MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS -
UNESCO’s new campaign asks us to question our ideas about what is normal, suggesting that we have accepted the unacceptable when it comes to our
environment, economies, public health and societies for far too long.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
Along with the release of its 2019 Sustainable Impact Report, the tech giant has set bold goals around reduction of single-use plastics and increasing recycled materials; and committed to doubling its number of Black executives by 2025.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
The latest Porter Novelli Purpose Tracker reveals a new mandate for US companies to authentically and substantively address racial inequality and myriad social justice issues.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
At the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s recent Big Food Workshop, a variety of experts from throughout the food space spoke on the need to radically redesign for circularity and regionalism, to help us heal our broken global food system.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
Internationally recognised speaker and author Thomas Kolster, also known as Mr. Goodvertising, takes a hatchet to his earlier beliefs around purpose-driven brands in a new book, The Hero Trap. He says the one question brands need to be asking and acting on to change behaviors at scale and unlock sustainable growth that benefits all is ‘Who can you help people become?’
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS -
Amidst the social unrest that has flooded the US since the murder of George Floyd, four household-name food brands, whose brand identities have long centered around racial stereotypes, are updating their images and logos to reflect the changing societal consciousness.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
Over 110 small and medium-sized apparel brands from around the world have signed on to the 2020 Circular Fashion Pledge, with actionable steps to make circular fashion an industry-wide reality.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
Corporate America, through storytelling, can eliminate institutional racist policies and laws to create economic opportunities for African Americans; and hence, themselves. I urge every corporation to create storytelling programs to
weave your employee/client/supplier base into a seamless diversity quilt.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
Fixing centuries of racism and unequal access will require big changes in how we do business if we are to truly move towards a more equitable, fair, and just economy and society.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
We must foster resilient and just societies in order to solve the major challenges that face the world. So, systemic racism and barriers to equity must be embedded into the sustainability equation and conversation.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS -
Brands are more willing than ever to take public stands in support of important issues. But while many aren’t much more than social media sound bytes, others go
beyond lip service to action.
SUPPLY CHAIN -
New ‘Pandemic Ranking’ from $20T investor network warns that, with over 70% of animal agriculture firms at ‘high risk’ of creating future pandemics, COVID-19 could be the “straw that breaks the meat industry’s back.”
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
Embracing serendipity, climate positivity and wisdom from the natural world are just a few pertinent principles from the host of inspiring discussions on day 1 of the SB Leadership Summit — along with a shift in focus to being “known for what we allocate, not what we accumulate.”
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS -
Myriad opportunities exist to create a new “business as usual,” post-pandemic: People won’t need to be shamed into being more thoughtful or responsible if
sustainable practices become the default in society and in business.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
This pandemic throws a spotlight on the interdependencies between business, nature and society. It may be tempting right now, when it is hard to see beyond the next few weeks, to dismiss the SDGs as a distraction. But they have been described as a “crowd-sourced purchase order from the future” precisely
because they offer a tremendous business opportunity.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
Both Canada and the European Union have unveiled plans to rebuild their post-pandemic recovery plans that put sustainability front and center. Will other governments follow suit?
SUPPLY CHAIN -
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis, a new report from Forum for the Future highlights the critical role of regenerative agricultural practices in delivering future food system resilience.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
“We’re seeing a bit of utopian glimmer coming through, and natural selection chooses what works over and over. So, when we get back to normal, we get this
glorious choice to put back in our lives only what is best, only what we found made life worth living.” — Janine Benyus
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
It is my belief that remote work is part of the solution to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Worldwide coordination, and making even the smallest changes, can make significant differences for planetary health.
COLLABORATION & CO-CREATION -
Last week’s LEAD on Climate 2020 sent a message to Congress that business leaders have not lost sight of the climate crisis — even as they tackle the COVID-19 crisis. Washington should follow their lead.