Shareholders Press Oil & Gas Companies on Fracking, Climate Change, Environment, Labor, Community
Investor groups, coordinated by Ceres, announced they’ve filed shareholder resolutions with Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, ConocoPhillips and 14 other oil and gas companies, “pressing them to disclose their plans for managing environmental and workplace challenges such as hydraulic fracturing, greenhouse gas emissions and woker safety.”
How to Engage Sustainability Natives
As future generations take the lead in determining our sustainable future and responsible business, how will their innate conceptions and expectations for a responsible economy inform our challenges and solutions?
Business Support for Communities Could be Waning
Consumer boycotts and pocketbook pressure has been effective in the past in changing corporate behavior. How do we keep the pressure on to keep companies incentivized to do the right thing?
In Times of Change, Go Slow to Go Fast
The following is a guest post by our friends at Saybrook University’s Organizational Systems Program (a 3p sponsor) – designed for students who want to understand the nature of organizations, collaborative practices, and transformative change. By Jay G. Cone, Ph.D. student in organizational systems, Saybrook University Three organizations I work with are undergoing restructuring. In [...]
The Green Economy: Does It Include You?
This story, our story, is like a dream where we dream we are falling– falling into a climate that is spinning out of control, falling into an economic crisis that has left millions impoverished, falling into dependence on a dwindling energy supply that is largely in the hands of those we don’t trust. The only thing that can save us from this “bad dream,” is for us to awaken in time. But we must all awaken together for it to work. And the thing that we must do when we all awaken together, to save ourselves, is to embrace the Green Economy.
Recognizing Biases: How Our Minds Fool Us
My late grandmother, when criticized or misunderstood, would often say “we don’t see ourselves.”
While we don’t necessarily respond this way to our clients, customers, colleagues or employers, the truth is, they generally don’t – see themselves, that is, or even know what they are thinking. None of us do.
The Power of Intention to Spark Evolutionary Change
The following is a guest post by our friends at Saybrook University’s Organizational Systems Program (a 3p sponsor) – designed for students who want to understand the nature of organizations, collaborative practices, and transformative change. By Nancy Southern, Ed.D. Over my lifetime, I have learned from experience that holding an intention for change can result [...]
Why Designers Will Become the Next Gen of CEOs
Designers have been taking center stage in companies across many industries and leading them toward profitable outcomes, based on better customer experiences. Over the past five decades, we have evolved the contribution of design past those of pure aesthetics to include strategy, business models, the deployment of technology, leadership, and total business sustainability.
Activating Agency & Accountability in Your Organization
By Jeff Klein In the early 1990s I moved to Santa Fe, NM to work with some friends who were building Seeds of Change, the organic seed (and now food) company. Early on in my work there I became responsible for managing the warehouse, where the seeds were stored, packed and shipped, and where orders [...]
How Public Participation in Belize Changed the Course of Cruising
In late 2009 a private development group, with apparent links to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, submitted a proposal directly to the Prime Minister of Belize and the Ministry of Tourism that called for the establishment of a new cruise port of call in the small southern village of Placencia. The proposal—described by the developers as small scale or “niche” cruise tourism, in contrast to “mass tourism”—catalyzed much discussion and debate on the benefits and drawbacks of this sector in Belize.
The Crossroads of Sustainability, Business and Design is Change
As “change makers,” we encounter resistance to change on a regular basis, both internally and externally. Change is nothing new, but what is new is a growing understanding around why we resist it and what we can do to begin to soften that resistance.
Communicating Effectively to Bridge the Great Divide
Throughout history there has been a great philosophical and fundamental divide in humanity. This divide affects our ability to communicate and find common ground with others of the opposite outlook
The Current State of Microfinance (and Why it Needs an Overhaul)
The following post is part of the course work for “Live Exchange” the foundational course on communication for The MBA Design Strategy Program at California College of the Arts. The rest of the posts are presented here. By Brian Schmierer Microfinance has a long history of helping the bottom of the economic pyramid to build [...]
Happiness is Serious Business
In a world where every day conversations revolve around economic crises, political conflicts and natural disasters, it is no wonder that there is a new found interest in the subject of happiness. As all subjects related to sustainability become increasingly popular, I reflect on the sustainability of the human race and the important role that happiness plays in it.
Building Optimism: American Manufacturing Remerges in a New Form
Can the local manufacturing movement maintain momentum? How is the current economy shaping the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs? The evidence may be more hopeful than you think.
Inbox Overload and Sustainable Collaboration
Examining the changing role of corporate email use and making a case for the Social Enterprise.
Chinese Minimum Wage to Increase by 20%: Is That a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?
On January 1st, 2012, a couple of weeks from now, the minimum wage in Guangdong, the center of China’s automotive, electronics and textile industries will increase by 20%. What does that mean to us? Is it a good thing or a bad thing, and what, if anything, does it have to do with sustainability? Let’s [...]
Social Ventures Create Utopian Future
Social ventures are constantly discovering ways to solve pressing social issues. The biggest underlying obstacle is capital to increase the reach across the world. By implementing a small twist in the way we approach non-profit business models, we can focus the efforts of social entrepreneurs into a force for solving global problems on a global scale.
Taking Proactive Steps Towards Sustainable Parenting
Children are massive consumers. Parents are even more to blame. But we don’t need to buy into the consumerism that surrounds us. Sustainable parenting is a way to save money, spend more quality time with our children and ensure we don’t compromise future generations.
Indian Women Find Self-Reliance Through Embroidery Businesses
In a store in my hometown of Ahmedabad, India, I was immediately charmed by the colorful display of intricate handcrafted embroidery on pillow covers, decorative wall-hangings and silk kurtas. The needlework was simple, yet elegant, distinctive – and yes, expensive. At first I hesitated over whether to spend so much on an embroidered piece I really liked. Then I read the price tag a bit more carefully and noticed that 65 percent of the proceeds went directly to the artisans, and the store itself was affiliated with SEWA, the Self-Employed Women’s Association.
The Six-Step Plan US Cellular Uses to Address Customer Frustrations
You know your industry is broken when 52 percent of customers would rather go to the dentist than your store. You know you have to make a major change when the customer experience ends when the customer leaves your store in handcuffs. That was the incident that drove John Coyle, Senior Director of Innovation and [...]
Can Sustainable Firms Attract Top Employees?
By Ryan M. Pinney Every successful business owner and operations manager understands the importance of human capital: the individual contribution that each employee bestows upon his colleagues and organization is what ultimately drives an organization to succeed. Our best employees are intelligent, equipped, motivated, amicable, and capable. They enjoy conversation and collaboration; they look for [...]
In the Bright Green Future, I will not forget you.
The following post is part of the course work for “Live Exchange” the foundational course on communication for The MBA Design Strategy Program at California College of the Arts. The rest of the posts are presented here. By Amanda Fetterly So fragile this petal the earth, as fragile as love. – Mira The other night [...]
Collaborative Communication: Why Methods Matter
Tackling complex problems, fostering creativity and positive impact requires well-formed teams. This is the future of business. Those with the ability to combine innovative scenarios with well thought out strategy in a collaborative team setting have the potential for outstanding results. The sustainability of innovative teams will require proper communication methods.
Responsible Pet Owners Recycle: Make a New Years Resolution!
Once again the year is coming to a close. Various holiday traditions and media messaging urge us to reflect and consider what we will resolve to do better next time around. Having learned from years past, and borrowing from the mass experience of the U.S. (and possibly the world) population, I say with confidence that the list must be short and the actions simple. Long lists of lofty resolutions seem to be seldom resolved. Instead, I call to arms all dedicated pet owners to pledge to a simple change that could yield enormous impact. I speak of recycling pet food cans.
Becoming Human Again: Life Without Your Mobile Phone
Is there is any way to prevent our society from becoming so dependent on digital communication that we forget how to connect as human beings?
Making Constraints Accomodate You: A Quilting Lesson
Constraints may appear to hinder growth, but a group of quilters from Gee’s Bend, Alabama prove that they truly are the engine of innovation.
iEmployee: Motivate Employees and Avoid a Robot Uprising
Break traditional concepts of “human capital” and achieve business success via employee motivation. And how not to motivate employees based on surprising psychological findings.
Team Building Lessons from Rock Music
Thinking about the links between music and innovation. Can we use this information to change how business teams work? The power of music in business is an untapped market. Musical training could potentially create more collaborative and creative teams.
The Power of a Population
As we seek to discover new methods of generating and harnessing energy, there is one source that is worth discussing: the human body.
Current Engagements
Where We’re Going
Have your event listed here.
Webinar: Feb 17Greening Stonyfield Farm: As a consultant with Stonyfield Farm for the past 12 years, Switzer Fellow Tim Greiner will discuss efforts to broaden and deepen sustainability within the company. He will discuss the company's efforts to track its environmental impacts, barriers the company had to overcome.
Webinar: Feb 29Product Scorecards for Sustainability: Product scorecards that detail and evaluate environmental and sustainability aspects of products are increasingly adopted by leading companies. This webinar covers the best practices in this area and a case study by Seventh Generation.
NY: Mar 19-20Wall Street Green: The longest running and most comprehensive environmental market event in the industry. The Wall Street Green Summit covers cutting edge content, industry developments and features the practitioners and the leaders of tomorrow.
Bay Area: Mar 22-23GRI Certified Training: Demand for sustainability experts is growing rapidly as companies look for proven professionals. For companies, GRI trained employees mean faster implementations and better use of the GRI Sustainability Reporting Framework. Join our partner ISOS group for this two day session. Early bird discounts apply!
SF: Mar 26-28Cleantech Forum San Francisco: The 2012 Cleantech Forum San Francisco will mark the 10th anniversary of Cleantech Forums, the annual gathering of the global clean technology innovation community. Our theme this year is “The Power of Global Partnerships,” an exploration of how strategic relationships are playing an ever more important role in the future of clean technology. For a $300 Discount use code "VIPofTriplePundit " More Info.
SF: April 10-12 Navigating the American Carbon World: The must-attend event for professionals in the carbon landscape. Over the past decade, NACW has consistently provided informative content, thoughtful discussions and outstanding opportunities for collaboration.
Have your event listed here.
Webinar: Feb 17Greening Stonyfield Farm: As a consultant with Stonyfield Farm for the past 12 years, Switzer Fellow Tim Greiner will discuss efforts to broaden and deepen sustainability within the company. He will discuss the company's efforts to track its environmental impacts, barriers the company had to overcome.Webinar: Feb 29Product Scorecards for Sustainability: Product scorecards that detail and evaluate environmental and sustainability aspects of products are increasingly adopted by leading companies. This webinar covers the best practices in this area and a case study by Seventh Generation.NY: Mar 19-20Wall Street Green: The longest running and most comprehensive environmental market event in the industry. The Wall Street Green Summit covers cutting edge content, industry developments and features the practitioners and the leaders of tomorrow.Bay Area: Mar 22-23GRI Certified Training: Demand for sustainability experts is growing rapidly as companies look for proven professionals. For companies, GRI trained employees mean faster implementations and better use of the GRI Sustainability Reporting Framework. Join our partner ISOS group for this two day session. Early bird discounts apply!SF: Mar 26-28Cleantech Forum San Francisco: The 2012 Cleantech Forum San Francisco will mark the 10th anniversary of Cleantech Forums, the annual gathering of the global clean technology innovation community. Our theme this year is “The Power of Global Partnerships,” an exploration of how strategic relationships are playing an ever more important role in the future of clean technology. For a $300 Discount use code "VIPofTriplePundit " More Info.SF: April 10-12 Navigating the American Carbon World: The must-attend event for professionals in the carbon landscape. Over the past decade, NACW has consistently provided informative content, thoughtful discussions and outstanding opportunities for collaboration.Have your event listed here.
Partners
Recent Comments