INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
The Desai Foundation’s advice to purpose-driven organizations dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic is to look beyond the immediate practicalities and be open to new ways to deliver on end goals.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
The 2020 GlobeScan-Ethical Markets “Beyond GDP” survey finds that an average of 72% of people across 11 countries would prefer to broaden GDP to
incorporate these additional data.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Surgical mask upcycling and antimicrobial, reusable packaging solutions are some of the latest initiatives aiming to clean up some of our COVID-fueled,
plastic-covered mess.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
Dole Packaged Foods’ new sustainability commitment is based on a Japanese philosophy called 'sampo yochi' — in which business operates for the good of the seller, the buyer and society.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
With health concerns momentarily outweighing mindful consumption, global efforts to wean the world off of single-use plastics have ground to a halt — and
suddenly, in the race to protect citizens, plastic is everywhere. Thankfully, lockdown has also triggered radical, sustainable innovation and ingenuity.
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.”
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.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
In what could end up being a swan song for the company, CaterCow has truly put altruism ahead of self-preservation during the ongoing pandemic.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
As the COVID crisis wears on, we wanted to applaud 10 more of our Sustainable Brands community members that have donated their time, money and products and/or pivoted their business models to get people in need what they need, fast.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
How nice to stop thinking about COVID for a minute and revel in the potential of some truly groundbreaking creations! Here are some of Fast Company’s most recent
list of 26 World-Changing Ideas that we’re especially excited about …
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
These four Fairtrade-certified brands show that during times of crisis, brands can support their communities — near or far — with some creativity and hard work, regardless of size.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
Deforestation often increases the proximity of bats and other animals to humans, bringing together species that would not otherwise live together and creating a
perfect storm for the creation of new zoonotic diseases.
COLLABORATION & CO-CREATION -
If only we had a reliable system for tracking the spread of the coronavirus, and future outbreaks … The two tech giants are collaborating on just that — and they insist it won’t compromise public privacy.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
It’s during moments of great difficulty that our authentic selves shine through — and the same is true for companies. Long after the COVID-19 crisis passes, the world won’t forget the values-driven companies that led with a conscience. The time is now to decide: How will your brand be remembered?
CONSUMER BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
According to Krukow Behavioral Design, a combination of the right colors, behavioral transmitters and social norms can help fuel the mass behavior change
necessary from stemming the spread of COVID-19.
CONSUMER BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
As individuals, we’re experiencing multiple concurrent responses to the crisis, which confuse and further un-nerve us. We are oscillating between fear and uncertainty, the urgent prompt to act; the rise of compassion and love, and also a need to cocoon and wait it out. These responses are reflections of how we function as human beings.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE -
As CEOs spend time reconnecting with their children at home, investors open laptops at kitchen tables and policymakers have more time than ever to consider our future; is now the time when long-term, sustainable decision-making will finally trump all else?
CONSUMER BEHAVIOR CHANGE -
I suggest we take a deep breath, pause and assess what our reactions to the Coronavirus will do for the climate crisis and sustainability movement. We may be doing more harm than good in taking these drastic actions to cancel events and meetings aimed to solve much bigger, long-term issues.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
While Starbucks trials a NextGen coffee cup solution, COVID-19 concerns lead to reusable cup bans around the globe. Meanwhile, a UK soft drink manufacturer rolls out beverages in seaweed cachets.