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Food & Ag Sector – Sustainability is in Focus from Farm-to-Table As Companies Make Progress / Stakeholders Say “More” Hey, a Cuppa Joe – the morning treat for many people around the world. That first hot cup of dark coffee can set the tone for us for the day. And when our spirits (and energy) may lag, the cuppa joe can perk us up again for a while at any time of day. But – how many of us give thought to how that wonderful dark liquid arrived in our grocery stores, at the local Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts or other coffee counters? The Ecologist took a close look at the business of coffee recently and their commentary (and report on the industry) is our Top Story for you this week. The writer set out characterizing the global coffee industry as one that has been mostly “unsustainable” but lately, major coffee producers have been working to create more sustainable business models. Guest Writer Emily Folk explains: the coffee industry spans countries and cultures, is centuries old, and from harvesting the beans through roasting to the final retail product, the industry is recognizing public expectations about some practices – and is undergoing changes. She ventures that “people have begun to take note and hold companies accountable” – like Starbucks – and in response, major coffee companies are making promises to do better. But are they keeping the promise? Doing enough? Alas, there is a lack of progress to be reported, she says. As well as some progress to cheer about. Starbucks according to a news report in the UK runs water 24 hours a day in the production process. Bad practice? The company has also been selling reusable cups and installing recycling bins at every store. Certainly good practices. Should the buying public pressure brand name companies like Starbucks to do more? The writer delves into that. It would be good to recognize that progress is being made by growers through retail food marketing companies and to be thoughtful about what is next in that company’s (and other companies’) sustainability journeys. The G&A Institute team has been working with food and agriculture companies on various issues over many years. This is a sector (Food & Ag) rich in traditional practices and ripe for positive change as stakeholders and consumers present their expectations for the firms to be more sustainable – and accountable to society. Every week in the newsletter we present Food & Ag news, commentary and research content for your consideration. There are several items in this issue on the topics. Top Stories Making the coffee industry sustainable This is also of interest: ICO hosts sustainability workshop in Milan Sustainability in Focus at Retail Restaurant operators double down on seafood sustainability Stay Atop the Sustainability Trend Will Shoppers Ever Really Care About Sustainability? How sustainability messages break through with busy shoppers NYC Will Consider Ban On Disposable Plastic Straws 75% fashion companies improve environmental performance Coca-Cola shares sustainability advice Trouble in Big Food: America's cereal, soda and soup companies are in turmoil McDonald's workers allege widespread sexual misconduct Smithfield focuses on feed crop production in sustainability drive Sustainability: Forward Momentum! For Your Attention: The Editors' Scans How managers can become sustainability rockstars of the 21st century Irish business leaders highlight sustainability in new initiative Cryptocurrency Regulation Is a Must for Long-Term Sustainability, Expert Says Embracing sustainability and innovation Why diversity in sustainability matters, and what you can do Exploring the impact of campus sustainability efforts Businesses Taking the Lead on Sustainability Our Focus This Week on A Range of ESG Topics & Issues – More Things For You to Think About Earth Experiences 400th Consecutive Warmer-than-Average Month New York Stock Exchange appoints first female leader Trade and growth fears spark dash for safe havens
Headlines for You From the Corporate Sector - Both Positive & Negative Tesla Model 3 updates coming after Consumer Reports found ‘big flaws’ BP invests $20 million in batteries that can charge electric cars in five minutes 3M appoints sustainability chief Exxon promises to cut emissions that hasten climate change Intel makes sure sustainability is inside its business Cambridge Analytica Files U.S. Bankruptcy After Data Scandal News & Opinion: Asset Managers, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Pension Funds Oil companies face increasing investor pressure on climate change action After questions raised about CalPERS CFO's background and experience, he's 'no longer with' the pension fund
| *New Clip* Louis Coppola from G&A Institute Goes In Depth on How to Improve ESG Performance
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G&A Institute Sustainability Update™ The “100 Best Corporate Citizens 2018” Roster -– Published by CR Magazine _________________________________________
G&A's To The Point! is a businesss intelligence web-platform resource. This management briefing service offers timely insights and perspectives on Corporate Sustainability, Responsibility & Citizenship.Click here to request a trial subscription. Below are links to a sampling of three recent briefs: ABOUT THOSE CORPORATE EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS –The Focus is Increasing on the Shortfalls…and Remedies _________________________________________ FLASH REPORT: 85% of S&P 500 Index® Companies Publish Sustainability Reports in 2017
Using The GRI Sustainability Reporting Framework Improves The Quality of ESG Disclosures - Joint Research From G&A Institute and Baruch College Shows
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________________________________________ GRI'S USA, UK & IRELAND
G&A Institute is the Data Partner for the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) in the USA, UK and Republic of Ireland. We identify, receive, collect, analyze, database, and communicate about every report issued in any of the 3 countries. Over the past 6+ years, G&A analyzed 6,000-plus sustainability reports in this pro bono role and databased 100+ important data points for each report. Find out more @ G&A's What's A Data Partner _________________________________________
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The Sustainability Highlights eNewsletter is prepared by Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. based on continuous monitoring of trends and developments in Sustainability and ESG. Governance & Accountability Instiute is the "Sustainability Headquarters™" for clients in the corporate, investment, public and social sectors. Based in New York, G&A is a for-profit consulting organization providing a range of value-added strategies, services and resources related to ESG & sustainability to clients in the corporate and capital markets communities.For G&A's full range of services, click on each of the links below: For more information, contact Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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