UN Women to provide $10.5 million in grants for empowerment projects
The United Nations agency, UN Women, has announced it will give out $10.5 million in grants to organisations working to advance economic and political empowerment of women in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and Central Asia. The Empowerment of Women grants will start at $200,000 for initiatives that will make tangible improvements in the lives of women. “At this moment of historic change, we cannot afford to leave women out. These grants will advance women’s efforts to achieve greater economic and political equality during this time of transition,” said UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet.
CSR Africa http://csrdaily.csrafrica.net/social-initiatives/3833-un-women-to-provide-10-5-million-in-grants-for-empowerment-projects.html
Environment
Cable says green tax must be cut to save companies
Vince Cable is pushing Chancellor George Osborne to scrap a £740 million environmental burden on British business in this month’s budget. It is understood that business department officials have asked the Treasury to remove the carbon reduction commitment (CRC). This forces an estimated 20,000 non-energy intensive businesses that still use lots of electricity and have bills of around £500,000, such as supermarket and hotel chains, to pay a price for every ton of carbon they emit.
The Independent p51 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/cable-says-green-tax-must-be-cut-to-save-companies-7544698.html
Dow expands commitment to habitat for humanity
The Dow Chemical Company has announced a renewed commitment for financial and product contributions to help the non-profit organisation, Habitat for Humanity International, to create safe, affordable housing in partnership with low-income families around the globe. Dow has partnered with Habitat for nearly 30 years, and in 2012 the company will support projects in Africa, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America. As part of its commitment, Dow has pledged nearly $1.5 million to help fund Habitat key projects around the world in 2012.
CSR Europe http://www.csreurope.org/news.php?type=&action=show_news&news_id=4643
Unilever cuts carbon with biomass boiler rollout
Unilever has significantly reduced carbon emissions across its manufacturing operations in India with the installation of biomass boilers. Hindustan Unilever, a subsidary of the consumer goods giant, is rolling out the boilers across a number of key sites – Chiplun, Puducherry, Goa, Nashik, Mysore, Haridwar, Hosur and Kandla. Unilever expects the project will reduce CO2 emissions by 28,314 tonnes per annum in total, 7.8% of the total load, generating cost savings of €2.6 million.
Edie http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?src=dnl&id=22031
Social Investment
The American Red Cross and Dell launch social media operation for humanitarian relief
The American Red Cross and Dell have launched a new social media-based operation devoted to humanitarian relief. The centre will help expand the Red Cross’s ability to engage with the public during emergencies. Dell provided the Red Cross with the unique consulting expertise, technology solutions and funding to architect and build the programme.
Dagoba Organic Chocolate commits to using cacao beans from Rainforest Alliance certified farms
Dagoba® Organic Chocolate announced that their complete line of USDA Certified Organic chocolate products is now being made with cacao beans from Rainforest Alliance certified farms. The certification indicates that the cacao beans were grown on sustainably managed farms that protect forests, rivers, soils and wildlife, while being good community neighbours. Rainforest Alliance certification also ensures that workers have safe working conditions, just wages, better housing and access to education for their children.
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