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Circular Economy

The constant stream of new models, products and processes that are helping organizations extend the useful life of resources and materials while reducing, repurposing and ultimately eliminating waste in all its forms

Financial Future for Factory Farms Looks Grim, Post-COVID

Cross-Posted from 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.”

Pandora Commits to 100% Circular Silver, Gold by 2025

The company says it will also work with suppliers to increase the availability of recycled silver — its most used material — and improve production standards.

‘Quality of Life’ Economists Reveal Planning Tool for Values-Driven Entrepreneurs

Cross-Posted from Innovation & Technology. Happonomy’s Leap Model is a step-by-step plan that helps startups, businesses and organizations strengthen their foundations, evaluate resources and move ideas forward while staying true to their sustainability principles.

Learning from Leadership: How to Create a Climate-Positive, Post-Pandemic Future

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.”

Lest We Forget: We Already Have a Blueprint for Safe, Healthy, Post-COVID Future

Cross-Posted from 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.

Canada, EU Attach Sustainable Strings to Their COVID-Recovery Plans

Cross-Posted from 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?

Benyus: COVID-19 Offers ‘Utopian Glimmer’ of New World, But We Must Give Back to Nature

“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

What Would Carbon Neutrality Mean for Small Businesses?

Cross-Posted from Organizational Governance. No matter the size of your company, there are certainly steps you could be taking to move closer to the elusive dream of net zero. In no way is the path to carbon neutrality easy, but bearing any costs and challenges now could secure the future success of your business.

The World Has Changed, But Investor Interest in ESG Remains. What’s Expected of Your Company?

Cross-Posted from Finance & Investment. As the crisis continues to unfold, ESG topics will continue to grow in importance. Companies will be judged by their ability to withstand financial shocks, but also by how they’ve treated their employees, clients and communities.

Could Staying in Remote Work After Coronavirus Help Solve Our Next Crisis?

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.

Are We Capable of Enacting Lasting, Positive Change After Disruption and Crisis?

Cross-Posted from Organizational Governance. The shadow of the unknown due to COVID could derail progress we’ve made toward a more sustainable future or it can motivate us to do better, faster. Now is the time for stakeholders throughout every organization to dig deep and figure out what they want their future to look like, and how they can make that happen.

155 Business Leaders Push Governments for Net-Zero COVID-Recovery Plan

In the largest-ever, UN-backed, CEO-led climate advocacy effort, major multinationals — all part of the Science Based Targets initiative — reaffirm their own commitments to achieving zero-carbon economy and call on governments to match their ambition.

L’Oréal Pledges €150M to Support Vulnerable Women, Protect the Environment

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to attempt to mitigate its consequences, L’Oréal has announced L’Oréal for the Future — an industry-first social and environmental solidarity program to address two key priorities …

How Gap, MycoWorks, Thousand Fell Are Edging Fashion Closer to Circularity

Cross-Posted from Materials & Packaging. Denim and leather have helped style some of the most iconic fashion statements throughout history — so when taking apparel full circle, it makes sense to start with these types of classic materials that never seem to go out of vogue.

Upcycled Food Industry a Nascent Leader in Sustainability, Climate Solutions

A recent survey of members of the Upcycled Food Association revealed several interesting findings, which I think demonstrates the scale and game-changing potential of the upcycled food opportunity. 

Trending: Public, Private Sectors Rallying to Reduce COVID-Fueled Food Waste

In the face of rampant supply chain disruptions, resulting in mounting food waste, a nationwide distributor and an agricultural powerhouse are doing what they can to cut it out of the equation.

Predictions About the New Normal in Sustainable Investing Post-COVID-19

Cross-Posted from Finance & Investment. Many investment firms are modifying their strategies and valuation models over the long term in the wake of the pandemic. Over the next 12 to 36 months, the following six mega-trends promise to reshape the business practices and investing.

SB’20 Yokohama: Collaboration, Co-Creation Tackling the Challenges Facing Japan and the World

Cross-Posted from Collaboration & Co-Creation. On the theme of “Delivering the Good Life,” SB'20 Yokohama was held on February 19–20 in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. The fourth SB conference in Japan attracted 231 speakers and more than 3,300 attendees, making it the largest-scale event in the global Sustainable Brands community.

New Concept Jacket Designed to Illustrate Viability of Fully Recyclable, Circular Garments

Cross-Posted from Materials & Packaging. DuPont Biomaterials teamed up with Youngone to design a jacket comprised of recycled and plant-based fabrics that can be mechanically recycled at end of life — providing a glimpse into a circular future for textiles.

Scotland’s Circular Ambitions Take (Hopefully Temporary) Back Seat During Pandemic

COVID-19 has delayed both the Scottish Climate Change Plan update and the Scottish Circular Economy Bill. While it’s unclear now whether the latter will ever see the light of day, stakeholders agree that the delay is a welcome opportunity to reassess and strengthen the Bill.