Research & Policy
Anti-obesity soda tax fails as lobbyists spend millions
More than 35% of American adults and about 17% of youths are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some say taxing soft drinks is one of the most effective ways to reverse the trend. Since the beginning of 2009, PepsiCo Inc., Coca-Cola Co. and the American Beverage Association have spent as much as $70 million on lobbying and issue ads, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a proponent of soda taxes.
Washington Post http://washpost.bloomberg.com/story?docId=1376-M0HI3C0YHQ0X01-3716F3U5NIMU8JTQT6GT0IUGI1
Chinese multinationals becoming more responsible corporate citizens
Leading Chinese international companies are actively developing corporate citizenship efforts according to a new report released by the World Economic Forum. Titled Emerging Best Practices of Chinese Globalisers: The Corporate Global Citizenship Challenge the report gives examples of how Chinese globalisers are aligning their profits with real and lasting contributions to the local communities in which they operate. “This is the first time a comprehensive analysis of the corporate citizenship activities of China’s globalisers has been undertaken,” said Robert Greenhill, managing director and chief business officer at the World Economic Forum. “Our hope is these best practices become standard in the future.”
Marketwatch http://www.marketwatch.com/story/chinese-multinationals-becoming-more-responsible-corporate-citizens-2012-03-13
Social Innovation
Disney announces company-wide initiative to hire, train and support military veterans
The Walt Disney Company has launched ‘Heroes Work Here’, a new company-wide initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans. As part of the initiative, Disney will provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning United States veterans over the next three years, support military families and veterans during their transition into civilian life, and launch a national public awareness campaign to encourage all employers across the United States to hire veterans.
Business Wire http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120313006444/en/Disney-Announces-Heroes-Work-%E2%80%93-Company-Wide-Initiative
Dow funds sustainability fellowship programme at University of Michigan
Dow Chemical Company and the University of Michigan announced a new fellowship programme that will bring together 300 students from all areas of study with the aim of solving pressing sustainability challenges. Dow will provide $10 million over six years to support the ‘Dow Sustainability Fellows Programme’. The multidisciplinary programme will bring together group of students from natural and social sciences, engineering, business, law, public health, public policy, architecture, urban planning, and other disciplines to help solve sustainability challenges.
Sustainable Brands http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/articles/dow-funds-sustainability-fellowship-program-university-michigan
Corporate Reputation
EDF joins FTSE4Good index
EDF Energy has been approved along with 23 other companies to join the FTSE4Good Global Index, after the company moved to boost transparency around nuclear safety and waste management. The French utility will join the index on Monday 19 March, following the FTSE4Good Policy Committee semi-annual review last week. Claude Nahon, EDF Group head of sustainable development, said he hoped its inclusion would provide investors with “highly visible evidence of its advanced industrial capabilities”.
Business Green http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2159074/edf-joins-ftse4good-index-olympic-sponsor-aggreko-axed
Environment
Safeway announces commitment to responsibly sourced paper products
Safeway, Inc, one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, announced that its consumer brand facial tissues and paper towels are now produced according to the environmental and social responsibility standards of the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance. The Forest Stewardship Council uses third-party experts to verify forest management practices and track materials as they are selectively harvested from the forest and become products downstream.
MarketWatch http://www.marketwatch.com/story/safeway-announces-commitment-to-responsibly-sourced-paper-products-2012-03-13
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