SOCIETY

Voices for Change

Energy Companies, Utilities and Banks Complicit in Funding Racist Policing Across the U.S.

A new report documents how major energy and financial companies fund police foundations, which helps contributes to racist policing tactics across the U.S.

Leon Kaye

July 29, 2020

Voices for Change

Athletes Believe Voting Rights Should Be a Slam Dunk. Shouldn’t Companies, Too?

A group LeBron James leads is raising funds to pay off fines and fees to restore voting rights for Floridians who have been denied access to the ballot box.

Leon Kaye

July 28, 2020

Sustainable Living

Hold the Chicken: KFC Is Testing Lab-Grown Nuggets

KFC is jumping into the lab-grown meat sector, with expectations that once the final product launches this fall, the results will be finger-lickin’ good.

Ellen Delisio

July 28, 2020

Community Development

Voices Are Silenced as COVID-19 Spreads Through Immigrant Detention Centers

The situation in U.S. immigrant detention centers is horrific, but there are actions citizens and businesses can take to help with this human rights crisis.

Jenna Tsui

July 24, 2020

Community Development

Essential Workers Went on Strike for Black Lives. Is Corporate America Listening?

Tens of thousands of essential workers across the U.S. took to the streets for the Strike for Black Lives, demanding justice for frontline employees.

Roya Sabri

July 23, 2020

Sustainable Living

This Johnnie Walker Bottle Is Actually Made of Paper

Aged in wooden barrels before it's bottled, Johnnie Walker whiskey will soon score a packaging makeover, as in paper-based bottles starting in 2021.

Tina Casey

July 23, 2020

Community Development

Winn-Dixie Reverses Itself in the Mask Wars, Revealing Cultural and Political Divides

Winn-Dixie, once saying masks were a "highly charged issue with our customers,” has now joined retailers like Walmart and Costco to require face masks.

Amy Brown

July 22, 2020

Sustainable Living

Taco Bell Drops Potatoes from Its Menu, and Vegetarians Raise Hell

As if 2020 hasn't gone off the rails already, Taco Bell is ditching the potato from its menu, and social media isn't having it.

Leon Kaye

July 20, 2020

Community Development

Trader Joe’s Will Say Ciao to Giotto, José and Ming

Some of Trader Joe's branding has long made some people feel like an "other" - and these citizens aren't aren't having it anymore.

Leon Kaye

July 20, 2020

Community Development

COVID-19 is Fueling a Surge in Global Hunger

COVID-19 has unleashed social problems that exacerbate global hunger, including mass unemployment, declining humanitarian aid and rising income inequality.

Leon Kaye

July 17, 2020

Community Development

Elevating Racial Equality Requires a Holistic ESG Approach

Companies can adopt several actions that will help secure racial equality and create a more equitable, resilient, and social-positive business.

Helen C. Shelton

July 17, 2020

Sustainable Living

Classic Chuck Taylor All Stars Score a Sustainable Makeover

A new line of the classic Chuck Taylor All Stars will launch next week, and they will contain up to 40 percent recycled content by total weight.

Leon Kaye

July 16, 2020

Community Development

The Effort to Stamp Out Systemic Racism in the U.S. Food System Gains Momentum

One area overlooked by many is how the food on our plates in the U.S. is emblematic of a food and agriculture system rooted in systemic racism.

Amy Brown

July 14, 2020

Community Development

Destinations, NGOs and Businesses Unite in Call for Sustainable Tourism

While the dates of reopening change daily, it's clear sustainable tourism in the COVID-19 era requires responsibility and restraint from all stakeholders.

Megan Amrich

July 14, 2020

Sponsored

The Power of Purpose: How Companies Drive Community Impact

U.S. Cities Need a New Vision For Affordable Housing — And Business Can Help

Governments grappling with the housing gap recognize the massive scope of this problem, often leaning on private companies to fund developments and increase the housing supply.

Grant Whittington

July 13, 2020

Voices for Change

Pandemic, George Floyd Protests and Popular Opinion: How Companies Are Answering the Call to Action

Americans now look elsewhere in society to show leadership as the pandemic worsens and the George Floyd protests continue in various forms across the U.S.

Jessica Abensour

July 10, 2020

Voices for Change

Brands Put Pressure On Congress to End Qualified Immunity

More than 440 business leaders, with the backing of the American Sustainable Business Council, are demanding Congress end qualified immunity.

Leon Kaye

July 9, 2020

Community Development

Boston: A Snapshot of Racism in America’s Real Estate Sector

A potential wave of evictions in Boston offers a snapshot showing how people of color are at most risk during this pandemic and resulting economic crisis.

Leon Kaye

July 7, 2020

Sustainable Living

Bamboozle Redefines Reusable Tableware While Thriving During a Pandemic

The trick to household products by Bamboozle is simple - what looks like chic plastic kitchenware actually is made of plant-based materials like bamboo.

Ellen Delisio

July 7, 2020

Community Development

Continuing to #DoGood through 'Operation Double Helpings'

NRG partners with HomeFront, a nonprofit that works to end homelessness in Central New Jersey by harnessing the resources of local communities.

NRG Energy

July 7, 2020

Community Development

Breaking the Cycle: A Formula for Truth and Reconciliation in America

It helped transform South Africa; now, truth and reconciliation in America should be on the table for discussion if America's racial divide will ever narrow.

Edward Quevedo

July 6, 2020

Voices for Change

CPG Giants Rush to Cease Marketing of Skin Whitening Products

The global reckoning on race relations pushed some of the world’s leading personal care companies to roll back their marketing of skin whitening products.

Leon Kaye

July 3, 2020

Community Development

Bringing it Full Circle: 20+ Years of Connections Through Selling on eBay

The online marketplace at eBay has been enriched by the hundreds of thousands of independent small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide.

eBay

July 3, 2020

Sustainable Living

Sustainable Cotton Production on the Increase Despite COVID-19 Setbacks

Better Cotton Initiative members sourced more than 1.5 million metric tons of sustainable cotton in 2019, a 40 percent increase over 2018.

Maggie Kohn

July 2, 2020

Voices for Change

NRDC Shames Facebook on Racism and Climate Change

The NRDC has brought renewed attention to climate and environmental issues as they relate to structural racism, including voter suppression.

Tina Casey

June 30, 2020

Community Development

Some Clean Power Is Coming at the Expense of Human Rights

A new study has found that the clean energy sector is falling short on human rights indicators, especially land rights and Indigenous peoples’ rights.

Kate Robertson

June 29, 2020

Community Development

Diversity Shouldn’t Mean Asking People to Work for Free

Employee resource groups have an unsavory side when it comes to companies' diversity and inclusion efforts: They often ask people of color to work for free.

Leon Kaye

June 29, 2020

Community Development

The LGBTQ Community Responds to COVID-19 with Self-Reliance

With COVID-19 forcing many LGBTQ citizens back to the margins of society, they've realized that they have to rely on each other yet again. <br />

Leon Kaye

June 29, 2020

Voices for Change

Pride Without Parades: What the Fight for LGBTQ+ Inclusion Means in 2020

Experts share their perspective about the future of Pride, what it means in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how companies can engage during this unique time in our history. 

Mary Mazzoni

June 26, 2020

Community Development

Going Beyond Police Reform: This Group Urges a Complete Rethink

While applauding police reform efforts, the Drug Policy Alliance is urging lawmakers to not just reform police departments, but rethink their existence.

Ellen Delisio

June 23, 2020

Voices for Change

Revived 'Poor People's Campaign' Unites to Challenge Systemic Racism and Poverty

Co-founded by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Poor People's Campaign is uniting low-income people from across the U.S. in a rallying cry against systemic racism, poverty and oppression.

Mary Mazzoni

June 19, 2020

Community Development

Businesses Must Step Up to Reform the U.S. Justice System

Ending racism in the U.S. requires a fundamental overhaul of the justice system, and businesses must be at the table if we are to see meaningful change.

Celia Ouellette

June 19, 2020

Community Development

COVID-19 Puts Migrant Children at Huge Risk

The plight migrant children now face are a reminder that NGOs assisting them, including RAICES in Texas, need more individual and business support.

Jenna Tsui

June 18, 2020

Voices for Change

Bias Training Beyond the Factory Gates in the Black Lives Matter Era

The Black Lives Matter movement, through episodes of white privilege taken on film, has focused more attention on the behavior of private citizens.

Tina Casey

June 17, 2020

Community Development

Proclaiming Allyship Isn’t Enough: The U.S. Workplace Needs a Reset

Many companies say they are in alliance, or allyship, with Black Americans. But in the workplace, the reality for many Black employees is starkly different.

Leon Kaye

June 16, 2020

Community Development

Report Reveals Dire Consequences from Lack of Women in National COVID-19 Response Efforts

A new report sheds light on what may be the systematic reasons behind the lack of women leaders in national COVID-19 responses worldwide.

Maggie Kohn

June 16, 2020

Community Development

Business Responds to Watershed Supreme Court Ruling on LGBTQ Rights

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act also protects against any discrimination targeting LGBTQ citizens in the workplace.

Leon Kaye

June 16, 2020

Sponsored

The Power of Purpose: How Companies Drive Community Impact

Fight Homelessness By Bridging the Gap Between Shelter and Housing

Those experiencing homelessness often find the gap from temporary to permanent housing too wide to jump. With an innovative housing model, this New York City nonprofit is pushing for change.

Nithin Coca

June 15, 2020

Voices for Change

Environmental and Justice Activists Need to Join Forces

Environmentalists and justice activists can't stay isolated in their movements; together they must devise strategies to protect the planet and its citizens.

Cayte Bosler

June 12, 2020

Community Development

How The Black Lives Matter Protests Complement Pride Month

The eruption of Black Lives Matter protests over the death of George Floyd has inspired a deeper understanding of the very meaning of Pride Month.

Tina Casey

June 10, 2020

Community Development

How Companies Can Integrate Racial Equity into Their Business NOW!

Corporations can have profound impacts on the pressing issues including racial equity, and it is their responsibility, and in their best interest, to do so.

Cecily Joseph

June 9, 2020

Community Development

Today’s Crises Offer Even More Reasons to Support Pride Month

This year's Pride Month is a somber reminder that for many within the LGBTQ community, the convergence of three huge crises has hit these citizens hard.

Leon Kaye

June 9, 2020

Sustainable Living

Rewiring Fashion Shakes Up the Global Apparel Industry

The designers behind Rewiring Fashion are determined to shift consumer thinking away from the assumption that clothing is plentiful and disposable.

Ellen Delisio

June 8, 2020

Community Development

Taking on Racism? Don’t Overlook Climate Justice

On World Environment Day, a reminder that the social change millions of U.S. citizens are seeking right now is inextricably linked with climate justice.

Kate Robertson

June 5, 2020

Community Development

The Winding Roadmap for Reopening Offices and Putting Workers First

Once reopening offices becomes the norm, goals to protect one another will likely have lasting effects on how Americans interact in the office.

Roya Sabri

June 4, 2020

Voices for Change

To Understand the Movement For Racial Justice, Listen to Black People

These resources from black creators will help you understand the ongoing racial justice protests and the legacy of systemic racism in America.

Mary Mazzoni

June 3, 2020

Voices for Change

Could More Business Leaders Support Reparations as a Way to Heal?

Might it be time for the U.S. business community to stoke a conversation that for many white citizens is very uncomfortable – as in discussing reparations?

Leon Kaye

June 2, 2020

Voices for Change

Facebook Employees Walk Off the Job in Support of Black Lives Matter Protesters

A group of Facebook employees refused to work on Monday in protest of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to protect messages from Donald Trump that many viewed as inciting violence against demonstrators.

Mary Mazzoni

June 2, 2020

Sustainable Living

With a Track Record of Success, Bike Share Programs Should Bounce Back Soon

Overall, bike share programs in the U.S. have been a success, and the evidence suggests they will endure long after this pandemic is in the rearview mirror.

Leon Kaye

June 2, 2020

Sustainable Living

Upcycled Food Is Finally Having a Moment

With up to 40 percent of food wasted and the U.S. food supply chain currently struggling, upcycled food is now finally having its moment.

Ellen Delisio

May 28, 2020

Community Development

It’s Time to Stop Overlooking Rural America

Mariposa County offers a picture-perfect postcard snapshot of California, but this region faces many of the same challenges holding back rural America.

Leon Kaye

May 26, 2020

Sustainable Living

What's New With Loop? How the 21st-Century Milkman is Coping With COVID-19

With health and safety protocols, new product roll-outs and plans to expand across the entire continental U.S., Loop isn't slowing down in the face of challenging times.

Mary Mazzoni

May 26, 2020

Sustainable Living

Plant-Based Protein Companies See Opportunities in a Crisis

As the U.S. meat sector confronts one fiasco after another, one nascent industry is having a field day: plant-based protein companies are raking it in.<br /> <br />

Leon Kaye

May 26, 2020

Sponsored

From Responsibility to Sustainability: A New Era of CSR in the Health Sector

Responding to a Pandemic With Solidarity and Purpose: The Evolving Power of Corporate Responsibility

Through the development of sustainable, innovative and inclusive solutions, the private sector can play a critical role in addressing the very disparities COVID-19 has exposed, says this healthcare communications executive.

Trey Watkins

May 21, 2020

Community Development

As Companies Sing Praises of Remote Work, Employee Engagement Questions Arise

It’s time to discuss how the private and public sectors can work together to reduce inequalities so more workers can reap the benefits of remote work.

Amy Brown

May 20, 2020

Voices for Change

As COVID-19 Pushes More Into Poverty, ‘Day of Solidarity’ Presses for Bolder Action

On May 22, over 400 NGOs are calling for a “Day of Solidarity” to urge citizens to push leaders to take bolder action against COVID-19.

Leon Kaye

May 19, 2020

Sustainable Living

With Electric Vehicles, Brand Reputation Is Not a Sure Thing

Even the simplest of brand calculations can take an unexpected turn when politics are involved, and that includes electric vehicles.

Tina Casey

May 18, 2020

Community Development

It's Time for Industries to Band Together and Launch Job Training Programs

Job training programs are rarely found now – but industries could partner to retrain workers for the countless tasks needed to be done due to this pandemic.

Leon Kaye

May 18, 2020

Community Development

Why This U.S. Tax Change Is a Good Boost For Philanthropic Giving

As families tighten their belts, philanthropic giving is declining-raising alarm bells at nonprofits relying on donations and grants to continue their work.

Jenna Tsui

May 15, 2020

Community Development

U.S. Farm Bailout Overlooks Small Farms and Food Insecurity

The latest U.S. farm bailout may appear to be a huge amount of money, but critics say this relief fund isn’t going to farmers who are in dire straits.

Jenna Tsui

May 14, 2020

Voices for Change

Tired of Waiting For Protections, Essential Workers Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

Some essential workers aren't waiting for the government — or their employers — to step in and keep them safe, and they have backing from some of the country's most powerful investors and labor unions.

Mary Mazzoni

May 13, 2020

Community Development

New Reporting Framework Highlights Employee Health and Well-Being

Companies feel intense pressure to show that employee health is a high priority as they make plans to reopen for business - this new framework could help.

Amy Brown

May 13, 2020

Community Development

COVID-19 Imposes a Life-and-Death Test for Corporate Citizens

Re-opening creates huge challenges for companies seeking social responsibility credibility if their host states pursue ill-advised policies on COVID-19.

Tina Casey

May 13, 2020

Community Development

Restaurant Innovation Takes a High Road by Staying Open While Paying a Fair Wage

The High Road Kitchens project is the latest example of restaurant innovation, providing work, food and funding for restaurants throughout California.

Megan Amrich

May 12, 2020

Community Development

Mayors of 10 U.S. Cities Look to Sustainable Recovery After COVID-19

Mayors of 10 U.S. cities are among those who've endorsed principles for a healthy, equitable, and sustainable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kate Robertson

May 12, 2020

Community Development

Worker Safety Is Central to the Economic Case for Keeping Public Transportation Running

Public transportation systems have seen huge declines in ridership during coronavirus-related shutdowns. Here's why cities should do whatever they can to keep them running.

Roya Sabri

May 11, 2020

Sustainable Living

Oil Glut or Not, More Automakers Pivot to Hydrogen and EVs

A new joint venture between Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG indicates that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could play a larger role than previously thought.

Tina Casey

May 7, 2020

Community Development

These 5 Organizations Show What Giving Tuesday Now Is All About

These five organizations show what today's Giving Tuesday Now effort is all about. For the rest of us, a few dollars or an hour of our time can help.

Leon Kaye

May 5, 2020

Community Development

‘Giving Tuesday Now’ is a Reminder of How Anyone, Anyhow, Can Give Back

Giving Tuesday Now, all day tomorrow, May 5, is a reminder that there are ways we can give back that don't necessarily involve donating cash.

Leon Kaye

May 4, 2020

Community Development

During Crisis, Immigrants Keep Supporting the Economy and Society

Research shows that closing borders doesn’t benefit the American workforce or the economy. Immigrants, in fact, drive economic progress and create new jobs.

Roya Sabri

May 4, 2020

Community Development

During This Crisis, Offer Shopping Mall Space for Community Centers

City agencies and nonprofits running community centers are on the brink. The real estate sector can help, as plenty of empty space exists.

Leon Kaye

May 4, 2020

Voices for Change

Low Wages, High Risk: May Day Strike Underscores COVID-19 Impact on Essential Workers in the Gig Economy

The unfairness of an economy relying on underpaid gig workers to keep essential services going resulted in calls for today's May Day Strike.

Tina Casey

May 1, 2020