Electronics companies release new responses to conflict minerals legislation
Yesterday non-profit Business & Human Rights Resource Centre released its full compilation of responses to concerns raised by Global Witness about the discrepancy between companies proclaiming their support of United States conflict minerals legislation while their business associations were lobbying against the legislation. “Conflict minerals” are certain minerals commonly mined in strife-torn areas of Central Africa thought to fund armed groups that commit human rights abuses. NGOs praised General Electric, Microsoft and Motorola Solutions for "breaking" with the United States Chamber of Commerce on conflict minerals, and called on other companies to follow suit. Mauricio Lazala, Deputy Director of Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, said: “We welcome the action that some companies are taking to address the issue of conflict minerals in supply chains. But we are disappointed to see some business associations repeatedly adopting a regressive approach to human rights issues… Unfortunately it is the associations’ positions that bear most weight in influencing policy.” (CSR Wire)
Supply Chain
Inside the effort to strip toxics from United States hospitals
Five of the largest health care group purchasing organisations (GPOs) in the United States (Amerinet, HealthTrust, MedAssets, Novation and Premier) have been praised for giving up part of their mutual competitive advantage for sustainability. They are working together on a standardised list of questions for suppliers about their products' impact on humans and the environment. It focuses on non-electronic products only and inquires about products' use of natural resources and end-of-life, as well as whether it contains carcinogens or substances such as BPA, polystyrene, PVC or DEHP. This can have a big impact on greening the industry’s supply chain: purchases of the five GPOs represent 90% of all GPO purchases and total $135 billion a year, according to Curtis Rooney, president of the Health Care Supply Chain Association. (GreenBiz)
Environment
Coca-Cola and will.i.am launch Ekocycle brand to promote recycling
The Coca-Cola Company and musical artist and producer will.i.am are partnering to create ‘Ekocycle’, an initiative to brand recycled products and encourage sustainability among young consumers. Ekocycle will partner with well-known brands that sell a variety of lifestyle products – including clothing, handbags, chairs and accessories – made at least partially from recycled materials. Coca-Cola will make a minimum $1 million financial commitment to the Ekocycle brand initiative over the next five years. The company said it will donate its portion of licensing profits from the Ekocycle brand initiative to support additional recycling and community improvement organisations. (Environment Leader)
New solar Feed in Tariff rate comes into force
From today, anyone installing solar panels in the United Kingdom will receive 16 pence per kilowatt hour of electricity generated, compared with 21 pence previously, and will receive the subsidy for 20 years instead of the 25-year duration that was formerly available. Paul Barwell, chief excecutive of the Solar Trade Association, said: "Our figures show that solar is a no-brainer investment. Compared to the returns you can get these days in banks and many other investments, solar provides a very solid and attractive return. That is particularly the case if you consider energy bills are rising faster than anyone expected. Solar gives people the opportunity to take control of their electricity bills and help us move away from damaging fossil-fuel dependence." (GreenWise)
Social Investments
A new foundation to honour Ray Anderson's legacy
The late Ray Anderson, the founder of Interface and a giant in the world of sustainable business, has had a foundation launched in his name. The Ray C. Anderson Foundation aims to inspire and fund “innovative, educational and project-based initiatives that advance the revolution in sustainable production and consumption." (GreenBiz)
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