Walking the Talk
These companies have moved beyond pledges and are making good on their commitments to pursuing a purpose beyond profit.
8 Rules for Leaders to Break to Combat Social, Economic and Racial Injustices
Cross-Posted from Leadership. To truly help individuals and ourselves, we need to bust up the system, swim upstream and avoid the herd mentality. We need to take a step back and truly understand our own roles in society — and by doing so, to let go of outdated notions.
KLM Called Out for Misleading Claim That Travelers Can ‘Fly CO2 Zero’
A Dutch advertising watchdog has ruled that a recent ad telling the airline’s customers they could fly carbon-emission free is misleading.
BlackRock ‘Anticipates’ 75% of Portfolio Edging Toward Net Zero by 2030
Cross-Posted from Finance & Investment. While the announcement from the world’s largest asset manager could potentially have significant influence on lowering global emissions, BlackRock’s passive approach is a missed opportunity to actively drive the transition to a low-carbon, net-zero economy.
‘Kaizen’: How Sipsmith Is Fulfilling Its Mission to Create the Best Gin for the World
Despite having been acquired by a global spirits conglomerate, the founders of Sipsmith have been able to redefine their mission and vision for the company — as well as influence others within the global group to join them on the journey.
In a Sea of Low-Price, Profit-Driven Booking Platforms, Kind Traveler Prioritizes Impact
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. Many mainstream travel agents still emphasize low prices and profit, treating both travelers and destinations as commodities; but Kind Traveler challenges the viability of such a model within an industry increasingly shaped by more conscious travelers.
Unilever’s New Sustainability Director Wants Competitors to Close the Gap on ESG Performance
Cross-Posted from Leadership. “We need to keep that competitive advantage and continue to innovate so that we can really make sustainable living commonplace. It’s constant innovation; and we want others to come along on the journey with us.” — Niki King
The Purpose Gloves Are Off: How to Not End Up on the Ropes
Cross-Posted from Organizational Change. The United Way Social Purpose Institute offers a free tool to help companies assess and rate the degree to which their purpose is fully embedded across the company and in its relationships. These are the new techniques that purpose players are expected to demonstrate to stay in the ring …
New Tools Helping Companies Better Track, Meet Ambitious Climate Goals — with No Time to Waste
Cross-Posted from Product, Service & Design Innovation. The emergence of a host of new carbon-monitoring and -tracking tools is better equipping companies with the data to achieve their climate goals — but time is running short to turn this into meaningful action.
How Businesses Can Make Earth Month More Just a Month
Rather than trying to convince people that they should care, like in years past; this Earth Month should be about challenging ourselves to set lasting change into motion. This year, I hope we see more action on the following trends …
More Companies Are Stating a Social Purpose; But Are They Implementing It?
Corporate Knights has developed the world’s first rating system to assess companies’ implementation of their social purpose commitments. Its research finds that the gap between ‘say’ and ‘do’ varies from one company to the next.
Profit, Performance and Impact: The Success Criteria of a Whole Brand
The reality of living in a capitalist society is that we can't simply cut off the production of products and services; the brands that will succeed in the upcoming decades will be those that function holistically, with sustainable actions built in.
What SEC ESG Disclosure Mandates Might Mean for Your Business
Cross-Posted from Marketing and Comms. Earlier this month, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose convened 17 CEOs and key legal leaders to discuss newly proposed environmental and social governance disclosure requirements from the SEC. Here are four key takeaways from the conversation.
Organic Cotton Industry Still Sowing Seeds for Sustainability
Cross-Posted from Supply Chain. As consumer demand for organic cotton soars, so does skepticism over the sustainability of the sector. The response must not be to retreat from organic cotton, but to invest more in supporting farmers to help them make the often-difficult conversion to organic on the ground.
Brands, Ukraine and Upping the Ante on Corporate Social Responsibility
More and more brands are cutting business ties with Russia, but it will not be particularly painful for them; those that do not will suffer greater losses in terms of public support. New criteria for corporate social responsibility have arrived.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: How to Avoid Burnout in Social Impact Careers
Here, Roshan Paul and Ilaina Rabbat, co-founders of the Amani Institute, provide a dashboard for both aspiring and established changemakers to reflect on their motivation, their limitations and their overall fortitude for life in a social impact career.
Sustainability or Spin? Why Straight Facts Matter Most
Cross-Posted from Marketing and Comms. As demand for better brands continues to increase, we can expect an exponential increase in two things: ‘green’ brand claims and the level of public scrutiny. Before your brand team loses time, money and precious brand equity, check out this summary of resources to help you stay the course.
The Sustainable Brands Network, Ukraine & the Power of Community
SB amplifies the actions of its global community and governments in support of Ukraine and reflects on the conflict’s potential impacts on long-term sustainability efforts.
Asian Companies Can Now Find Their Way to Sustainability with the Brand Transformation Roadmap
Sustainable Brands’ proprietary tool was launched in Asia at the 2022 edition of the Sustainable Brands Asia-Pacific conference.
‘Greenwashing Is Dangerous’: Lessons for Purpose-Driven Brands from Innocent’s Recent Lashing
Cross-Posted from Marketing and Comms. Brands now understand the immense benefits of touting their sustainability and purpose credentials; but those with sustainability ‘halos’ aren’t immune to scrutiny over their claims. As Innocent drinks was recently reminded, the stakes have never been higher for getting it wrong.
New Platform to Help Apparel Brands Illuminate Darkest Corners of Supply Chains
Cross-Posted from Supply Chain. Laudes Foundation’s Transparency in Action portal features best practices, expert advice, tools and resources — including information on existing and upcoming legislation — for brands to take informed steps towards transparency and expand their current efforts.
