Have you ever heard the word nurdle?

Sustainability Tips from Colorado Rocky Mountain School Students - minimize food waste

The number of companies delisted since 2008 for repeated failure to meet the UN Global Compact's mandatory annual reporting requirement, also known as the Communication on Progress (COP) policy, has now passed 1,000.

This morning I walked through The Bay and had a look at the many pink products on display as a part of their annual Think Pink program. By purchasing these products consumers can support the work of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).

Anyone who has ever run a 10K or 10 mile race (or longer) knows that you can't start by going all out. You have to work up to cruising speed. And you need to leave something in the tank for the last part of the run. This is seemingly common sense, but for many "running" on Wall Street and within the business community generally, it is a lesson that bears repeating. Long runs require a sustainable pace. And if a business or an investment is to enjoy long-term success, it must create sustainable value.

Today I attended the opening session of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in NYC. It's my second year attending. In many ways, it's similar to other conferences, with plenary sessions, breakouts, networking, etc. In other ways, it's unique. To begin with, as former President Clinton said in his speech to us, "This is the only conference you'll ever attend where the gift bags are empty." Because CGI provides its members with the chance to give to others. There is a great deal of power at CGI. More than 60 current and former heads of state, 500 business leaders, and 400 leaders from NGOs and philanthropic organizations from 84 countries attend. As at most conferences, the real deal making happens outside of the sessions. What makes this conference different is that the pitching and buying is among NGOs and philanthropists/funders. And the matchmaker between the NGOs and funders is President Clinton and CGI. In fact, one of the great success stories we heard today was Global Give Back Circle. For continuation, go to http://3bl.me/ema6v8

Corporate Social Responsible News: Lowe's School Grants; IBM's Iowa Initiative; C5's Sustainable Jewelry

A number of domestic and international considerations have led many political observers to conclude that the Unites States will take legislative action during the remainder of 2009, or in 2010, to address climate change. The goal of these legislative efforts is to achieve a gradual but significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their earlier levels by the middle of the century. Action in this area would be a watershed regulatory and tax development and would affect all types of businesses in many aspects of their operations.

Corporate Social Responsible News: HP + NBA's School Grants; IP Business and Light Years IP's African Investment; Abbott's Sustainable Packaging

The Social Responsibility of business is to increase its profits." Do Milton Friedman's words still ring true today? Did they ever?

Most of the 130,000 jewelry retailers in the United Stated do sell treated gems. The practice is considered ethical only as long as any treatments are disclosed and their degree of permanence taken into account when pricing the gem. Many of the treatments used to enhance the marketability of the gem are not so eco-friendly.

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of the challenges when talking about sustainability is wondering how you (or I) could possibly do anything to help the dire situation our planet is facing. One of the most exciting parts of my Global Sustainability class from last week was the discussion of how entrepreneurs and innovators are looking at sustainability not as a problem, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to make a difference, yes. But also an opportunity to make money.