Tag: 3BL

Case IH, a CNH brand, is now offering farmers in North America a new strip-till solution built on the proven agronomic performance of Case IH tillage equipment, delivering enhanced soil conservation while maintaining strong yield potential. The Nutri-Tiller 1000 series strip-till tool offers farmers the best of no-till and conventional tillage benefits with fewer field passes needed, reduced costs and integrated precision technology.

The Nutri-Tiller 1000 series strip-till tool helps farmers promote strong, early emergence and boost yield potential by creating a uniform strip with an ideal berm shape. The uniform soil environment provides earlier soil temperature warming and more consistent moisture at planting to promote fast, uniform emergence.

“The Nutri-Tiller 1000 series is designed to deliver exceptional tillage results while championing long-term soil health and conservation,” said CJ Parker, soil management marketing manager at Case IH. “By minimizing compaction and leaving protective residue between the strips, it enhances the soil’s nutrient utilization— helping farmers protect their soil while supporting strong yield potential.”

CINCINNATI, April 15, 2026 /3BL/ – Fifth Third Bank’s (Nasdaq: FITB) long-standing commitment to the communities it serves has again been recognized with an Outstanding rating – the highest possible – on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, reflecting excellent performance in community lending, investment and service from the evaluation period of Jan 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.

“Our ambition is to be the one bank people most value and trust, and that begins with how we serve our communities,” said Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third. “At Fifth Third, we believe that strong banks need strong communities. This Outstanding rating from the OCC reflects the dedication of our employees and partners who work every day to expand access to capital, create housing and community development, support small businesses, and strengthen communities across our expanding footprint.”

For much of the evaluation period, Fifth Third’s community reinvestment efforts focused on advancing place-based economic development through initiatives such as the Fifth Third Neighborhood Program, which since 2021 has invested nearly $410 million in urban communities across the U.S. and helped catalyze an additional $200 million of investment from partners. The program recently expanded to help facilitate place-based economic development in small and mid-sized cities.

“At Fifth Third, we believe everyone deserves equal access to the American dream. Our place-based, people-first approach to economic development focuses on expanding opportunity and removing barriers so that more individuals, families and communities can achieve economic mobility,” said Kala Gibson, chief corporate responsibility officer for Fifth Third.

Fifth Third’s place-based economic development approach combines the deployment of capital with a core solutions toolkit, including investments and financing for housing, small business support and technical assistance, financial access and mobility programs, philanthropy for workforce development, and actions to address climate resiliency and energy affordability for residents. This approach leverages innovative financing tools – including New Markets Tax Credits, program-related investments and assistance programs – to expand access to economic opportunity.

In its consumer lending practices, Fifth Third is recognized as an industry‑leading mortgage bank that treats every loan as unique, grounded in a deep understanding of each borrower’s individual needs rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all transaction. The Bank invests in first‑time homebuyer education for low‑ to moderate‑income borrowers and regularly hosts regional homeownership summits that convene real estate professionals, nonprofit partners, and housing developers. These events are intentionally designed to remove barriers to participation, offering free childcare and family‑friendly activities to ensure broader access and engagement.

The Bank also offers a range of affordable lending solutions designed to make homeownership more attainable for more families. From 2022 through 2024, Fifth Third provided meaningful financial support to homeowners. Fifth Third directly assisted more than 2,300 families by delivering $7.3 million in down payment and closing cost assistance, fee waivers, and support through its Equity Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program. Through partnerships and the layering of additional assistance programs, Fifth Third customers received an additional $2.4 million in benefits, bringing the total homeowner savings delivered to $9.7 million.

Fifth Third also reinvests in its communities by expanding financial access and inclusion. The Bank focuses on creating opportunity for individuals, families and small businesses, especially those historically excluded from the financial system, through inclusive banking solutions, community partnerships and targeted investments. These efforts include financial education delivered through schools, nonprofits and community partners, as well as the Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile, or eBus, which brings financial services, education and critical social resources directly to underserved communities in partnership with SpringFour, a leading social impact financial wellness fintech that uses technology to provide access to more than 24,000 free local, statewide and national financial wellness resources from nonprofit and government agencies.

Fifth Third last received an Outstanding CRA rating from the OCC dated July 2022, and previously received an Outstanding CRA rating from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland in 2018.

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About Fifth Third

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives. Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech-driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for several years. With a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ^® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, April 15, 2026 /3BL/ – The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for advancing healthy buildings, organizations and communities, announced the launch of its WELL–GRI Social Topic Standards Alignment Tool, a resource that maps strategies in the WELL Standard to GRI Social Topic Standards disclosures. The tool is designed to bridge the gap between asset-level performance and corporate-level sustainability reporting, translating health, well-being and social impact into the language of one of the world’s most widely adopted frameworks.

Based on IWBI’s analysis, WELL strategies may contribute to 52% of GRI Social Topic Standards (GRI 400 series) disclosures, with particularly strong alignment across disclosures on employment, non-discrimination, child and forced labor, rights of indigenous peoples, local communities and supplier social assessment.

“Social sustainability is gaining momentum worldwide, reshaping how organizations invest, measure performance and make decisions,” said IWBI President and CEO Rachel Hodgdon. “This new tool helps translate asset and portfolio performance into clear, corporate-level sustainability reporting, accelerating adoption of strategies that strengthen health, well-being and social impact.”

Guided by a people-first approach, the WELL Standard serves as a comprehensive roadmap for organizations to promote human health while aligning with broader sustainability goals. This alignment tool was developed in response to the growing emphasis on sustainability regulations, frameworks and disclosure standards with a social focus — reflecting a key driver in the evolving global sustainability landscape, corporate strategy and best practices.

Global Reporting Initiative’s GRI Standards remain the most widely used sustainability reporting standards globally. GRI is also the most widely adopted sustainability reporting standard among IWBI’s WELL at scale participants based on its Goals Module.

The alignment tool provides detailed alignment rationales, aiming to enable WELL leaders to more effectively articulate how people-first strategies drive measurable impact across organizations, value chains and communities—while supporting sustainability reporting, strategy development and broader sustainable finance conversations.

“This transformative, yet practical tool is designed to elevate the essential roles of health, well-being and social sustainability, positioning them as central drivers within broader ESG reporting and sustainable finance conversations,” said Minjia Yang, IWBI’s Vice President and Head of Sustainable Finance.

Yang added: “We welcome organizations to leverage this tool to strengthen advisory services, enhance corporate disclosures, and further embed social sustainability into capital markets and governance structures.”

To access the WELL–GRI Social Topic Standards Alignment Tool and learn more about its benefits, please visit the resource page.

About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

Media contact:
media@wellcertified.com

View original content here.

What You Should Know:

• Bath & Body Works is donating 3,000 detergent products – enough for about 200,000 small loads of laundry.
• Donations will support families through partnerships for Home for Families and Good360 for National Laundry Day in 2026.
• Bath & Body Works has a longstanding commitment to community improvement and partners with organizations to help families gain access to basic needs.

Bath & Body Works is donating 3,000 detergent products — enough for 200,000 small loads of laundry — to Home for Families and Good360 in honor of National Laundry Day in 2026.

For more than 35 years, Bath & Body Works has remained dedicated to improving the communities where it does business and making a positive difference in the lives of its associates, customers and community—starting with access to everyday essentials that support comfort, dignity and well-being.

“Helping people feel good is at the core of what we do, and access to clean clothes is a meaningful part of that,” said Rhoe Fields, vice president of community and culture at Bath & Body Works. “We’re proud to partner with Home for Families and Good360 this year to help ensure more families can experience that feeling.”

Good360 connects communities in crisis with essential goods to redistribute excess inventory, and Bath & Body Works and Good360 have partnered together since 2023 to provide products for shelters, food banks and disaster recovery. Home for Families partners with families and youth to resolve their housing crisis, strengthen financial stability and bridge education gaps to prevent future homelessness. Access to clean clothes can ease everyday stress for families, and help individuals feel more confident at school, at work and in their communities.

“Providing the families we serve with basic staple items such as laundry detergent is a crucial way that we help them maintain stability,” said Sarah Moore, marketing and community relations manager at Home for Families. “This incredible donation from Bath & Body Works will make a tangible difference in the lives of families struggling with housing insecurity.”

Feeling good often starts with the basics, and supporting access to everyday essentials is one of the ways Bath & Body Works can help drive impact. Visit bbwinc.com to learn more about how Bath & Body Works makes a positive difference in communities.

by Carrie VanWinkle, CFP and Sylvia Panek, financial advisor at Natural Investments

Two years ago, Natural Investments became the first U.S. financial advisory firm to convert into a Perpetual Purpose Trust. This was more than a legal milestone — it was an ethics-driven decision about leadership, equity, and mission in an industry struggling to align growth with values.

A Perpetual Purpose Trust (PPT) is a non-charitable, irrevocable trust created to steward a business in service of a clearly defined purpose. In our case, the newly formed Natural Investments Purpose Trust purchased the firm from six senior advisors who had owned the business under a traditional partnership model. From that moment forward, the company ceased to be something that could be bought and sold on the open market. Instead, it became permanently held in trust for its mission.

For a firm focused on sustainable, responsible investing, this mattered. ​We hired legal and financial consultants to help us navigate the complexities of creating the trust, rewriting our bylaws, and restructuring governance. Internally, a cross-functional governance committee worked for months to shape the trust agreement and operating framework. Sylvia served on the governance committee, while Carrie was elected to the first Trust Steward Committee — the leadership body of the new trust — and each of us has come to appreciate just how much time, emotional labor, and organizational commitment this transition truly requires. It has been demanding work. It has also been some of the most meaningful leadership work of our careers.

Read their full article here – https://greenmoney.com/why-a-perpetual-purpose-trust-model-works-for-sustainable-investing-firms

 

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April 15, 2026 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is pleased to welcome Terumo Corporation, a global medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and distributes medical devices and solutions, as a new member.

“Terumo’s advanced expertise in medical plastics, from design and manufacturing to design-for-recyclability, will add meaningful capability to HPRC’s technical coalition,” said Tracy Taszarek, Executive Director of HPRC. “We’re pleased to welcome Terumo as a new member and look forward to their contributions to our project work.”

With operations in more than 160 countries and regions, Terumo is a global leader in healthcare innovation. Terumo is committed to sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, promote resource efficiency, and support circularity in medical plastics.

“Joining HPRC supports our ongoing work to promote responsible resource use, protect the environment, and transition to circular healthcare plastics,” shared Emiko Kawamura, General Manager, EHS Management Department for Terumo. “We look forward to collaborating with fellow HPRC members to continue developing innovative solutions and learning from their valuable insights as industry leaders.”

HPRC is currently engaged in multiple initiatives aimed at enabling the recycling and circularity of healthcare plastics, including an assessment of recycling infrastructure, opportunities for labelling standardization, and developing a scalable playbook for implementing regional hospital recycling programs.

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of more than 30 brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

About Terumo Corporation

Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global medical innovation company. Guided by an unwavering commitment to patients, and driven by the passion of our associates, we strive to fulfill our Group Mission of “Contributing to Society through Healthcare.” Founded in Tokyo in 1921, we provide a comprehensive range of solutions in the fields of therapeutic procedures, hospital operations, and life sciences in more than 160 countries and regions.

 

What does the future look like for Georgia, and how do we prepare for it today?

It’s a question more leaders across the state are beginning to ask. From unexpected heat in February to stronger storms reaching farther inland, the signals are becoming harder to ignore. While the changes can feel unpredictable, the path forward does not have to be.

New tools like the Drawdown Georgia Climate Outlook Maps are helping turn uncertainty into insight. They give communities, businesses, and decision-makers a clearer way to plan for what’s ahead. In our latest Georgia Climate Digest video interview, host Eriqah Vincent sits down with Dr. Marshall Shepherd, an internationally recognized climate scientist at the University of Georgia and an early contributor to Drawdown Georgia, to explore how climate conditions are evolving across the state and how tools like the Climate Outlook Maps can support smarter, more resilient planning.

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Did you know that you can explore global flavors using Guiding Stars as a guide to balanced, nutrient-rich ingredients and recipes? At first it might be intimidating to recreate your favorite flavors in your own kitchen. It helps to start by making small changes to traditional meals. Then explore supermarket aisles with shopping tips to create unique dishes and recipes, right at home.

Start With the Basics

The right ingredients bring international flavor to your kitchen. Start with flavorful fresh produce and a well-stocked spice rack and pantry. These herbs, vegetables, spices, and grains bring different flavors to your dish, with little effort:

• Daikon Radish
• Thai Basil
• Cilantro
• Chili Peppers
• Jicama
• Rice Noodles
• Jasmine and Basmati Rice
• Sushi Nori
• Dried spices (like Garam Masala, Curry, Coriander, Cardamom, Ground Ginger, Chipotle Chili, Smoked Paprika, Chinese Five Spice)

Explore Your Store

In recent years, globally inspired foods have expanded beyond one international aisle. Today you can find products throughout the store that help you pass on takeout but still bring all the flavor into your kitchen. And many of them are nutritious too! Add these Guiding Stars-earning, convenient products to your shopping cart:

• Patak’s Lentil & Veggie Medium Tikka Masala
   
• Tasty Bite all Natural Indian Mild Vegetable Tikka Masala Vegetables in Sauce
   
• Purple Carrot Vegetable Tikka Masalal
   
• Thai Style Chili Mango Chopped Salad Kits
   
• Somos Mexican Black Beans
   
• Ben’s Original Spicy Mexican Style Ready Rice with Jalapeno and Chili Peppers
   
• Nature’s Promise Organic Double Steamed Brown Lentils
   
• Lundberg Family Farms Organic Sushi White Rice
   
• Joseph’s Flax, Oat Bran & Whole Wheat Lavash Bread
   
• Franklin Farms Moroccan Style Falafel Balls
   
• Blue Diamond Sweet Thai Chili Almonds
   
• Sea Point Farms Dry Roasted Wasabi Edamame

Get Cooking

It’s easier than you think to make some of your favorite dishes! Go around the world with Guiding Stars-earning recipes you can make right at home:

Indian Mango Dal
View recipe 

Curried Vegetable Lo Mein
View recipe 

Thai Carrot Salad
View recipe 

Spring Rolls
View recipe

Greek Village Salad
View recipe 

Hearty Chicken Posole
View recipe

Moroccan Lentil Stew
View recipe

Pan Bagnat
View recipe

Grilled Brazilian Beef with Chimichurri
View recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Salad
View recipe

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores, in Circana’ Attribute Marketplace, and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

*Jamaican Chicken Stew

Congratulations to all The Strauch Cleantech to Market Program (C2M) students who presented at the 2025 Climate Tech Summit at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business. 

This marks MetLife’s fourth year supporting the program and announcing “MetLife Climate Solutions Awards” to teams that delivered the most compelling findings for how their startup can strengthen the resilience and well-being of people and the planet, determined by a panel of independent judges.  
 
A big thank you to the 40 MetLife employee volunteers worldwide who dedicated their time and expertise to help students advance impactful climate technologies.  
 
Learn more about the The Strauch Cleantech to Market Program

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries. 

• Sudan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis currently underway. In a country with over 51 million inhabitants, more than half (33.7 million) need humanitarian aid to survive.
• There are currently only three famines in the world, two of which have been declared in Sudan in less than a year. More than 21 million people face hunger every day in the country, a direct consequence of three years of armed conflict.
• Action Against Hunger continues to respond in Sudan with its programs on nutrition, health, livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection against gender-based violence. Since the start of the conflict, we have supported nearly two million people.

New York, 15 April 2026 — Humanitarian needs are extreme in Sudan. In a small village where Action Against Hunger works, many women like Eisa* have gone months without being able to guarantee a daily meal for their families.

“We suffered greatly because we had nothing to feed our families,” said Eisa.

More than 33 million people in Sudan (over half the population) depend on aid to survive after three years of war in a country facing the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis.

Three famines declared worldwide: two of them in Sudan

Famine is an official declaration issued only in the most extreme food crises. Of the three famines currently declared worldwide, two occurred in Sudan (El Fasher and Kadugli in 2025), whilst other parts of the country face a significant risk of famine in the near future.

“More than 21 million people are suffering from acute hunger in the country. This situation is a direct consequence of the conflict, which is destroying markets, disrupting harvests, and blocking trade routes and the delivery of humanitarian aid,” says Samy Guessabi, Country Director of Action Against Hunger in Sudan.

Sudan’s displacement rate is double that of other crises

Sudan is experiencing the world’s largest displacement crisis: nearly 14 million people have fled their homes—more than 9 million within the country and 4 million to neighboring countries such as Chad and South Sudan. These figures are double those of other major current displacement crises, such as those in Syria (7 million displaced people), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (6 million), and Yemen (5 million).

“It’s not just about the numbers,” explains Guessabi. “Families are forced to move repeatedly, which disrupts treatment, limits access to food and healthcare, and increases the risk of gender-based violence.”

Added to this is the collapse of basic services across much of Sudan: around 80% of health centers and 60% of water systems are not functioning in conflict zones. Furthermore, obstacles to humanitarian access—insecurity, active conflict, administrative barriers, and difficulties with physical access—and insufficient funding pose significant challenges. The humanitarian response, which requires $2.87 billion, is currently only 16% funded.

Action Against Hunger in Sudan

Since the conflict began on April 15th, 2023, we have supported nearly two million people in Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile, White Nile, and Red Sea. We continue to run our programs on health, treatment of malnutrition, cash assistance, access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, and awareness-raising on sexual and gender-based violence.

Action Against Hunger supports women like Eisa with food security and livelihoods training, so they can learn about business management, food preservation, and processing. “We now sell onions, oil, okra and dried tomatoes at the market,” says Eisa.

As the conflict enters its third year, Action Against Hunger is making an urgent appeal to halt hostilities, guarantee the protection of civilians and safe humanitarian access, and increase funding to meet the extreme needs faced by millions of Sudanese people.

*Name changed to protect identity. 

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Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.