The U.S. Government’s Green Purchasing Programs Have Some Serious Problems That Need to be Addressed

The U.S. Government’s Green Purchasing Programs Have Some Serious Problems That Need to be Addressed

The Federal government recently issues a new rule that requires that 95 percent of new contract actions be green.This sounds great. But there are some underlying systemic issues related to the timing of the FARC interim ruling. Industry groups and procurement agencies are scratching their heads. Several industry associations requested that the government stop issuing rules that change federal procurement policy without first considering public comment.

Sustainability Marketing 2.0: Consumers, Communication, Conversations and Communities

Sustainability Marketing 2.0: Consumers, Communication, Conversations and Communities

Frank-Martin Belz and Ken Peattie examine the role that online and social media play in sustainability marketing, and how they allow direct interactions between companies and consumers.

ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Guidance May Offer Supply Chain Opportunities to Small-Mid Sized Manufacturing

ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Guidance May Offer Supply Chain Opportunities to Small-Mid Sized Manufacturing

ISO 26000, the global Guidance on Social Responsibility was recently launched. Large to small organizations can strive to be ISO 26000-compliant, stay ahead of the curve and grab the “leader” advantage. Or conversely, companies can risk being a “laggard” and lose vital business opportunities.

How Marketplace Economics Can Help Build a Greener World

How Marketplace Economics Can Help Build a Greener World

green marketplace economicsConsumers now have little information about the true ecological impacts of what they buy. But that may be about to change, as new technologies that track supply chains are emerging and companies as diverse as Unilever and Google look to make their products more sustainable.

Green Business Certifications: What You Need to Know

Green Business Certifications: What You Need to Know

The single greatest barrier to successful business sustainability, according to the Connecticut Business & Industry 2010 Sustainability and Connecticut Business Survey, is lack of knowledge regarding sustainable practices. This barrier also applies to businesses that have begun green initiatives and are now seeking recognition and certification.

‘Gimme Some Truth’: Greenwashing vs Sustainability

‘Gimme Some Truth’: Greenwashing vs Sustainability

Often green washing is not an outright attempt to be deceptive, but rather stems from failing to consider environmental impact measures with the same robust attention as is usually given to more established and familiar measures of business performance.

How to Use Social Media for Better Corporate Social Responsibility

How to Use Social Media for Better Corporate Social Responsibility

As corporate social responsibility and social media collide, David Connor examines the outcome – and provides tips on getting the most from CSR via social media.

Why Social Media Is Vital to Corporate Social Responsibility

Why Social Media Is Vital to Corporate Social Responsibility

Social media has begun to play a key role in how companies shape their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and present themselves as good corporate citizens. The standard for CSR is being redefined and is evolving as a driver of innovation. The bottom line is now three-fold, and is centered around people, planet, and profit. As business leaders strive to build more sustainable and socially responsible entities, formal social media strategies are becoming paramount.

Corporate Social Responsibility’s Seven Best Practices: Avoid Greenwashing Through Stakeholder Engagement

Corporate Social Responsibility’s Seven Best Practices: Avoid Greenwashing Through Stakeholder Engagement

A look at the seven best practices in corporate social responsibility (CSR). They include: setting measurable goals, stakeholder engagement,sustainability issues mapping, sustainability management systems (SMS), lifecycle assessment,sustainability/CSR reporting, and sustainability branding.