ENVIRONMENT

Energy

Sustainable Development Can’t Take a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

A new tool released last week evaluates sustainable development policies in 20 countries, so we compared Costa Rica with Trinidad and Tobago.

Kate Robertson

January 31, 2020

Energy

New Jersey: Builders Must Now Consider Climate Risks

New Jersey is the first state in the U.S. to require that climate considerations become part of permitting decisions, which means builders must consider climate risks.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

January 31, 2020

Technology

How One NGO Helps Farmers Use Mobile Phones to Invest in a Better Harvest

About two-thirds of the 3 billion rural people work on land plots smaller than five acres; mobile phones can boost these farmers' productivity and income.

Cisco Corporate Social Responsibility Blog

January 30, 2020

Energy

Yes, Corporations Can Ramp Up the Clean Energy Transition

U.S. companies were the driving force behind a dramatic year-over-year increase in the deployment of clean energy, BNEF reports.

Tina Casey

January 28, 2020

Energy

Carbon Capture Gives Way to Carbon Recycling

Carbon capture could help incorporate biofuels in a low-carbon economy - but other decarbonization tactics, like carbon recycling, are needed as well.

Tina Casey

January 28, 2020

Energy

Verizon Stands Firm on Commitment to Become Carbon Neutral by 2035

At Davos last week, the CEO of Verizon confirmed the telecomm giant's long-term sustainability goal to become carbon neutral by 2035.

Debra Born

January 27, 2020

Sponsored

We Already Know How To Solve Our Water Problems—Now Let’s Make It Happen

Water Crises Are a Top Global Risk, But We Have the Power to Prevent Them

Water crises again topped the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report, released ahead of its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. But this is one global challenge we already have the tools to address.

Kate Robertson

January 24, 2020

Energy

Watch These 4 Clean Energy Trends in U.S. Cities in 2020

At the start of this new decade, American cities have already come a long way on the road to harnessing clean energy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change.

World Resources Institute

January 24, 2020

Energy

Recyclable Cardboard Beds One More Sustainable Step for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

To start off the new year, Tokyo 2020 organizers recently gave a sneak peek into the sustainability-minded bedrooms designed for the Olympic Village.

Roya Sabri

January 24, 2020

Energy

IMF: Unmitigated Climate Change Will Slow Economic Growth

As climate action dominates talk at Davos, the IMF is reminding the global business community that climate change will hamper economic growth worldwide.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

January 23, 2020

Energy

Nestlé is Investing Billions To Develop a Market for Recycled Plastic

Nestlé pledged to invest more than $2.6 billion to create a market for food-grade recycled plastic and said it will cut costs in other parts of the business in order to "pay a premium" for these materials.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

January 21, 2020

Technology

How Drones Can Be an Important Tool to Upskill Youth

A recent Arrow Electronics partnership with the Nathan Yip Foundation taught youth how to operate agricultural drones to improve ranching operations.<br />

Debra Born

January 21, 2020

Energy

Going 100 Percent Renewable in 2020, PepsiCo Pushes Ahead on Climate Action Plan

PepsiCo’s 100 percent renewables announcement builds on its past and current climate efforts, from across the U.S. to facilities abroad.

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

January 20, 2020

Technology

Silicon Valley Giants Sued Over Human Rights Abuses in Cobalt Supply Chain

A lawsuit says tech firms must look out for the wellbeing of Democratic Republic of Congo miners, who comprise much of the world's cobalt supply chain.

Roya Sabri

January 9, 2020

Energy

With Coal Power Down to 1975 Levels, Reducing Carbon Emissions Gets Trickier

Power generation has shifted dramatically as coal power continues its rapid decline - but coal is the low hanging fruit of taking on U.S. carbon emissions.

Tina Casey

January 9, 2020

Energy

3 Renewable Energy Developments That Will Define 2020

Watch these three trends in the renewable energy space as governments and the private sector scramble to decarbonize the economy.

Tina Casey

January 8, 2020

Energy

JetBlue Pledges To Offset All Carbon Emissions for U.S. Flights

JetBlue rang in the new year by pledging to offset carbon dioxide emissions from jet fuel for all of its domestic flights beginning in July.

Maggie Kohn

January 7, 2020

Technology

Everything You Need to Know About California’s New Data Privacy Law

More state governments are determined to secure data privacy, including the Golden State, where the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) just became law.

Jenna Tsui

January 7, 2020

Energy

New York State Hopes to Say Goodbye to Styrofoam With New Proposal

If passed, a Styrofoam ban in New York state would cover 20 million people when it takes effect in 2022.

Maggie Kohn

January 6, 2020

Energy

Why Energy Efficiency is Key to Reducing Climate Change Risks

Solar and other renewable power technologies take the spotlight, but energy efficiency works quietly in the background, lowering emissions with no fanfare.

Kate Robertson

January 3, 2020

Energy

Three Clean Tech Trends to Watch In 2020

As 2020 begins, now is a good time to gauge the top clean tech trends that could accelerate the decarbonization of the U.S. economy in the next 12 months.<br /> <br />

Tina Casey

January 3, 2020

Energy

What Waste? Domtar Plant Achieves Its Zero-Waste Goal

From 2016 to 2018, Domtar's Delaware plant made the journey from 80 to 100 percent beneficial reuse of its manufacturing byproducts.<br />

Domtar

December 31, 2019

Energy

After COP25, More U.S. States and D.C. Coordinate on Climate Action

Twelve U.S. states and D.C. have launched a coordinated effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation in the Northeastern U.S.

Tina Casey

December 30, 2019

Energy

The Green New Deal: Not Insanity, but an Investment

Kickstarting the Green New Deal into high gear, and scaling it worldwide, could be well worth the investment for citizens and businesses alike.

Leon Kaye

December 27, 2019

Technology

How Disruptive Technologies Will Reunite America

The U.S. is just entering the mass adoption phase where disruptive technologies will deliver cost-less, mean-more solutions across today’s divided American communities, predicts economic correspondent Bill Roth.

Bill Roth

December 24, 2019

Energy

The Top Water Headlines of 2019

Water issues dominated the headlines in 2019, shining light on the importance of conserving this vital resource and understanding how other challenges like climate change may affect it.

Kate Robertson

December 23, 2019

Energy

3 Reasons To Be Optimistic After a Disappointing COP

The results of the COP25 climate negotiations were disappointing, but these three encouraging developments shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Sue Reid

December 20, 2019

Technology

Could 3D-Printed Homes Solve the Global Housing Crisis?

This month, an Austin-based company just 3D-printed a pair of homes in less than 24 hours. If all goes as planned, they'll be the start of the world's first 3D-printed affordable housing development.

Maggie Kohn

December 19, 2019

Energy

Despite the Outcome in Madrid, Business Climate Action Continues

World leaders did not seize the day at COP25, but there were some glimmers of hope. Businesses, reflecting what is known in the hallways of the climate talks as “the real economy,” continue to make new commitments.

BSR

December 19, 2019

Energy

Stop Making This Mistake in Your Climate Strategy

Private-sector climate leadership focuses almost exclusively on decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, rather than actively adapting to climate impacts, says this sustainability consultant.

Joyce Coffee

December 19, 2019

Energy

Turning Problems Into Profits in the Pacific Garbage Patch

The Ocean Cleanup has returned with its first plastic catch from the Pacific Ocean—and it plans to use the haul to create “attractive, sustainable products” that fund future cleanups. 

Roya Sabri

December 17, 2019

Energy

Hilton Expands Food Waste Reduction Initiative to Nearly 300 Hotels

Following a pilot at 50 hotels, Hilton will expand its food waste reduction program to all North American properties, the company announced this week. And it's just one of several major hoteliers that are taking on food waste.

Maggie Kohn

December 17, 2019

Energy

Jose Cuervo to Release Biodegradable Straws Made From Agave Waste

The plastic alternative is Jose Cuervo's latest upcycling idea for agave leftovers, which also include a surfboard, a Fender Stratocaster and car parts for the U.S. market.

Jenna Tsui

December 17, 2019

Technology

As COP25 Fizzles, GM Sizzles with New Electric Vehicle Battery Commitment

Even as COP25 proved a major disappointment for climate action advocates, some bright spots emerged outside of the official sessions—notably from U.S. businesses like GM.

Tina Casey

December 16, 2019

Energy

Businesses Look to Cut Carbon Emissions in the U.S. South

Earlier this month, nearly 30 companies with operations along the U.S. Gulf Coast kicked off a cross-industry collaboration to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change.

Maggie Kohn

December 16, 2019

Energy

Can the U.S. Act On Climate Without the Federal Government?

A new report shows how U.S. businesses, cities and states can accelerate decarbonization, even if the federal government maintains no formal commitment to the Paris climate agreement.

Tina Casey

December 11, 2019

Energy

Water Efficiency Is Key To Climate Action, Says Ecolab

This week, Ecolab pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050—and it leveraged the opportunity to take a stand for water issues as part of mainstream climate dialogue.

Tina Casey

December 11, 2019

Energy

Americans Are Warming Up to Climate Science, Survey Shows

The U.S. is one of few countries where climate science is regularly called into question, but hearts and minds have shifted rapidly over the past five years, according to a new survey.

Kate Robertson

December 11, 2019

Technology

3 Ways Tech Improved Disability Inclusion in 2019

Super Bowl-worthy video games and eye-controlled TV remotes were just some of the ways companies used technology to increase accessibility and inclusion in 2019.

Megan Amrich

December 10, 2019

Sponsored

3BL Forum 2019: Brands Taking Stands—What's Next?

Green Chemistry: The Secret Behind Sustainable Product Development

Behind the scenes of many sustainable product commitments are improved chemical processes that reduce environmental impact, also called green chemistry.

Tina Casey

December 10, 2019

Energy

Hopes For Our Children: In 2019 and Beyond

A new grandfather reflects on his hopes for the future of children worldwide—a future that is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation.

Bill Roth

December 9, 2019

Sponsored

3BL Forum 2019: Brands Taking Stands—What's Next?

Verizon Wants To Harness 5G to Bridge the Digital Divide

As rapidly advancing technology changes the way we live, learn and work, the company says it’s ramping up investments in digital inclusion and education to ensure no one is left behind.

Maggie Kohn

December 9, 2019

Energy

Danone Wants To Start a Food Revolution

The food and beverage giant says it's looking to inspire communities to move away from standardized food systems and toward healthier and more sustainable models.<br />

Maggie Kohn

December 6, 2019

Energy

More Companies Are Committed to 100 Percent Renewable Energy: Is It Enough?

More than 200 major multinationals have formally committed to source 100 percent renewable energy. Still, just 20 global enterprises are responsible for more than a third of all greenhouse gas emissions—and none of them plan to make the switch.

Tina Casey

December 5, 2019

Energy

Wind Could Power 30 Percent of Global Electricity Production By 2050

Onshore and offshore wind energy will supply 30 percent of all global electricity production by 2050, Norwegian risk management provider DNV GL predicts in a new report. 

Kate Robertson

December 5, 2019

Energy

Report: The Palm Oil Sector Isn't Living Up To Its Promises

The Zoological Society of London recently published a deep-dive into the world’s most significant palm oil companies, revealing a persistent lack of transparency across the industry.

Roya Sabri

December 2, 2019

Energy

A Simple Ask to Insurers Underwriting the Fossil Fuels Sector

You don’t hear climate activists talk much about insurance, but this company is asking fellow insurers to stop underwriting and investing in fossil fuels.<br />

Team Lemonade

December 2, 2019

Energy

Is the Meatless Revolution a Wash? Plant-Based Protein Still Causes Anthropogenic Pollution

Just in time for Thanksgiving dinner - our newest writer questions whether the meatless revolution is as sustainable as its advocates suggest.

Jenna Tsui

November 27, 2019

Energy

Coastal Resilience Scores a Needed Public-Private Boost

NOAA, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Shell and TransRe launched a new wave of coastal resilience grants across 23 U.S. states and territories.

Kate Robertson

November 26, 2019

Energy

Fasten Your Seat Belts: Formula 1 Racing to the Carbon Neutral Finish Line

Formula 1 announced a new race: an ambitious plan to become net zero carbon by 2030. In addition, all F1 Grands Prix races will be more sustainable by 2025.

Kate Robertson

November 22, 2019

Energy

This Partnership Is Recycling Contact Lenses – 16 Million, In Fact

This partnership focused on recycling contact lenses says it's doing what it can to prevent microplastics from accumulating in our waterways.

Sarah Hutcherson

November 22, 2019

Energy

A New Use for Wheat Straw in North America’s First Tree-Free Paper Pulp Mill

With rising demand for more sustainable packaging, Columbia Pulp, North America’s first tree-free paper pulp mill, is using wheat straw to fill the gap.

Amy Brown

November 21, 2019

Energy

Airlines on the (Business Class) Hot Seat Over Emissions

One airline CEO raised eyebrows when he called on the global airline industry to ban business class in order to take on the industry's rising GHG emissions.

Tina Casey

November 20, 2019

Energy

Volkswagen Makes Good on Electric Vehicle Promise

Volkswagen has chosen the U.S. as one of its standard bearers for the global electric vehicle revolution - quite a turnaround from the "Dieselgate" saga of 2015.

Tina Casey

November 19, 2019

Energy

How Estée Lauder Went From 1 MW of Renewables to 22 MW in Nothing Flat

The Estée Lauder Companies recently achieved a sharp increase in its renewables portfolio through what is called a virtual power purchase agreement.

Tina Casey

November 19, 2019

Energy

New Offshore Wind Partnership Signals North Carolina’s Renewables Leadership

North Carolina has put more emphasis on transitioning to more sources of clean energy over the past few years, and offshore wind power is key to this shift.

Kate Robertson

November 18, 2019

Energy

Solar Power Is for Cold Climates, Too

Fossil fuel-rich Alaska has become a test bed for the financial and environmental benefits of small scale, local solar power.

Tina Casey

November 15, 2019

Technology

How Digital Technologies Can Enable Other Sectors to Accelerate Climate Action

The global information technology sector is accelerating climate action through the deployment of various technologies that are slashing carbon emissions.

Bhushan Joshi

November 15, 2019

Energy

Four High-Tech Companies Unite to Buy Wind Energy in Texas

Apple, eBay, Samsung Austin Semiconductor and Sprint have announced a joint agreement to purchase power from a new wind farm in western Texas.

Kate Robertson

November 14, 2019

Energy

The Circular Economy – Lessons from the Past for a Sustainable Future

Timeless practices at the core of a circular economy, such as repairing, recycling, refurbishing, or repurposing - are as old as the use of tools.

Vijay Eswaran

November 14, 2019

Energy

Leave or Stay, We’ll Always Have the Paris Agreement

Leaving the Paris Agreement would be a mistake because bottom line, walking away from discussions is never a strategy for gaining better terms.

John Friedman

November 12, 2019

Technology

HP’s New Carbon-Neutral Printer: A Sign Of What’s To Come in Sustainable Product Design

HP is using more and more recycled plastic in its products—and it's rethinking its entire supply chain to source enough recycled plastic to meet an ambitious 2025 goal.

Mary Mazzoni

November 12, 2019

Sponsored

The Road to Zero-Carbon Transportation

Tackling the Decarbonization of Transportation

We know exactly where to focus to have the biggest impact on reducing GHG emissions: transportation - it’s just a matter of mobilizing and taking action.

Mark Mondik

November 12, 2019

Energy

The Link Between Solar, Wind Power and Groundwater Sustainability

A recent Princeton University study is one of the first of its kind to show that the deployment of renewables can aid groundwater sustainability.

Kate Robertson

November 12, 2019

Sponsored

We Already Know How To Solve Our Water Problems—Now Let’s Make It Happen

The Glass Isn’t Half Empty: Reasons To Be Optimistic About Water Issues

The news about climate change’s impacts on water supply and availability is often dire, and can feel overwhelming. But there is no need to give up hope. In fact, there is reason to feel optimistic.

Kate Robertson

November 11, 2019

Energy

New Roadmap Seeks $500 Million Investment to Transform Recycling in the U.S.

The Recycling Partnership seeks $500 million to transform U.S. recycling systems by aligning them with the goals and needs of a fully circular economy.

Nithin Coca

November 8, 2019

Energy

How Can We All Hear That the World Is on Fire?

We've heard many explanations of how to fight global heating; but even if the world is on fire, how we communicate facts is more important that telling the "what."

Andrew Bovarnick

November 8, 2019

Energy

California Wildfires: How You Can Help

PayPal has launched a disaster relief fund to help the hundreds of thousands of people who have had to evacuate due to this year's California wildfires.

PayPal

November 7, 2019

Sponsored

3BL Forum 2019: Brands Taking Stands—What's Next?

#TeamTrees Campaign, Led By YouTube Influencer, Raises Millions For Tree-Planting Worldwide

The viral #TeamTrees campaign has raised more than $12 million for tree-planting in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. What does it say about the role of influencer culture in the brands taking stands movement?

Mary Mazzoni

November 4, 2019

Energy

Carbon Capture Could Do More Harm Than Good, Researchers Say

Evidence is mounting that carbon capture is becoming irrelevant—and may even do more harm than good—when renewable energy is already at hand.

Tina Casey

November 1, 2019

Sponsored

Coming Together to Drive Change: How Partnerships Can Help Companies Tackle GHGs

This Unlikely Partnership Drives Positive Change in the Food Sector

Most of us assume that environmental NGOs and major multinational companies are like oil and water, but a seemingly unlikely partnership between the Environmental Defense Fund and Smithfield Foods proves otherwise.

Tom Murray

November 1, 2019

Sponsored

The Road to Zero-Carbon Transportation

Lyft Makes All Rides Carbon Neutral, But That’s Only the Beginning

It’s been over a year since Lyft made all rides on its platform carbon neutral. But the ride-sharing giant says this is only the start of a long-term journey to positively influence the way transportation works in cities.

Roya Sabri

October 28, 2019