues to make strides in advancing our ECO360 global sustainability strategy at our properties internationally. On the United Nations’ World Environment Day on June 5, we announced that The Venetian Resort Las Vegas built on its support for the development of renewable energy and sustainable seafood through new strategic partnerships. Additionally, we proudly announced that The Parisian Macao received a prestigious LEED Silver certification for the entirety of its operation - making it the first integrated resort in Macao to do so.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Smithfield Foods Highlights Charitable Grant Program Recipients, Recaps Year of Philanthropic Efforts Totaling Nearly $29 Million in 2018 Sustainability Report

Jun 10, 2019 3:30 PM ET

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the Smithfield Foundation’s inaugural charitable grant program, which was launched in 2018 to continue to bolster the company’s charitable giving efforts. The Smithfield Foundation is a nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of the company. In addition to unveiling the new grant program, 2018 marked a tremendous year of philanthropic giving, with Smithfield contributing nearly $29 million in cash and in-kind donations to organizations and projects outlined in the company’s recently released 2018 Sustainability Report.

Sustainable Development Goals

Women Deliver Announces Partnership With Merck and P&G in an Effort to Advance Gender Equality

Jun 10, 2019 3:10 PM ET

Women Deliver has announced Merck and Procter & Gamble as founding partners of the Deliver for Good Business Ally Network at the Women Deliver 2019 Global Conference. The network will provide a platform for private sector champions to work alongside leading civil society organizations and governments to drive solutions toward a more gender-equal world.

Education

MetLife Foundation is Making a Difference by Sharing Expertise

Jun 10, 2019 3:00 PM ET

MetLife Foundation focuses on improving the financial health of low-income people. And that can be done in many different ways, including by making a social impact in local communities. Thanks to MetLife volunteers, numerous nonprofit organizations have gained invaluable help and improved their futures – without spending a dollar.

Sustainable Development Goals

Book Excerpt: Designing with Society

Jun 10, 2019 3:00 PM ET

Design is relatively a new discipline, its terminology dating back to the creation of tools and products that have influenced and shaped our world, and our humanity. Today, design is a practice that can solve some of the most complex social challenges around the world.

Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Hot Tips for Keeping Our Communities – Especially Children – Safe

Jun 10, 2019 2:00 PM ET

Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer, which means school is out and more kids are playing outside in their neighborhoods. We know our big blue trucks and our drivers have many young fans along their routes, so it’s especially important to keep everyone safe around our collection vehicles during this time of year

Events, Media & Communications

Sustainable Brands Detroit: Transforming Brands to Deliver the Good Life

Jun 10, 2019 1:20 PM ET

This week, the Porter Novelli/Cone team headed to Detroit for the annual Sustainable Brands conference, contributing to four days of inspirational conversation around transforming brands through sustainable innovation.

Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

An Innovative App Helps Minnesota Companies Get Leftover Food to People in Need

Jun 10, 2019 12:45 PM ET

The free app, MealConnect, was developed in 2017 by Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the nation, thanks to a $1 million grant from Minnesota-based General Mills. Food banks across the U.S. are now using the app, which allows organizations to post when they have excess food; the app then matches them with an agency that can pick up the donation.

Health & Healthcare

VIDEO: June is #SubaruLovestoCare Month

Jun 10, 2019 12:45 PM ET

This June, Subaru, our retailers, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are working together through the Subaru Loves to Care initiative to spread hope, love, and warmth to those fighting cancer through gestures of caring.

Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Duke Energy Progress Continues to Be a Shining Star for Solar Power

Jun 10, 2019 12:40 PM ET

Duke Energy Progress (DEP) continues to be one of the leading solar utilities in the nation. In the Top 10 utility solar lists compiled by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), Duke Energy Progress was ranked fourth among all utility companies for bringing on new solar capacity during 2018. It is the seventh straight year Duke Energy Progress has been ranked in the Top 10 nationwide.

Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

A More Sustainable Way to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Jun 10, 2019 12:35 PM ET

Learn how UPS, TerraCycle, Nestle and other brands are changing the future of consumption and creating a more sustainable way to satisfy your sweet tooth with the Circular Economy

Responsible Production & Consumption

Mohawk Group’s NeoCon Introductions Show How Innovation Is Second Nature for Flooring Leader

Jun 10, 2019 12:20 PM ET

Mohawk Group, a leading commercial flooring company known for innovative flooring solutions and its ongoing commitment to believe in better, will showcase its latest carpet and hard surface collections at NeoCon 2019. Beginning today and continuing through June 12 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, NeoCon is North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interior design professionals, offering ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future.

Social Impact & Volunteering

Deloitte Celebrates 20th Impact Day: Volunteering Across the Country to Achieve Lasting Social Impact for the Greater Good

Jun 10, 2019 12:15 PM ET

Today marks Deloitte’s 20th Impact Day, an annual day of service that celebrates the company’s year-round commitment to community-powered social impact. During Impact Day, employees and leaders from around the country will volunteer at diverse organizations to help them address and solve their most pressing challenges.