MARKETING AND COMMS -
Localism is here to stay; and brands will increasingly be expected to understand what that means, so that they can make positive contributions to communities everywhere.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
Demand for low-cost goods has pushed manufacturing into the farthest regions of the world — many of which are increasingly vulnerable to climate change and harsh conditions. Eliminating the most vulnerable links only creates more problems; brands are only as strong as the weakest link in their supply chain.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE -
At a recent Sustainable Brands virtual event, leaders from the CPG, restaurant and IT industries highlighted how they sold important ideas and ambitions around impact and responsibility internally, and how that translates to external success.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
Research from Sustainable Brands and Ipsos reveals a global misperception on the most impactful sustainable behaviors — with a belief that recycling will yield bigger benefits than eating plant-based diets, increasing energy efficiency, and 58 more impactful choices.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
The pandemic has laid bare not only the many flaws in our global systems but also our capacity for resilience and ingenuity in the face of complex, immediate
challenges — if we apply that thinking to those that lay ahead, we may yet save ourselves from ‘business as usual.’
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE -
Work for Impact — a talent acquisition platform that attracts and uplifts underserved jobseekers around the world yearning for greater purpose in employment — is a model for purpose-driven companies to emulate.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE -
New report from Allison+Partners, Carol Cone ON PURPOSE and The Harris Poll finds the C-Suite recognizes the imperative for organizational Purpose; yet, lack of alignment across functions threatens impact.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
New research from Sustainable Brands™ and Ipsos highlights post-pandemic consumer behaviors and priorities, and how product labeling influences purchasing decisions.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
A recent survey found that 77% of US adults believe the pandemic has driven people in the country apart. But we’ve also seen how people’s behaviors and interests have changed in ways that demonstrate shared cultural values, regardless of where they live.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
It is critical, for business and the planet, that humanity reset our approach to climate events. The future ‘new normal’ is already here. It may bring a new ‘new normal,’ and that will truly be epic — the first time. But we can't continue to approach such events like singularities sweeping in once each century. They are here. Now.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
Marking two years of COVID-19, new research from FAIRR warns failure to improve crowded, high-stress conditions in animal agriculture fosters ideal breeding ground for
new, zoonotic diseases.
PRODUCT, SERVICE & DESIGN INNOVATION -
Here, Shaw Industries’ VP of Global Sustainability, Kellie Ballew; and Rachel Hodgdon, CEO of the International WELL Building Institute, discuss game-changing trends in building design — all centered around a new focus on human health and wellbeing.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
As I write this, we are anxiously awaiting the US Senate to pass President Biden’s “Build Back Better” legislation. It’s important that this passes, as it calls for the continuation of the Child Tax Credit program that has been instrumental in helping US families rise out of poverty.
THE NEXT ECONOMY -
The World Economic Forum's annual global survey of experts finds only 1 in 6 are optimistic and only 1 in 10
believe in our ability to implement a stable, sustainable global recovery.
COLLABORATION -
Mobile shower pioneer LavaMae^x^ and Unilever brand The Right to Shower have built a partnership that’s given more than 38,000 unhoused people dignity, hope and a fresh sense of opportunity.
WASTE NOT -
When COVID hit in 2020, tourism frantically tried to carry on, with hygiene at the crux — often by wrapping everything in plastic. As travel struggles to regain its footing, responsibility and sustainability must once again be given priority to futureproof the industry.
WALKING THE TALK -
AT&T committed $10M to respond to the need for increased at-home connectivity for students during the pandemic, and worked with Connected Nation to make it happen. The 124 awardees in the program represent 81 schools and 43 nonprofits spanning 26 states.
WALKING THE TALK -
Reversing ingrained social inequities is critical to achieving the UN SDGs and averting catastrophic climate change. The pandemic has laid bare the many costs of inequality — now is the time for brands to make good on their promises to address this global issue.
WALKING THE TALK -
The world’s largest adventure travel company and certified B Corp is advocating for the safe return of international travel and improved access to COVID-19 vaccinations in low-income countries around the world.
LEADERSHIP -
2021 Sustainability Leaders Survey examines attitudes of nearly 700 experts from over 70 countries, reflecting on the pandemic’s implications for sustainable social and environmental development agendas — and who is perceived to be leading the charge.