CSR Special Report: BSR Conference—Citi’s Sandy Fernandez

Sandy Fernandez, Relationship Manager, Global Community Relations, Citi, at the Business for Social Responsibility Conference, San Francisco, October 21-23

10 fun and easy ways to ensure your kids grow up green

Learning how to care for and respect the planet that we live on is an important lesson for all children to learn.

There’s a wide variety of activities parents can do with their children that will not only teach them how to live a “greener” life, but will also encourage them to be more considerate of their planet.

1. Explore the great outdoors together: Through exploring nature, children are better able to gain an appreciation of the world around them. A nature walk can give you the opportunity to teach your children about life cycles and natural habitats. Find out what animals live in your area and teach your children about them. Write out a list of items you can search for on your walk and make the activity into a fun game.

2. Use Eco Bucks: Eco Bucks can be given out, much like an allowance, for every eco-friendly activity your child does. At the end of the month those dollars can be donated to the environmentally friendly charity of your child’s choice.

3. Read Green: Buy one of the many eco-conscious books on the market such as William is Going Green by James Martin II; My Bag and Me by Karen Farmer; How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World by Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff; and Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

4. Grow an indoor herb garden: Get their little fingers dirty by showing them how to grow their own indoor garden. Ask them what herbs they would like to eat and then let them go to the store and pick out seeds. Explain how a plant’s life cycle works and teach them about the importance of nurturing their garden. When their garden is ready to be harvested, teach them healthy ways to prepare the herbs and allow them to cook a few recipes.

5. Reduce your carbon footprint: Calculate your environmental footprint together by using the online calculator at www.conservationfund.org. Let your children type the numbers into the calculator and then discuss what your “carbon footprint” means. Come up with ways you can all help to reduce your environmental impact. Plan a Carbon Footprint Challenge where you spend the month living more eco-friendly. After the month is over see if you’ve reduced your footprint.

6. Make some paper: Paper making is an easy way to recycle used paper and is very eco-friendly. Invite a few of your children’s friends over to have a paper-making party. Let children choose different patterns and designs for their paper, and teach them about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling.

7. Go bird watching: Try identifying birds in your neighbourhood. Once you have figured out which birds are which, go online and do a little research. Find out what type of nests they live in and what kind of food they eat, then build your very own bird house and bird feeder. This will teach children the importance of caring for and respecting the animals.

8. Pick up litter: Put on gloves and walking shoes, and take the kids out to pick up garbage in your area. Teach them how important it is to clean up after themselves and dispose of garbage in the appropriate places.

9. Plant a tree: Trees are a simple and inexpensive way to help better the planet and fight climate change. Research what trees grow best in your area, and then let your child pick one to plant. Explain to them how trees clean the air, store carbon, increase wildlife habitats, provide shade and prevent flooding.

10. Get the Buzz: Help the diminishing insects by planting the flowers they love. Plant bee and butterfly-friendly flowers in the spring and watch them come calling in the summer. Teach your children about the importance of these insects and the role they play in pollination and how without them, we would not be able to raise the crops that provide our food.

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Rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges Promotes Philanthropy At D.C. Luncheon

Hip-Hop star Chris Ludacris Bridges discusses his foundations achievements at the National Press Club in D.C. Distributed by Tubemogul.

Sustainability Activist, Influencer or Observer? What are you? |

What kind of Sustainability person are you? The question I wanted to pose to you today is whether you believe you are an Activist, Influencer or Observer when you are looking to promote Sustainability? ( I am assuming that you care about our planet, responsible business practice i.e. Sustainability because you are reading this).

I feel that this differentiation is very important in the context of Sustainability and making a difference in this world to change it for the better. Each of these three categories imply positives and negatives in my opinion and I have outlined what I mean with each of these categories below:

Activist
Activists are people that are especially active, vigorous advocates of a sustainability cause. They do what they say in a way that is not always acceptable for the general public.  They shock or break the laws in order to get attention for the cause they are support. This can be positive or negative depending of the persons viewpoint. Activism is very controversial and highly sensible. Do not get me wrong. We need activists but they have a certain extremism which many people can not relate to easily. Examples obviously include the Green NGO’s such as Greenpeace, etc in this world.

Influencer
Influencer’s are people that are a compelling force on their specific topic areas. Their actions, opinions and standpoints effect our behavior directly in the way that we have a close bonding to this person right away or after a short period of time. This is the clear difference to the the activist. Influencer are moderate and measured. I make us change behavior. For a classic example of an influencer in the Sustainability is Al Gore. He did not settle for a fancy post in an organization somewhere after we lost against Bush but traveled the world to promote his message of saving the planet and to raise awareness about Climate Change. His presentations about the progress of climate change stick in your head and you are able to take away the aspects that help you change your behavior. A true influencer.

Observer
Is someone that observes from a distance and does not really get involved and does not participate. We are all observers when we get to know a topic. But once we know about it we have a choice. Either to dive deeper into the information or to move on. I have once read (sorry no source) that 97% of the population are observers.

Question: Who are you? How do you see yourself?
I am definitely a influencer. Or at least this is what I am trying to be. But this is not about me but the message of this post is that we need more influencers in this world. We have enough activists and just to many observers. Influencers are the ones that really have the largest leverage to make change happen in this situation we are in globally.

So if you think you are an observer then please take a moment to reflect and visualize where your passion is with regards to Sustainability. Once you have figured that out then it will be a lot easier to be become an influencer. Passion empowers you to move forward and this is what an influencer and the activist need to do. They do not stand still but move forward and change it. Observing doesn’t get us anywhere so please join me to be an influencer and help us secure our future.

 

Fabian Pattberg is a sustainability/Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and social media professional with many years experience in the sustainability and social media field. Fabian maintains and writes for his blog FabianPattberg.com.

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CSR Minute: BSR Conference: Alex Hahn on Sprint’s new eco-phone “Reclaim”

Alex Hahn, Communications Manager, Environment & Sustainability, on Sprint’s new Samsung “Reclaim” eco-phone at the Business for Social Responsibility Conference, San Francisco, October 21-23

New Book: Nonprofit Executive Compensation – Planning, Performance, and Pay

With nonprofit chief executive compensation coming under increasing scrutiny by the IRS, state regulators, the media, legislators, and potential funders, BoardSource has published a new book that will help nonprofit boards set compensation while maintaining thepublic trust by increasing the transparency and integrity of compensation practices.

Nonprofit Executive Compensation: Planning, Performance, and Pay by Brian H. Vogel and Charles W. Quatt Ph.D.,  is a practical step-by-step guide and reference that will help you establish an effective compensation structure.

It includes

• Information on the impact of the new 990, and how to use its new data

• Guidance on how to use survey data in determining a competitive salary

• Sample compensation committee charter

• Expanded section on legal standards

• Sample chief executive job description

• Guidance on setting and adjusting compensation in difficult economic times

• The board’s role in reviewing compensation for other senior executives beyond the chief executive

While designed primarily for board members, this book is also a valuable resource for chief executives, senior staff, and consultants.

To find out more information, visit http://www.boardsource.org/Bookstore.asp?Item=1112

More Sustainability Tips from Colorado Rocky Mountain School

Problem:On average each of our high school day students drives approx 13.4 miles per day coming and going to campus getting approximately 27.2 miles to the gallon. Will all 67 day students combined, we are using over 80 gallons of gas each day and spending over $350 daily. While those numbers may not sound that significant, when you calculate them out over the course of the school year, it results in 13,200 gallons of gas being consumed costing over $59,000.

Solution: Since many of our day students live close to one another (whether it be in Glenwood Sprigs, Aspen, Basalt or Carbondale) if they would all pair up and carpool to and from school together it could save over $30,000 in gas consumption annually.

For more information go to http://www.crms.org/culture/sustainability/

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Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. Names Edward J. Lopez Chief Diversity Officer

Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE) today announced that Edward J. Lopez has been named Chief Diversity Officer, effective November 1. Mr. Lopez will oversee the company’s global diversity initiatives, and will report to Pam Kimmet, Senior Vice President, Human Resources. Previously, he served as Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for the company.

“With more than 20 years of experience in the legal, public affairs and community relations arenas, Ed will build upon the work Coca-Cola Enterprises has done to ensure diversity remains an integral part of our culture, our approach with our customers, and our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability commitments,” said John F. Brock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Through his leadership and expertise, Ed will drive our global diversity strategy to ensure CCE continues to attract, develop and retain a highly talented and diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.”

“From talent acquisition efforts to engaging a wide range of customers, suppliers and community organizations, CCE continues to incorporate diversity and inclusion into our ongoing, daily business operations,” said Ms. Kimmet. “I look forward to the insights Ed will bring to the established infrastructure we have in place at CCE.”

Before joining CCE in 2007, Mr. Lopez served on the New Mexico Governor’s cabinet as Cabinet Secretary and Superintendent of Regulation and Licensing. From 2000 to 2004, he was President of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation’s Board of Trustees. As President and a member of the board, Mr. Lopez led the foundation in identifying, preserving and enhancing Hispanic arts and humanities. He is also active in the community, currently serving on the board for the National Hispanic Child and Family Development Institute. Prior to these roles, he spent 15 years with the Bell Telephone System as corporate counsel and then vice president/general manager of operations in New Mexico.

“Our employees are the foundation of our business,” said Mr. Lopez. “To help us deliver on our vision of being the best beverage sales and customer service company, it is imperative that we provide our employees with a work environment that continues to allow them to achieve their full potential.”

Mr. Lopez received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in East Lansing, and his Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Coca-Cola Enterprises is the world’s largest marketer, distributor, and producer of bottle and can liquid nonalcoholic refreshment. CCE sells approximately 80 percent of The Coca-Cola Company’s bottle and can volume in North America and is the sole licensed bottler for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, and the Netherlands. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.cokecce.com, and for more information about Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at our Company, please visit http://crs.cokecce.com.

City of Atlanta Launches Pilot Incentive Based Recycling Program

The City of Atlanta announced today that a select group of Atlanta residents will soon be rewarded for their curbside recycling efforts. In an effort to encourage proper recycling habits, boost recycling participation, reduce the amount of recyclables being sent to area landfills and save taxpayer money, City officials introduced the pilot rewards program as an opportune way to move towards a greener, cleaner Atlanta.

In order to complement Atlanta’s existing sustainability initiatives, the City of Atlanta has partnered with Rehrig Pacific, a container company and service provider, to bring a unique incentive based pilot recycling program to its residents.  As part of this pilot program, Rehrig Pacific has collaborated with key sponsor Coca-Cola Recycling, LLC and rewards partner RecycleBank® to offer Atlanta residents a premiere rewards and loyalty program that incentivizes household recycling.  City officials are confident they will see a rise in recycling volumes and a decrease in waste tonnages. In addition to the benefit to the environment, the rewards program will give residents and local businesses a needed economic boost.

The City of Atlanta selected 10,000 households for the incentive based pilot recycling program.  The participating households represent a cross section of recyclers throughout the City.  The RecycleBank® rewards program will encourage better participation in the curbside recycling program.  It will also allow the City to evaluate changes in the amounts of recyclables collected from residents participating in the pilot program.

“Incentive based recycling will help us to meet our recycling and sustainability goals while giving something back to our residents. During today’s recession and economic climate, saving money on groceries, on clothing, or at the pharmacy translates to great value. We have found a way to provide real financial rewards and help the environment at the same time,” said Mayor Franklin.

Each home in the pilot area will receive a brand new 96-gallon blue cart retrofitted with an ID tag to match the cart to the household address and a RecycleBank account number. City trucks have been retrofitted with technology to read the cart ID tag. Upon activating their account with RecycleBank, either online or by phone, the household will begin to earn RecycleBank Points with every pick-up.

Points can be redeemed for rewards, gift cards, groceries, and products at hundreds of local and national RecycleBank Reward Partners. Partners include giant national brands and retailers such as Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, Target.com, Publix, and CVS/pharmacy, as well as local partners like Zoo Atlanta, Radial Café, Rita’s Water Ice, MetroFresh, Edgewood Avenue Pizza, and Six Feet Under. 

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), housed in Atlanta, is a significant player in making the Pilot Program a reality for their local neighbors. Through sponsorship dollars, they have enabled the purchase of the ten-thousand Rehrig Pacific blue recycling carts needed for the Pilot Program.

ABOUT THE PARTNERS

CITY OF ATLANTA
The City of Atlanta Recycling Program is a division of the Department of Public Works /Office of Solid Waste Services
(http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/publicworks/dpwrecyclingprogram_08192008.aspx).  This division promotes and supports recycling initiatives and programs, and educates City employees and the general public about waste reduction and recycling programs and opportunities.  This division also serves as a liaison with local, state, and federal agencies on recycling issues to ensure responsiveness to problems and concerns, prepares grant proposals and maintain records on the City’s recycling programs.  The ReCART incentive based curbside recycling pilot project is a prime example of the City’s efforts to increase the amount of recyclables going to productive end uses rather than to area landfills. 

REHRIG PACIFIC
For nearly 100 years, Rehrig Pacific (www.rehrigpacific.com) has helped companies and communities handle and transport a diverse range of goods using reusable/returnable transport packaging.  Headquartered in Los Angeles, Rehrig is an international company with operations worldwide that manufacture an ever-expanding product line of sustainable packaging products for the agriculture, bakery, beverage, dairy, environmental and retail marketplaces.  Rehrig Pacific’s Environmental Group has been servicing the solid waste and recycling industry for over twenty years, providing rollout carts and recycling bins to waste haulers and municipal customers.   Today, the group has evolved to offer creative and innovative service solutions for containerized refuse and recycling programs throughout North America.

COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES
Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) is the world’s largest marketer, producer, and distributor of bottle and can liquid nonalcoholic refreshment. CCE sells approximately 80 percent of The Coca-Cola Company’s bottle and can volume in North America and is the sole licensed bottle for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, and the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.cokecce.com.

RECYCLEBANK
RecycleBank is a rewards program that motivates people to recycle. Using the RecycleBank proprietary three-step process Recycle, Record, Reward™, we quickly and easily measure the amount of material each home recycles and then convert that activity into RecycleBank Points that can be used at hundreds of local and national rewards partners. RecycleBank is simple to implement, market-driven, and proven to work; saving municipalities’ money and rewarding citizens for their environmental stewardship. Kleiner, Perkins, Caulfield and Byers, RRE Ventures, The Westly Group and Sigma Partners are institutional shareholders. Ron Gonen, the co-founder and CEO, is the largest individual shareholder. RecycleBank is headquartered in New York City. RecycleBank was recently honored as a 2009 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer and has been named as a 2009 Champion of the Earth by the United Nations. Visit www.RecycleBank.com for more information. Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Green Business League – Avoid Greenwashing and earn the respect of your community and your customers as an authentic Green business

We have entered a new period of environmental awareness. The right to assert a Green business status is not the same as brushing on a new coat of green paint. Unfortunately, there are simply too many companies claiming to be a Green business without actually earning their right to be a certified Green business. The idea of an authentically Green business demands that the aspiring Green business literally earn the Green credential through a process that has clear standards and compliance options rather than a mere Internet logo purchase.

Consider the hard issues that we presently face. World population is predicted to swell to nine billion people by 2025, our resources are reaching their limits, and we have abused the land, water, and air for decades. These mistakes have come back to haunt us, and they have the potential of destroying us and the generations after us. Knowing this, Greenwashing is one of the worst decisions that a company can make, and people will resent every business who plays this game.

The Green Business League has set an industry standard when it comes to Green business, and their 100 point system allows everyone to participate. Moreover, the process is all-inclusive. you need not own the building or offer a product to get involved. You need only make a commitment to installing basic Green practices in your daily operation.

One of the big mistakes to avoid is the attempt to Greenwash your business or product by making claims of environmental compliance that are not honest or part of your business operation. Like trying to pretend that you are a chess master as a chess tournament, those who understand Green will eventually learn that you are mocking an issue that is very serious to the rest of us. This is the kind of mistake that will cost businesses heavily. The best advice is to be authentically Green, but do not Greenwash.

An authentic type of Green business is one that have the Green practices at work in its daily operation as well as what it promotes to others. We have all heard it said that, “If you talk the talk, then you should walk the walk.” While this seems to be good and practical advice, it is lost on many marketing efforts. Unfortunately, the truth is often the first casualty in the marketing business. Yet, there is a desire for truthfulness by all consumers because they are the ones hoping for a better world.

Credible Green claims need to be backed by actual Green practices that are implemented in the daily operation of the business. When a business actually functions as a Green business, the dynamics change. Environmentalism requires universal participation rather than doing only the minimum required to make a Green claim. Since most people has limited knowledge on the subject, it is best to get the assistance of a certified Green consultant. The added benefits is a better Greening project, Green certification, and your business will save thousands of dollars in the process.

Authentically Green is not only the intelligent way to Go Green, it is also the best marketing option available to any business. It will attract those that are environmentally loyal because they will travel the extra mile and spend the extra dollar because they believe in the cause. To attract more customers and keep them coming, it pays to be an authentically Green business.

The Green Business League offers insight and certification of nearly any business at a reasonable price that makes the process easy. Acquiring the assistance of a Certified Green Consultant to supply insight and certification that will be respected by clients, community, and other Green businesses. Going Green is the best choice in a day of far too much Greenwashing.

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