Research focuses on the use of recyclled carbon fiber composite materials

SOURCE:Boeing

DESCRIPTION:

November 6, 2015 /3BL Media/ - Boeing (NYSE: BA), Washington State University, and the Washington Stormwater Center announced today that they will collaborate to research and develop stronger permeable pavement through the use of recycled carbon fiber composite material.

Improving permeable pavement – a porous concrete or asphalt product that allows stormwater to seep into the ground instead of running off to waterways – has been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a positive step to mitigating stormwater issues in Washington state. According to the EPA, permeable pavement improves water quality by reducing flow, filtering pollutants and returning water back to the water table.

Boeing is supporting the Washington Stormwater Center through a $212,000 research grant and donation of carbon fiber composite material. The grant will support research programs at the Washington State University (WSU) Research and Extension Center in Puyallup, Wash., and on the WSU Pullman campus.

Read more on Boeing.com.

Tweet me:.@Boeing, @WaStormCenter research use of recycled carbon fiber composites to strengthen permeable pavement http://3bl.me/7ba4kf

Contact Info:

Stephanie Miller
Boeing Environment Communications
+1 (425) 237-8853
stephanie.a.miller3@boeing.com

Brett Stav
Washington State University
+1 (509) 335-8189
brett.stav@wsu.edu

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, Water, Boeing, csr, CSG, water quality, washington, Washington Stormwater Center, Washington State University, stormwater

SOURCE:Ceres

DESCRIPTION:

November 6, 2015 /3BL Media/ - Ceres and its investor members have engaged with ExxonMobil and its predecessor companies for decades. Our message all along has been clear: disclose the risks of climate change to investors, and tell us what you are doing to manage those risks. We have long warned the company that failure to do so could bring about significant liability.

Despite our long engagement, ExxonMobil has continued to have a poor record of disclosure on this key business risk issue. Just this year, Ceres and 65 investors called on the Securities and Exchange Commission to require better climate disclosures from Exxon and others.

As a result, we believe that the allegations that the New York Attorney General’s office is investigating raise significant concerns that need to be addressed. Exxon was, and is, subject to an obligation to ensure the company is properly disclosing these material risks to investors.

While the NY AG’s current efforts focus on ExxonMobil, we believe that this action represents a potential tipping point not just for Exxon but for the industry as a whole. It reveals just how much risk the industry has taken on through its work to deny and suppress the risks of climate change, and tilts the risk/reward equation firmly in favor of the industry playing a constructive role in the climate debate.

This groundbreaking investigation underscores that climate risk is not only an issue for environmental advocates. Climate change and the urgent need to address it has grown into a serious financial risk that materially impacts the value of companies. Investors deserve a clear and open accounting of how climate change affects their investments and how companies like Exxon are adapting (or failing to adapt) to manage these risks.

As ExxonMobil prepares to select a new CEO, this presents an opportunity for ExxonMobil to marshal its financial and scientific resources to play a very different role by supporting strong climate action now.

Statement from Ceres Oil & Gas Director Andrew Logan. 

Tweet me:Is the investigation of ExxonMobil a tipping point for the entire industry? #carbonassetrisk @CeresNews http://bit.ly/1LVB3gG

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, Ethical Production and Consumption, ExxonMobile, fossil fuels, Carbon Asset Risk, Carbon Asset Risk Initiative, SEC, CERES

SOURCE:PYXERA Global

DESCRIPTION:

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! This week is the #SDGforum Broadcast! Streamed live on pyxeraglobal.org on November 12, 10 am – 1pm ET, this LIVE broadcast will feature insights from the 2-day in-person event.  As a Virtual Host Committee member, your voice is instrumental in this online conversation. 

We’re excited to announce that our friends at the United Nations Foundation will moderate the Twitter conversation #SDGforum.

Tweet Me: I will join @unfoundation @sapcsr @dowchemical at #SDGforum LIVE Broadcast on 11/12, 10 – 1 EST #GlobalGoals http://bit.ly/1RshWwO

#GLOBALGOALS FEATURE ISSUE: #ENVIRONMENT

@DowChemical + @Nature_org: The Dow Chemical Company and The Nature Conservancy are creating something extraordinary. These courageous collaborators are uncovering new approaches that help account for the value of nature in business. The result? It’s a win-win for both business and nature.

·         Tweet Me: [VIDEO] Here’s how @nature_org + @dowchemical are changing the game #naturalcapital https://youtu.be/FFx2YAJ1iP8 #SDGforum

·         Tweet Me: Let’s talk about #SDG 13 & 15 w/ @DowChemical & @nature_org at the #SDGforum Broadcast 10 a.m. EST Nov 12 at http://bit.ly/1RshWwO
·         Tweet Me: What’s the value of a swamp? @DowChemical + @nature_org = #courageouscollaboration #SDGforum http://bit.ly/1Lkp5NA

@JPMC + @Nature_org:  JPMorgan Chase and The Nature Conservancy teamed up for an unheard-of approach. This unlikely collaboration led to NatureVest, and it’s transforming the way we protect nature.

·         Tweet Me: Can a bank help save the environment? Find out at the #SDGforum LIVE Broadcast on 11/12 http://bit.ly/1RshWwO @JPMC @naturevest
·         Tweet Me: Why did @Nature_Org & @JPMC invest $1 billion in #nature? Find out at #SDGforum 11/12, 10 – 1 ET http://bit.ly/1RshWwO http://bit.ly/1WxgWNZ

·         Tweet Me:  .@Nature_Org + @JPMC = #AspirationtoAchievement  #INVESTINNATURE Tune in 2 #SDGforum  11/12, 10 – 1 ET http://bit.ly/1RshWwO

Tweet me: MARK YOUR CALENDAR! This week is the #SDGforum Broadcast! Streamed live on http://3bl.me/3bc26r @PYXERAGlobal

KEYWORDS: Events, Conferences & Webinars, Global Goals, SDGs, sustainable development goals, PYXERA Global, Global Engagement Forum, Global Engagement Forum Broadcast, broadcast

How can we get food to the 800 million hungry people in the world?

SOURCE:UPS

DESCRIPTION:

Esther Ndichu | UPS 

Summary:

From the air, Dadaab isn’t visible – and then it slowly comes into focus. The huge empty expanse of red dust looks like a terracotta platter dotted with pepper. But as you draw closer, the black specks grow and change color, and the bare platter fills.

As we begin our descent it becomes clear that this arid expanse of white, blue and brown is actually a vast expanse of tents. Row upon row.

An area designed for 90,000 is now home to nearly half a million people.Effectively, a city as large as Miami. But this is not a city in the conventional sense – this is Dadaab, the largest refugee camp in the world, a place where hunger is rampant.

But hunger isn’t exclusive to refugee camps; it is a global epidemic. There are nearly 800 million hungry people in the world, and more than 18 million of them live in places like North America, Europe and Australia.

But when many people think about hunger, we often think the problem is a lack of food. Ironically, that’s not the problem at all. There’s actually enough food available to feed all the people in the world.

The real problem is a lack of logistics. Watch my TED Talk to see how logistics can help solve this complex problem.

Click here to learn more about Esther.

Esther Ndichu is director of the UPS Humanitarian Supply Chain. She is based in Brussels.

Reprinted with permission of Longitudes, the UPS blog devoted to the trends shaping the global economy.

Tweet me:TED@UPS: The Key to Solving Hunger http://bit.ly/1kMgAlM via @UPSLongitudes

KEYWORDS: Events, Conferences & Webinars, Philanthropy, Humanitarian Relief, Solving Hunger, UPS, logistics, TED@UPS

"Bloomberg Markets"

SOURCE:Bloomberg

DESCRIPTION:

Andrew Winston, Winston Eco-Strategies founder and author of "The Big Pivot," discusses President Barack Obama's rejection of TransCanada’s bid to build the Keystone XL pipeline. He speaks with Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu and Alix Steel on "Bloomberg Markets." Watch the clip here.

Tweet me:Andrew Winston, author of "The Big Pivot," discusses President Obama's rejection of #Keystone XL pipeline http://3bl.me/6s5t4s

KEYWORDS: Energy, Business & Trade, Keystone XL Pipeline, Bloomberg

David Sheasby, Head of Governance and Sustainability at Martin Currie Shares His Perspective

SOURCE:Legg Mason

DESCRIPTION:

"Imagine the scenario. A large multinational with a secure market position, steady cash flows and a healthy balance sheet suddenly and unexpectedly gets news of a regulatory change that will have a significantly negative impact on its business. Almost overnight the company is forced to write off millions in the value of its assets, projected cash flows are obliterated and the equity valuation is demolished. It’s the stuff of nightmares for every shareholder, but a prospect that is now increasingly in the forefront of investors’ minds." Quote by David Sheasby, Head of Governance and Sustainability at Martin Currie.

The issue of stranded assets – when changes in regulations, technology or public opinion can lead to the assets companies own becoming worth less (or even worthless) in the market compared against their balance sheet – has cropped up with significant frequency in recent years. But how exactly can investors understand and deal with the risks?

Read the full article.

TN15-560

Tweet me:David Sheasby shares his perspective on stranded assets #MartinCurrie @LeggMason http://3bl.me/w3rq8h

KEYWORDS: Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Environment and Climate Change, governance, Shareholders, Principles for Responsible Investment, PIR, agricultural, e-cigarettes, asset stranding, Government Pension Fund Global, University of Glasgow, sustainability

SOURCE:BSR

DESCRIPTION:

In a plenary address at the BSR Conference 2015, Denise Morrison, CEO of Campbell Soup Company, highlighted how leadership and purpose create resilience in business.

"As the leader of Campbell's, I know we can make a profit and make a difference. I’m personally committed to modeling resiliency in our business, through our leaders driven by leading with purpose," said Morrison. 

Following her address, Morrison joined a conversation with BSR's Senior Vice President of Advisory Services Eric Olson, and answered live questions from BSR Conference participants and Twitter.

Watch the full video below:

The BSR Conference 2015, which took place November 3-5 in San Francisco, gathered sustainability leaders from business, government, and civil society to explore the theme of “Resilient Business, Resilient World.” 

Tweet me:#CEODenise Morrison of @CampbellSoupCo, Explores Leadership, Purpose at #BSR15: http://bit.ly/1QjPQVM

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Business Ethics, #BSR15, BSR, BSR conference, Campbell Soup Company, Denise Morrison

By Lauren Zaepfel

SOURCE:Republic Services

DESCRIPTION:

Although trick-or-treaters are gearing up for Halloween night, residents and officials of the Town of Niagara have already begun preparing for the upcoming winter holidays.

The 11th annual Electric Lights Parade is set to take off from Fourth Avenue and down Military Road at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7.

The parade is organized and presented by the Town of Niagara and the Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association Inc.

Applications to take part in the parade lineup are currently being accepted until Nov. 2 and can be obtained online at www.tnbpa.com or directly at the Town of Niagara clerk's office.

Last year, the parade drew several thousand spectators, along with the hundreds of participants who played in bands, coasted on floats and, of course, handed out candy.

"It kicks off the holiday season. For some people, they'll say it's a little too early, but the holiday season to us includes Thanksgiving and that's why we always do the first Saturday of November and I see a lot of people year after year coming out for it and they enjoy it ..." Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association President and parade Chairman Gary Strenkoski said.

Strenkoski describes himself as merely "the leader of the pack," as numerous volunteers from several local organizations help make the parade possible.

Town of Niagara Business and Professional Association members help put on the parade from setting up signs beforehand, to cleaning Military Road the morning after.

Another organization known to help out with the parade is the Niagara-Wheatfield Kiwanis Club. Members arrive early to help all participants line up at their proper stations, making "order out of chaos."

"We'd be in huge trouble without them," Strenkoski said.

For the past several years, the parade's major sponsor has been Republic Services - Allied Waste Industries of Niagara Falls, which owns and operates the Niagara Falls sanitary landfill.

The majority of the landfill sits in the Town of Niagara, which therefore serves as its host community.

Click here to continue reading on WNYPapers.com

Tweet me:Town of Niagara to kick off holiday season with annual event. @RepublicService returns as sponsor. http://bit.ly/1H4EVb3 via @wnypapers

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Niagara-Wheatfield Tribune, Island Dispatch, Lewiston-Porter Sentinel, Republic Services

SOURCE:Ray C. Anderson Foundation

DESCRIPTION:

So what do alternative concretes, grazing and pasture management, smart thermostats and girls’ education in the developing world have in common? Actually, let me add a few more to the list: biochar, afforestation, micro-grids, smart glass, improved child healthcare, commercial recycling, living buildings and airplane fuel efficiency.

Read more.

Tweet me:Our Monday Ecocentricity Blog is published. http://bit.ly/1klbr47 @johnalanierRCAF @ProjectDrawdown

Contact Info:

Valerie Bennett
Ray C. Anderson Foundation
+1 (770) 317-5858
valerie@raycandersonfoundation.org

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, Business & Trade, Project Drawdown, Paul Hawken, alternative concrete, grazing management, pasture management, sustainable farming, sustainable agriculture, smart thermostats, girls issues, girls education, Biochar, Afforestation, Micro Grids, Smart Glass, child healthcare, living buildings, commercial recycling, airplane fuel efficiency, climate mitigation solutions, climate change mitigation

National Grid has been recognised by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its transparent approach and quality of carbon emissions data.

SOURCE:National Grid

DESCRIPTION:

• National Grid recognised by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its transparent approach and quality of climate change data.
• National Grid awarded a position on the FTSE 350 Climate Change Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI) for the third year running.

November 9, 2015 /3BL Media/ - National Grid has been recognised as a FTSE 350 leader by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), for the quality of information it has provided about its C02 emissions.

The energy network company scored 99 out of a possible 100, when disclosing high quality carbon emissions and energy data through CDP’s climate change programme.

National Grid’s score, which was independently assessed against CDP’s well-respected scoring methodology, means it has been awarded a position on the UK FTSE 350 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI) for the third year running. Only those organisations that score within the top 10% constitute the CDLI.

Stuart Bailey, head of sustainability and climate change at National Grid, said: “Being recognised as a FTSE 350 leader by the CDP is a great achievement for National Grid. It demonstrates our transparent approach and the in-depth detail we have provided about our carbon emissions.

“This is the third year running we have been awarded a position on CDLI and builds on the success we enjoyed last year. By benchmarking and tracking the amount of carbon dioxide we emit, we can not only monitor progress, but also set clear goals for the future.”

Paul Dickinson, executive chairman and co-founder of CDP added: “As the world looks beyond the Paris climate change negotiations and prepares for a low carbon future, reliable information about how companies are responding to the transition will be ever more valuable. For this reason we congratulate those businesses that have achieved a position on CDP’s Climate Disclosure Leadership Index.”

At the request of 822 investors who represent US $95 trillion in assets, thousands of companies submit annual climate change disclosures to CDP. Top scores indicate a high level of transparency in the disclosure of climate change-related information, providing investors with a level of comfort to assess corporate accountability and preparedness for changing market demands and emissions regulation.

For more information please visit our website, or our Connecting website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, friend us on Facebook, find our photos on Instagram

Contact for media information only

Press Officer
David Lavender
david.lavender2@nationalgrid.com 
+44 (0)7989 665946 
+44 (0)1926 653942 

Notes to Editors:

National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world and was named Responsible Business of the Year 2014 by Business in the Community. This accolade acknowledges all of our efforts in getting involve with the things that really matter to us and to society. We own and manage the grids that connect people to the energy they need, from whatever the source.  In Britain and the north-eastern states of the US we run systems that deliver gas and electricity to millions of people, businesses and communities.

In Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.  In the North Eastern US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles.

National Grid in the UK:

• We own the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operating it across Great Britain
• We own and operate the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain
• Our gas distribution business delivers gas to 10.9 million homes and businesses
• We also own a number of related businesses including LNG importation, land remediation and metering
• National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service free phone line on behalf of the industry - 0800 111 999 (all calls are recorded and may be monitored).
• Our portfolio of other businesses is mainly concerned with infrastructure provision and related services where we can exploit our core skills and assets to create value. These businesses operate in areas such as Metering, Grain LNG Import, Interconnectors and Property. National Grid Carbon Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Grid. It undertakes Carbon Capture Storage related activities on behalf of National Grid.

Find out more about the energy challenge and how National Grid is helping find solutions to some of the challenges we face at www.nationalgridconnecting.com

National Grid undertakes no obligation to update any of the information contained in this release, which speaks only as at the date of this release, unless required by law or regulation.

Tweet me:.@nationalgriduk recognized as a FTSE 350 leader for the quality of information provided about our CO2 emissions http://3bl.me/v45fqm

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, Climate Change Data Transparency, National Grid, CO2emissions, CDP, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island

A recent donation campaign collected $13,000 worth of toiletries and other basic necessities.

SOURCE:Edison International

DESCRIPTION:

Half of those who have fled the Syrian civil war are children who face an extreme risk of malnourishment, exploitation and abuse. This year, 3,200 children have died and 1 million more have been wounded. And they all lack the basic necessities to survive.

Southern California Edison employees recently rallied to collect donations to help refugees.

Read full story in Edison's Online Newsroom.

Tweet me:.@SCE employees collect donations for #SyrianRefugees.http://3bl.me/8kfrkz

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Positive Change, Southern California Edison, Syrian refugee

by Antonio Pasolini

SOURCE:Justmeans

DESCRIPTION:

Indonesia has become the site of the greatest environmental disaster of the 21st century. Since August, raging fires have enveloped the country in a film of smoke. Wildlife, including the iconic orangutan, has been displaced or burned alive, and one third of them are in serious danger in the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Rhinos and tigers are also threatened.

Fires are nothing new in Indonesia—they are deliberately started to make way for palm oil plantations and other crops. But this year, due to a stronger-than-usual El Nino season, the fires have spread to national parks and primary forests, home to already endangered wildlife.

The problem is so massive that it affects the whole globe. According to the Global Fire Emissions Database, so far there have been around 100,000 active fire detections in Indonesia. Since September, they have generated more daily emissions than the average U.S. economic activity.

To continue reading, click here

Image credit: OuTrop

Corporate Social Responsibility writer for Justmeans, Antonio Pasolini is a journalist based in Brazil who writes about alternative energy, green living and sustainability. Besides Just Means, he contributes articles on emerging technology to Gizmag. He is also a happy herbivore.

Tweet me:Protecting #Indonesia's rainforests and wildlife from fires http://bit.ly/1WIOJUF via @Justmeans #climatechange

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, Trees, Justmeans, Indonesia, fire, Rainforest, orangutans

SOURCE:Booz Allen Hamilton

DESCRIPTION:

Booz Allen Executive Vice President Robin Portman and Principal Christine Lucy will be honored at the March of Dimes’ 15^th Annual Heroines of Washington Gala on Tuesday, November 10 in Tyson’s Corner, VA.

Robin Portman, who leads Booz Allen’s corporate growth function, is a finalist for the prestigious Heroine of Washington Award in recognition of her outstanding personal commitment to community service, and her role in inspiring Booz Allen employees to become involved in their communities. Portman has worked with a number of nonprofits over the years, focusing on those serving veterans, caregivers, LBGT teens, and disabled adults. In addition, she served as the chair of the 2015 Advocacy Awards for Easter Seals Serving DC, MD, and VA, and led a team that achieved the highest fundraising goal in that event’s history. Portman continues to support Easter Seals, while taking on leadership roles for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the University of Maryland, and Service Source. “I’m honored to be recognized for work I am passionate about,” Portman said. “And I’ve been fortunate to have so many colleagues and friends at Booz Allen who share that passion, and join me in supporting the important work of non-profits making a difference in our communities every day.”

Christine Lucy, a Principal in Booz Allen’s Legal Department, and her family are serving as the March of Dimes 2016 ambassador family, and will be honored at the event. Guests will be treated to a video of their inspiring story and how the March of Dimes has impacted and benefitted the family. By serving in this volunteer role, Christine and her family benefit March of Dimes by helping them to demonstrate the importance of their programs. Christine said, “Five years ago, my twins were born premature and faced numerous medical challenges.  The fact that they thrived and are healthy, happy children now is a credit to the medical research funded by the March of Dimes.  My family and I are honored to have been asked to serve as the 2016 National/Capital Region March of Dimes Ambassador family.  It means a lot to us to be given the opportunity to do our part to bring awareness to this critical cause, to continue the fight to end premature birth and to ensure all babies receive the healthiest possible start in their lives.”

The 15th Annual Heroines of Washington, presented by the March of Dimes, is a testimonial gala that recognizes and honors women for their leadership and philanthropic dedication to the community. Heroines of Washington is one of Washington’s most unique events, recognizing and honoring women in the DC Metro Area for their dedication to community service. Formerly Heroines in Technology, in response to the growing demand from the community, the March of Dimes has expanded this gala to honor women for their community service in various industries.  Since 2001 the March of Dimes has honored 87 “heroines” and raised more than $2.1 million to make sure one day all babies are born full term and healthy.  Guests include directors, CEOs and other high-level individuals from local corporations and government agencies.

Tweet me:Proud of @BoozAllen leaders & volunteers Robin Portman & Christine Lucy, honored by @MarchofDimes http://3bl.me/64w5wh

KEYWORDS: Awards and Recognition, Business & Trade, March of Dimes, Booz Allen Hamilton, Robin Portman, Heroine of Washington, volunteerism, Spirit of Service

SOURCE:3BL Media, LLC

DESCRIPTION:

More awards and more ratings of companies engaged in CSR and sustainability practices are being released. CDP has named 113 companies to its A-list of those addressing climate change, including Unilever, Microsoft, Samsung, Citigroup, Apple, Google, BMW, Nissan, L’Oreal, and Nestlé. And the EPA has honored 22 Green Power Partners and three renewable energy suppliers, including H&M, TD Bank, Microsoft, GM, Intel, Kohl’s, Kaiser Permanente, Apple, and Northwestern University.

I’m John Howell for 3BL Media.

You might ask, what’s the purpose of so many lists, rankings, ratings, and awards, each with its own methodology, context, and agenda? One short answer is that they grab readers’ attention in this ADD age by providing a quick overview of who’s doing what. A deeper answer is that we need to know which companies can be vouched for as doing good, as evaluated by the many credible organizations who do the hard research work to find out. When the same brands show up repeatedly in different lists, ratings, rankings, and awards, you can bet they’re doing something worthy.

It seems worthwhile to draw all possible attention to the best efforts of the business leaders in CSR and sustainability. 

Video source: More Awards, More Lists Recognize CSR and Sustainability Leadership

Tweet me:Recognizing key players in #CSR and #sustainability http://3bl.me/ak22g5 via @3BLMedia #CSRminute

KEYWORDS: Awards and Recognition, Company Ratings, CSR Minute, 3bl media llc

SOURCE:Points of Light

DESCRIPTION:

This week, in honor of Veterans Day, we celebrate the men and women who have served our country, who today are channeling that impulse to serve to make a difference in their communities. Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree, Sean Gobin.

Sometimes a walk in the woods isn’t just a walk in the woods.

Sometimes, that walk is a healing journey, a revitalizing chance to process, reflect and rediscover faith in humanity and oneself.

That’s what happened to Sean Gobin, a 15-year veteran of the Marine Corps who left the military and returned to Charlottesville, Virginia, after three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Gobin had always wanted to hike all 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which he did with another veteran buddy.

“About two-thirds of the way through I realized that something profound was going on,” says Gobin, 40. “The hike was a therapeutic experience, something I thought other veterans could benefit from.”

Since 2001, more than 2.5 million veterans have returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan but many have never transitioned and continue to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Gobin saw a way to change that, and founded Warrior Hike, a nonprofit outdoor therapy program that helps combat veterans transition by hiking the country's national scenic trails.

Spending eight hours a day for up to six months in nature offers the time and space to decompress, explains Gobin. Hiking with other veterans – people who understand what you’ve been through – is also critical, he adds.

“Every week our veterans are hosted by a local family for a meal and an overnight stay along the way. When you’ve experienced the worst of humanity, it’s easy to become cynical. Reconnecting to simple is a healing thing,” says Gobin. 

Read the rest of the story on the Points of Light blog.

Tweet me:A walk in the woods leads to an unexpected journey for this veteran. http://bit.ly/1QqjcSi #VeteransDay @WarriorHike | via @PointsofLight

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Awards and Recognition, Points of Light, Daily Point of Light Award, Warrior Hike, veterans day, Appalachian Trail, Veterans, Marine Corps, AllforGood.org

SOURCE:Goldcorp

SUMMARY:

View in English 

DESCRIPTION:

Dans l’ouest du Canada, les populations vibrantes de saumons ont longtemps été considérées comme un important indicateur de la santé de l’écosystème environnant.

Leur migration annuelle est un miracle de la nature. Chaque année, des millions de saumons adultes partent l’océan pour retourner à leurs cours d’eau natals en Colombie-Britannique, où ils pondent leurs œufs et engendrent la prochaine génération de leur espèce. Néanmoins, un bien moins grand nombre de saumons revient à leur lieu de reproduction en eau douce qu’il y a quelques décennies, ce qui est une mauvaise nouvelle pour les 130 espèces et plus qui dépendent des riches nutriments marins que les saumons sauvages fournissent. 

Rick Grange, associé du West Coast Fishing Club à Haida Gwaii, situé au large de la côte nord-ouest de la Colombie-Britannique, est préoccupé par la baisse marquée des populations de saumons dans la province.

« Lorsque nous avons établi le camp de pêche il y a 25 ans, nous nous sommes engagés à remettre plus de poissons dans l’océan que ce que nous en sortirions », dit M. Grange, ce qui l’a amené à fonder en 1999 la Haida Gwaii Salmon Unlimited Conservation and Fishing Initiatives (Unlimited), une fondation consacrée à la protection des pêcheries et habitats côtiers essentiels.

Grâce à un don opportun de 10 000 $ de la part de Goldcorp permettant d’acheter des aliments bienvenus pour le saumon, Unlimited réalise de nouveaux progrès dans le rétablissement des stocks de saumons sur la côte pour la période du frai de 2015, par l’entremise de l’écloserie de la rivière Yakoun.

L’écloserie de la rivière Yakoun a été endifficultés financières depuis des dizaines d’années et dépend largement sur des bénévoles. La fondation Unlimited compense le déficit d’exploitation de l’écloserie depuis plusieurs années, et s’est récemment engagée à verser 100 000 $ sur trois ans afin d’améliorer l’habitat et les stocks de l’écloserie. 

« Bien que l’écloserie de la rivière Yakoun est permis de recueillir 250 000 œufs pour l’élevage du saumon de printemps, les fonds qu’elle possédait ne lui permettaient d’en recueillir que la moitié », souligne M. Grange. « Le don de Goldcorp tombe particulièrement à point, car l’écloserie commence maintenant à remonter la pente. Nous espérons obtenir jusqu’à 500 000 œufs dans un avenir proche. »

Goldcorp a joué un rôle de premier plan au cours des dernières années dans l’appui aux programmes de conservation et de mise en valeur du saumon du Pacifique en Colombie-Britannique, où est situé son siège social. En 2012, l’entreprise a versé un million de dollars sur trois ans à la Fondation du saumon du Pacifique (PSF), un organisme sans but lucratif consacré à la conservation et à la restauration du saumon sauvage du Pacifique. Il s’agit du plus important don d’entreprise de l’histoire de la Fondation. Cette contribution a aidé à appuyer sept importants projets de restauration de l’habitat, de mise en valeur du saumon et de sensibilisation dans le cadre du programme communautaire de conservation du saumon de la Fondation, de même que le projet de survie des saumons dans la mer des Salish, un effort de recherche des États-Unis et du Canada visant à déterminer les causes du faible taux de survie du saumon et de la truite arc-en-ciel dans les eaux partagées de la Colombie-Britannique et de l’État de Washington.

Les populations de saumon du Pacifique dans le détroit de Georgie, qui fait partie de la mer des Salish, ont connu une baisse alarmante de 90 % ces 20 dernières années. Une partie du financement de Goldcorp a été utilisé pour concevoir 20 casques analyseurs à fréquence radio novateurs pour les phoques et otaries, permettant aux chercheurs de surveiller leurs taux de consommation de jeunes saumons et de mieux comprendre les facteurs qui influent sur les populations de poissons.

Dans les collectivités, l’engagement de Goldcorp envers la conservation du saumon se manifeste, entre autres, par sa participation à des  initiatives importantes comme le Grand nettoyage des rivages canadiens dans la baie English de Vancouver et par son partenariat avec Pêches et Océans Canada ainsi qu’avec la fondation PSF en vue d’améliorer plus de 3 000 m² d’habitat de reproduction essentiel pour le saumon rouge et coho dans la plaine inondable Corbold Creek de la rivière Upper Pitt.

Chuck Jeannes, président et chef de la direction de Goldcorp ainsi que pêcheur passionné de saumon, a également décider de joué un rôle personnel plus important dans le soutien de la Fondation du saumon du Pacifique. Il est responsable de l’organisation d’un groupe de dirigeants communautaires et d‘entreprises qui se réunit régulièrement pour discuter des enjeux des pêcheries et pour fournir des conseils stratégiques à la Fondation.

« En tant que dirigeant d’une entreprise de l’industrie des ressources et amateur de plein air, je connais l’importance économique et culturel que tient le saumon du Pacifique dans notre environnement, de même que notre devoir d’aider à assurer un avenir durable à cette ressource essentielle », affirme M. Jeannes.

Cliquez ici pour en apprendre davantage sur le West Coast Fishing Club ou sur la Fondation du salmon du Pacifique.

Tweet me:Le rôle de @Goldcorp_Inc pour aider à la conservation du saumon du Pacifique http://3bl.me/c9axwr

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, Conservation, Goldcorp, saumon du Pacifique, West Coast Fishing Club, Haida Gwaii Salmon Unlimited Conservation and Fishing Initiatives, l’écloserie de la rivière Yakoun, la Fondation du saumon du Pacifique

SOURCE:Goldcorp

SUMMARY:

Version en français

DESCRIPTION:

In western Canada, vibrant salmon populations have long been considered an important bellwether of the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

Their annual migrations are a miracle of nature. Every year, millions of adult salmon return from the ocean to their home streams in British Columbia, where they lay eggs and produce the next generation of fish. But far fewer salmon are making their way back to their freshwater mating grounds compared to a few decades ago, which is bad news for at least 130 species that depend on the marine-rich nutrients that wild salmon provide.

Rick Grange, Partner in West Coast Fishing Club in Haida Gwaii, located off the northwestern shores of BC, is concerned about the pronounced decline in salmon populations in the province.

“When we established the fishing lodge 25 years ago, we committed that we were going to put more fish back into the ocean than we take out,” said Grange, which prompted him to establish Haida Gwaii Salmon Unlimited Conservation and Fishing Initiatives (Unlimited) in 1999, a foundation dedicated to protecting vital fisheries and coastal habitat.

Through a timely $10,000 donation from Goldcorp to purchase much needed salmon feed, Unlimited is making new headway in refurbishing salmon stocks on the coast through the Yakoun River Fish Hatchery for the 2015 spawning season.

The Yakoun River Hatchery has been struggling financially for decades and relies heavily on volunteers. Unlimited has been topping up the hatchery’s operating deficit for years, and recently committed $100,000 over three years for hatchery stock and habitat enhancement.

“Even though the Yakoun River Hatchery is allowed to collect 250,000 eggs to raise spring salmon, there was only enough money available to collect half of that,” said Grange. “Goldcorp’s donation is particularly timely because the hatchery is now starting to turn the corner. We hope to get up to 500,000 eggs in the near future.”

Goldcorp has taken a leading role in recent years in supporting Pacific salmon conservation and enhancement programs in BC, where its head office is located. In 2012, the Company donated $1 million over three years to the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wild Pacific salmon – the single largest corporate donation in the Foundation’s history. The donation helped support seven major salmon habitat restoration, enhancement and education projects under the Foundation’s Community Salmon Program as well as seed the Salish Sea Survival Project, a US-Canada research effort to determine the causes of poor salmon and steelhead survival in the shared waters of BCand Washington State.

Pacific salmon populations throughout the Strait of Georgia, which is part of the Salish Sea, are alarmingly 90% lower than 20 years ago. Part of Goldcorp’s funding was used to construct 20 innovative head-mounted radio frequency scanners for seals and sea lions that enable researchers to monitor consumption rates of juvenile salmon and gain a better understanding of factors affecting fish populations.

At the community level, Goldcorp’s commitment to salmon sustainability ranges from participating in the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up in Vancouver’s English Bay to partnering with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and PSF to improve more than 3,000 m2 of critical spawning habitat for Coho and Sockeye salmon on the Corbold Creek floodplain in the Upper Pitt River, among other important initiatives.

Chuck Jeannes, President and CEO of Goldcorp and an avid salmon fisherman, has also taken a larger personal role in supporting the Pacific Salmon Foundation. He is responsible for organizing a group of prominent business and community leaders who regularly gather to discuss fisheries issues and provide strategic advice to the PSF.

“As a resource company leader and outdoorsman, I appreciate the important economic and cultural place Pacific salmon occupy in our environment and the duty we all have to help ensure a sustainable future for this vital resource,” said Jeannes.

Click to learn more about the West Coast Fishing Club or the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

Tweet me:.@Goldcorp_Inc's Role in Helping Conserve Pacific Salmon http://3bl.me/kwy4cq

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, Conservation, Goldcorp, Pacific Salmon, West Coast Fishing Club, Haida Gwaii Salmon Unlimited Conservation and Fishing Initiatives, Yakoun River Hatchery, Pacific Salmon Foundation

Republic’s North Carolina fleet includes 25 trucks powered by the domestic fuel source

SOURCE:Republic Services

DESCRIPTION:

RALEIGH, NC, November 10, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Republic Services announced the addition of eight Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solid waste collection trucks to its fleet serving customers throughout the greater Raleigh area. The CNG trucks replace older diesel-powered trucks, and bring the total number of natural gas vehicles operated by Republic throughout North Carolina to 25.

“Natural gas-powered collection trucks run cleaner and quieter,” said Drew Isenhour, area president of Republic Services. “We’re dedicated to providing our customers with outstanding service while doing business in the most sustainable manner possible. This also embodies the responsibility we assume for doing our part to preserve North Carolina’s natural beauty for future generations.”

Republic’s Raleigh Hauling Division has 100 employees who serve approximately 8,000 local Homeowners Associations, municipalities, and commercial customers. Republic also owns and operates six landfills, eight transfer stations, four recycling centers, and 18 hauling divisions throughout the state of North Carolina.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each new CNG collection truck deployed is equivalent to planting over 600 mature trees each year. Based on EPA calculations, the carbon emissions reduction benefits from Republic’s CNG powered fleet in North Carolina is equivalent to planting 15,000 mature trees or removing 137 cars off the road annually.

Nationwide, Republic Services operates a fleet of more than 2,200 CNG vehicles and 38 natural gas fueling stations. Republic’s CNG fleet helps to save roughly 18 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. As the operator of the 8^th largest vocational fleet in the country, Republic has a number of initiatives to reduce overall fuel usage, including its continued commitment to operating CNG powered trucks. Together, these initiatives will help Republic reach its goal, outlined in the 2014 Sustainability Report, of reducing fleet greenhouse gas emissions by three percent by 2018.

Republic is dedicated to maintaining a balance between its business operations and protecting the environment and communities it serves. Known as the Blue Planet^TM sustainability initiative, the Company is defining its approach to environmental responsibility through decreased vehicle emissions, innovative landfill technologies, use of renewable energy, community engagement and employee growth opportunities. To view Republic’s 2014 Sustainability Report, go to RepublicServices.com/sustainabilityreport.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is an industry leader in U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste.  Through its subsidiaries, Republic’s collection companies, recycling centers, transfer stations and landfills focus on providing effective solutions to make proper waste disposal effortless for their commercial, industrial, municipal, residential and oilfield customers. We’ll handle it from here.^TM, the brand’s tagline, lets customers know they can count on Republic to provide a superior experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet^TM for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world.

For more information, visit the Republic Services website at RepublicServices.com. “Like” Republic on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RepublicServices and follow on Twitter @RepublicService.

Tweet me:.@RepublicService announced the addition of 8 CNG collection trucks to its fleet serving the greater Raleigh area http://3bl.me/62dfwb

Contact Info:

Jennifer Mitchell Eldridge
+1 (480) 718-0119
jeldridge@republicservices.com

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Environment and Climate Change, Republic Services, Natural Gas-Powered Fleet, cng, Compressed Natural Gas

By AT&T

SOURCE:AT&T

DESCRIPTION:

DALLAS, November 10, 2015 /3BL Media/ - Teachers at school districts serving military-connected communities woke up this morning to great news: AT&T* flash-funded projects they listed on crowd-funding site DonorsChoose.org. More than 790 projects were fulfilled, benefitting more than 680 teachers and more than 83,690 students. We gave more than $532,000 in honor of Veterans Day.

The gift is part of AT&T Aspire, the company's signature education initiative that promotes student success in school and beyond. This is just one way we support veterans and their families.

The flash funds were unveiled at a local event at Loyd Auman Elementary School in Fayetteville, NC. AT&T employees and volunteers surprised teachers and students at a school assembly with all of their new supplies, ranging from art supplies to engineering kits.

"While the men and women of the United States military make many sacrifices to ensure our freedoms, I also know that they have endless capacity to succeed in many fields, using their training to excel outside the military," said U.S. Senator Richard Burr (NC), who could not attend the event. "It's my privilege to support initiatives for our military families. I applaud the troops for their service and thank the individuals and organizations that are committed to doing their part to offer opportunities to those who faithfully serve our country because they know these individuals offer a wealth of experience and are an asset in the workforce."

We are working with Cell Phones For Soldiers this Veterans Day. Employees will volunteer at veterans’ homeless shelters to prep and serve meals for veteran residents, as well as help with tasks around each facility in Dallas, TX; San Pedro, CA; Minneapolis, MN and Hopkinsville, KY. AT&T and Cell Phones For Soldiers are also donating 600 calling cards and cell phones with 1-year of AT&T service to veterans living at the shelters.

AT&T is proud to serve those who served. In 2013, the company stepped up its veteran recruiting efforts. We set a goal of hiring 10,000 veterans over the next 5 years. Since then, we hired more than 9,500 veterans and are well on the way to surpassing that goal.

###

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-, employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism and mentoring.

About DonorsChoose.org

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. At this nonprofit website, teachers at half of all the public schools in America have created project requests, and more than a million people have donated $265 million to projects that inspire them. All told, 12 million students—most from low-income communities, and many in disaster-stricken areas—have received books, art supplies, field trips, technology and other resources that they need to learn. 

About Cell Phones for Soldiers

Cell Phones For Soldiers is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing cost-free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans. Founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13 years old, Cell Phones For Soldiers has provided more than 216 million “Minutes That Matter” to servicemen and women. Since 2012, “Helping Heroes Home” has provided emergency funds for more than 2,800 veterans to alleviate communication challenges as well as physical, emotional and assimilation hardships. For more information, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest pages.

Tweet me:.@ConnectToGood "AT&T, DonorsChoose.org and Cell Phones For Soldiers Serve Those who Served This Veterans Day" http://soc.att.com/20KuKEu

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Education, AT&T, Aspire, donor, military, veterans day, soldiers

SOURCE:JetBlue Airways

DESCRIPTION:

See What’s Growing On at T5. Last month, JetBlue New York’s Hometown Airline™ and TERRA® Real Vegetable Chips, part of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. revealed the T5 Farm™ – a blue potato farm and produce garden at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. An experiment in ‘farm–to-air’ innovation, the farm will promote New York agriculture and enhance the JetBlue customer experience. The T5 Farm was created through a partnership between JetBlue and TERRA brand, with support from GrowNYC Partners and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The TERRA brand is known for providing JetBlue’s signature TERRA Blues^® which are available for free on every JetBlue flight. The T5 Farm will yield blue potatoes like those used to make the TERRA Blues. TERRA Blues have been the official snack of JetBlue since the airline launched. Last year, JetBlue distributed more than 5.7 million bags of its signature TERRA Blues.

The T5 Farm is more than a new green space; it will serve as an agricultural and educational resource for the community. The harvests will help JetBlue become more self-sufficient, with the goal of providing herbs and produce for use in some of T5’s restaurants and eateries and the blue potatoes eventually finding their way back in TERRA Blues served onboard. Items from the T5 Farm will also be donated to local food pantries.

Media Contact: 

Tamara Young

Manager Corporate Communications

JetBlue Airways

Tamara.Young@jetblue.com

Desk: (718) 709-3537

Media Hotline (24/7): 718 709-3089

To Jet: Call 1-800-JETBLUE or log on to jetblue.com

Tweet me:Video: @JetBlue built an urban farm at New York’s JFK combining urban farming and airport # sustainability http://3bl.me/nfwqzy #T5Farm

KEYWORDS: Environment and Climate Change, JetBlue Airways, sustainability, farming at airports, t5 farm, New York, jfk airport