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Independent research shows lack of information and high prices are the main barriers for consumers to make more sustainable purchasesBusinesses can play a significant role in making it easier for consumers to make consciously sustainable choices and earn more trust from consumersAlibaba Group’s latest ESG report reveals that over 180 million consumers participated in carbon emission reduction through its carbon ledger platform 

HANGZHOU, China, July 27, 2023 /3BL/ – A vast majority (73%) of consumers want to live more sustainable lifestyles, particularly among those living in emerging Asian markets (87%), but inconvenience and high costs are cited as main stumbling blocks to the adoption of sustainable lifestyles, finds the latest independent research commissioned by Alibaba Group.

The research, titled “The Sustainability Trends Report 2023”, polled more than 14,000 consumers from 14 markets across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It finds that convenience (53%) and affordability (33%) are critical for driving behavioral changes on consumer sustainability and businesses can make it easier for consumers to make sustainably conscious choices.

But consumers are cynical (38%) towards the underlying motivation of businesses’ “sustainable” products, with only 15% saying that they completely trust claims around sustainability of products. Businesses need to work harder to build trust among those consumers, especially among people living in European markets.

“As a digital platform company, Alibaba is uniquely positioned and committed to addressing the ‘say-do’ gap challenge; by reducing the inconvenience obstacle, adding more sustainable choices, and optimizing supply chains to keep costs reasonable for consumers. Sustainable consumption is crucial for the environment, and in the meantime it provides a great opportunity for businesses, as well as the digital economy as a whole, to have a long-lasting development into a sustainable future for all,” said Liu Wei, Alibaba Group ESG Strategy Lead.

Alibaba published its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report in late July where for the first time it disclosed its Scope 3+ decarbonization progress since it pioneered the concept in 2021 for a wider pledge of carbon emission reduction across its ecosystem.

Alibaba’s carbon ledger platform has seen a total number of 187 million consumers participating in carbon emission reduction activities in the 12 months leading to March 31, 2023 with 1.91 million products from 409 brands offered on Tmall and Taobao through its low-carbon friendly products program as of March 2023, its latest ESG report revealed.

Consumers from the emerging Asian markets are the most willing to learn how to make more sustainable purchase online

Consumers globally are embracing more sustainable lifestyles, but there are variations across regions in the level of engagement and how they want to live and shop more sustainably.

The research finds around three in four consumers (76%) would welcome more information about how to be more sustainable. The proportion is highest in the Philippines (93%), Indonesia (91%), and UAE (90%).

Over half (58%) of consumers say they’ve already engaged with sustainable practices and they feel they are already personally doing a great deal. There’s also a general openness towards learning about sustainable online practices, with an average of 73% saying that they would welcome more information about how to make purchases online that are more sustainable.

Respondents from emerging Asian markets (88%) show higher willingness to learn how they can make purchases online that are more sustainable compared with developed Asian markets (66%) and Europe (66%). The sustainable online shopping behaviors also differ across regions, with emerging Asian markets (47%) more inclined to choosing sustainable packaging whereas those in Europe (47%) tend to recycle more.

Half of the consumers would only go sustainable if it’s convenient; with a third believing sustainability is not affordable 

Lack of information on how products are sustainable (48%) and the prices of sustainable products being too high (45%) are cited as the main barriers for consumers to make more sustainable purchases.

Over half of the consumers (53%) surveyed say they would only make sustainable choices if they were convenient, which is especially the case in Asian markets (61%) compared to European markets (36%). A third (33%) say living sustainably is not affordable, with Thailand (84%) leading the pack, followed by UAE (41%) and Spain (37%).

Amid the shifting consumer sentiments, businesses can play a significant role in making it easier for consumers to make sustainable conscious choices, the report finds. Making sustainable products more affordable (61%), making fewer products using single-use plastics and packaging (55%) and a wider selection of sustainable products and services (47%) are the top three ways consumers say businesses can do to promote consumer sustainability.

But businesses need to work harder to build trust among consumers on their sustainability claims, especially among those living in European markets, said the research. 23% of consumers say they “do not trust very much” the claims around sustainability of products from businesses, with the highest proportion in France (31%), Spain (31%) Germany (30%) and the U.K. (30%).

Nearly two in five consumers (38%) are cynical towards the underlying motivations of businesses’ sustainable products, with Thailand (56%), France (48%) and Singapore (47%) as the top three markets where consumers say sustainable products are just a way for companies to sell their products at a higher price.

“We believe companies can better earn trust from consumers by addressing their own ‘say-do’ gap, such as being more transparent and committed with their sustainability claims, and backing their sustainable practices with data. This will also lead to greater empathy towards consumers along our common journey of sustainability,” Liu Wei added.

About the survey: 

“The Sustainability Trends Report 2023” was conducted by Yonder Consulting, a UK-based consulting firm, with advisory and analysis support by Hong Kong-based sustainability consultancy, The Purpose Business, between January 26 to February 14, 2023, based on feedback from 14,125 consumers to an online survey.

Respondents of the survey are located in fourteen markets across Asia, Europe and the Middle East including: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, U.K., Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore and the UAE.

Asian developed markets referred in this research include Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore and South Korea, while Asian emerging markets refer to Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

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About Alibaba Group:

Alibaba Group’s mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company aims to build the future infrastructure of commerce. It envisions that its customers will meet, work and live at Alibaba, and that it will be a good company that lasts for 102 years.

Media contacts

Ivy Yu 
Alibaba Group 
+86 18510965311 
yujing.yujing@alibaba-inc.com

Karen Zhang 
Alibaba Group 
+852 54253926 
karen.zw@alibaba-inc.com

Please refer to https://www.alizila.com/esg/ for additional information about Alibaba’s sustainability efforts. 

KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 27, 2023 /3BL/ – CRB, a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries, recently announced the hiring of Carl Williams as its new Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety. Williams brings to CRB a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of driving environmental health and workplace safety initiatives.

In his role at CRB, Williams will drive CRB’s safety strategy across all operational areas. He will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative solutions that align with the company’s commitment to sustainability and advance the safety and wellbeing of employees, clients, and the communities where CRB operates.

“From the office to the jobsite, everyone at CRB has a special accountability for the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues and clients. That can’t happen without deeply rooted individual commitment, a strong company culture, and rigorous safety systems that anticipate and solve challenges before they arise,” Williams said. “I am excited to support and advance CRB’s comprehensive safety program across the organization.”

Williams has an extensive background in EHS management, with nearly 40 years of experience in industrial safety and the use of key performance indicators to drive safety for construction organizations. His expertise also includes regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and the implementation of effective environmental management systems. Before CRB, Williams held health and safety leadership roles at Micron Technology, M+W Group and Texas Instruments.

“Carl’s impressive experience and track record of implementing and driving safety programs within large organizations will benefit clients and advance our goal of making sure every person associated with CRB work goes home safe, every day,” said Sam Kitchell, CRB’s Chief Operating Officer. “

Williams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University. He has served on numerous EHS-focused industry groups.

About CRB: 

CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our innovative ONEsolution™ service provides successful integrated project delivery for clients demanding high-quality solutions — on time and on budget. Across more than 20 offices in North America and Europe, the company’s nearly 1,700 employees provide world-class, technically preeminent solutions that drive success and positive change for clients and communities. See our work at crbgroup.com, and connect with us on social media here.

CONTACT:

Clarity Quest Marketing: 
877-887-7611 
Bonnie Quintanilla, bonnie@clarityqst.com

CRB: 
816-200-5234 
Chris Clark, chris.clark@crbgroup.com

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, July 27, 2023 /3BL/ — LyondellBasell announced it has acquired a 50% stake in Stiphout Industries B.V. (“Stiphout”). Stiphout is involved in the sourcing and processing of post-consumer plastic packaging waste. The company operates a facility located in Montfort, the Netherlands, with an annual processing capacity equivalent to the amount of plastic packaging waste generated by over 500,000 Dutch citizens per year.

“Investing in Stiphout aligns with our strategy to invest in recycling and plastic waste processing companies that support our existing assets in the Netherlands and Germany and fits with our integrated hub model,” says Yvonne van der Laan, LyondellBasell Executive Vice President, Circular and Low Carbon Solutions. “Through this collaboration, we can leverage local synergies with our Quality Circular Polymers business in terms of logistics and operations. It also unlocks possibilities to further expand our CirculenRecover portfolio, creating solutions for customers and brand owners in support of their circular and low-carbon targets”.

Stiphout was founded in 2015 and has over time built up experience in the processing of plastic household waste into clean flakes of recycled polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) materials, establishing itself as an innovative player in the Netherlands.

“Partnering with an experienced polymer producer will provide possibilities to further step-up commercial and operational excellence of our operations,” says Eline Stiphout, founder and CEO of the Stiphout group. “We are excited to team up with LyondellBasell since we share that circularity is critical to helping end plastic waste”.

About LyondellBasell 
We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

About Stiphout Industries 
Stiphout Industries was founded by Eline Stiphout in 2015 with the aim of recycling post-consumer waste into high quality flakes. The company expanded quickly, and soon became a specialist in recycling Dutch household waste.

It developed its own processing lines and has positioned itself as a sustainable, innovative recycler. Stiphout is proud to contribute to a more circular use of plastics.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 
The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LyondellBasell which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including the ability to increase production of recycled and renewable-based polymers; the successful implementation of growth plans; and the successful operation of the facilities described in this release. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

Originally published on Rayonier.com

Article written by Karie Kermath, Safety Manager, Western Operations

When Tracie Gibbs was five years old, her dad introduced her to the thrill of professional racing and gave her the first glimpse of the direction her life would take. As she watched the action on the track, she was captivated by the National Hot Rod Association’s Safety Safari team, who wore bright yellow hi-vis suits and ran to help anyone in need. This was the job she wanted to do.

Today, as Rayonier’s Director of Safety, instead of racing hazards, Tracie’s attention and efforts are focused on the hazards that come with working in the woods.

At its core, safety is about people. Fortunately, Tracie is passionate about forging relationships. When she first stepped into safety, she encouraged open and honest communication both internally within Rayonier and externally with contractors. Safety quickly became a company-wide focus. In fact, it is now one of the company’s core values.

What started as a team of one has expanded to a safety department with five employees reporting to Tracie. In six years, she has taken Rayonier’s safety program from one that had only a few measurable goals to one that is applying for OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) — the highest safety certification available.

Under her leadership, Rayonier has launched a myriad of new reporting and training tools, including a safety app that can be used in the woods without access to cell service. In 2022, the company hosted safety training events in 8 states, helping the logging companies Rayonier works with to begin developing safety programs of their own and educating more than 650 contractors on OSHA’s safety standards. You can learn more and watch a video about the logger safety training events here.

Not like other safety professionals

No one goes into safety because it’s glamorous or an easy way to punch a timeclock, especially when it comes to the timber industry, which consistently ranks in the top three of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. Safety professionals are often thought of like police, but Tracie is not like other safety professionals. She doesn’t want to police her coworkers and contractors, she wants to help them think differently about safety. Her philosophy is that, if they understand why certain policies and procedures are in place, they will be more likely to adopt safer behaviors.

Loggers and foresters report some of the highest job satisfaction rates of any profession, but missteps in safety can quickly become a matter of life and death.

“I have three rocks on my desk from the first fatality I investigated. I wanted something to remind me of how I was feeling in that moment because it was the exact situation I wanted to help prevent.

“Seeing a tragedy like this firsthand and knowing there are things we can do—through education, training and maintenance—to help prevent this type of emotional, physical and financial mess from happening to others helped me see the disconnect and wonder what I could do about it. The experience personally changed me.”

Helping others understand why

Convincing folks in the timber industry to think differently about safety can be a challenge. Tracie’s mission is fueled by her passion for helping others and by a deep personal understanding of loss.

She also understands the types of “what-if” questions that pop up in the aftermath of a tragedy. Tracie’s father had a heart attack at work and his coworker, who wasn’t trained in CPR, was unable to save him. Since then, Tracie, who is a certified CPR and first aid instructor, has personally trained all of Rayonier’s U.S. employees.

“When I’m talking to people, they understand my passion is genuine. Safety conversations are often about telling others what to do, but if you focus instead on what it means to experience a loss or feel a sense of fear about what might happen if you don’t behave in a safe manner, it helps them understand why they need to adopt safer behaviors.”

Day in the life

In Tracie’s world, no two days are the same, but there are some tasks that remain consistent from one day to the next. She begins each day by skimming her email and new near-miss reports to get an idea of what’s happening at Rayonier locations across the country. She finds out if there are any major issues or fires to put out — sometimes this even includes actual wildfires.

While many of the tasks on Tracie’s to-do list are obvious, such as refining policies, working on new initiatives, reviewing safety communications prior to publication, preparing reports for Rayonier’s Board of Directors and keeping up with OSHA changes, she also handles things that most people don’t ever think about. On any given day, she may help a department create a job hazard analysis (JHA) for the top four hazards facing their employees; determine how many straps need to go on a load before a truck leaves a landing and how far they can travel before they finish strapping; or work with Rayonier’s safety mentors to help prepare for the upcoming VPP audits.

Tracie enjoys interacting with others and says, “When you know the people, you really connect.” Because of this, she goes into the woods at least once a week and is often on the road, visiting Rayonier locations from coast-to-coast. As the main safety resource for Rayonier’s U.S. employees and contractors, she likens her role to “keeping a ship going in the right direction all the time.” The rapport she works so hard to build is essential for making course corrections as safety issues arise.

Safety as a way of life

A commitment to safety doesn’t end when her workday is done. When Tracie is tempted to look at her phone while driving or do something else that isn’t safe, she asks herself if it’s truly worth the risk. She reminds herself and family and friends of their own value, so that everyone understands what’s at risk if they don’t practice safe behaviors.

“Safety doesn’t have to be painful. It doesn’t have to be intimidating. There are a lot of resources out there that make it accessible to everyone.”

A steadfast dedication to protecting others and Tracie’s willingness to challenge the way things have always been done have inspired her to extend her focus beyond the walls of Rayonier’s safety program. She truly wants to show everyone that Rayonier is passionate about safety and unafraid of sharing what they’ve learned.

“People in the timber industry take a lot of pride in what they do and how well they do it. I’d like to see them adopt that same level of pride in doing their jobs safely. To do the work we do should not cost a life.”

Tracie’s goal is to challenge safety practices industry-wide. She is convinced that the only way forward is for the entire timber industry to come together and raise the bar. Strong safety cultures are fostered when expectations and accountability pertain to everyone from the CEO or owner to the new hire breaking in that first pair of boots. It will take an industry-wide effort to improve safety statistics and get off the list of the most dangerous occupations. Everyone must get on board.

“Safety is unique because we all have the right to it. It doesn’t matter what job we have, how much money we make in a year or how we’re different from anyone else. We all deserve to be safe.”

To learn more about safety efforts at Rayonier, click here.

Toothpaste, shampoo, shaving gel, body wash — they’re everyday items we may take for granted. But for those serving in the United States Armed Forces overseas, it can bring them comfort from home. So, when the United Services Organizations (USO) needed help packing more than 10,000 hygiene kits, our Memphis-based summer interns (and hopeful future FedEx talent!) were thrilled to lend a hand and give back at the event, sponsored by FedEx Cares.

The USO relies on the generosity of people, organizations, and corporations to accomplish their mission of strengthening America’s military service members by keeping connections to family, home, and country. We’re proud to say for the past 20 years and counting, they’ve been able to rely on us!

“Through events like this, interns can learn more about how we give back globally and locally. It also provides them opportunities to network with executives and other interns, spending time together for one common goal: to serve and enhance our communities globally through volunteering,” said Rachel Kesselman, a communications advisor on the FedEx Cares team.

For some FedEx team members, there’s a personal connection to events like this. Mike Lauderdale the vice president of human resources at FedEx Services says, “I have a nephew who has served overseas. Just knowing that troops look forward to receiving the kits hopefully shows them how much we appreciate their sacrifice and service.”

In addition to working with non-profits like the USO, FedEx Cares sponsors volunteer events throughout the year, and gives volunteers the option to do rotations so they can work on different projects and with a variety of non-profits. 130 summer interns who are not located in Memphis – but eager to help – virtually participated in volunteer projects, from creating quizzes and games for students to recording audiobooks for hospitalized children. Here is what Emma McCreave, an intern in marketing and communications, says about her volunteering experience, “It’s a great reminder that FedEx thinks about the bigger picture. Not only do we get to fill our own buckets through volunteering but just knowing it makes a difference in other peoples’ lives is inspiring.”

Hooray to our interns for making a difference within FedEx and their community!

CINCINNATI, July 27, 2023 /3BL/ – Since its founding in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation has made education programs a key priority. In 2005, Fifth Third established its Scholarship Program to award one-time, $2,500 scholarships annually to children of Fifth Third employees for study at a college or university. This year’s scholarships total $62,500. Nearly 450 students have merited scholarships since 2005. 

Chosen and administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corp., the Fifth Third Scholarship Program recognizes the academic achievements of the following students, listed with their employee parent or parents and their work location:  

Jennifer C. An*, child of Feila Zhang, Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Shyla R. Aggarwal, child of Shephali Aggarwal, Mason, Ohio.Nikki L. Bakhmutsky, child of Yael Eisenberg, Farmington Hills, Michigan.Wesley Blalock*, child of Brian Blalock, Newburgh, Indiana. Courtney R. Crawford, child of Randy Crawford, Toledo, Ohio.Daniel J. Dreyer, III, child of Kim Dreyer, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gabrielle H. Frischer, child of Lori Frischer, Cincinnati, Ohio.Mary J. Giffen*, child of Michael Giffen, Liberty Township, Ohio. Ty J. Harter, child of Shawn Harter, Loveland, Ohio.Alexandra F. Johnson, child of Margie Johnson, Cincinnati, Ohio. Lucia M. Johnson, child of Margie Johnson, Cincinnati, Ohio.Leah M. Kallmeyer, child of Victoria Kallmeyer, Cincinnati, Ohio. Emily K. Kim, child of Jinah Kim, Rochester Hills, Michigan.Caitlyn M. Laws, child of Ted Laws, Springboro, Ohio. Domenico Lepore, child of Evangelina Lepore, Tinley Park, Illinois. Paige D. Mahon, child of Sara Mahon, Fairfield, Ohio. Avery E. Martin, child of Donnie Martin, Rockwall, Texas. Broderick V. Merz*, child of Jamie Merz, Loveland, Ohio. Campbell L. Robinson, child of Brian Robinson, Milford, Ohio.Nawra A. Roya*, child of Sohana Syeda, New Hill, North Carolina. Ian G.C. Scholes, child of Nathan Scholes, Marion, Illinois.Dhruti Shah*, child of Jinkal Shah, Columbus, Ohio.Owen V. Summers*, child of Kevin Summers, Mason, Ohio.Selma H. Yousif, child of Susan Yousif, Chicago, Illinois. 

 “The Fifth Third Foundation commends these deserving students,” said Heidi Jark, senior vice president and managing director of the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank. “Since 2005, the Foundation has enthusiastically supported the scholastic goals of the children of Fifth Third employees. Our goal is to support them as they expand their horizons through the pursuit of higher education.”      

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. is an independent nonprofit organization. The National Merit Scholarship Program was designed to identify and honor exceptionally able high school students, and to provide a system of services for corporations, foundations and other organizations that wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships to students who interest them. All aspects of the selection of winners and the administration of their awards are handled by the NMSC.

Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was the first charitable foundation created by a financial institution. The Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.

*National Merit Scholarship finalist

CONTACTS

Adrienne Gutbier (Media Relations)
adrienne.gutbier@53.com | 513-534-8038

Chris Doll (Investor Relations)
chris.doll@53.com | 513-534-2345

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is excited to announce the election of two new board members and the re-election of an incumbent board member to serve on the SAC Board of Directors. These esteemed individuals will be seated on the Board in September 2023. The Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in guiding the SAC’s strategic plan, and driving industry transformation, advancing our organization’s mission of sustainability and positive impact.

The SAC is pleased to welcome:

Affiliate Category: Harsh Saini, Board Director, Global Fashion Agenda; Independent Consultant (newly elected)Brand/Retailer Category: Amanda Tucker, Vice President Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability, Target (newly elected)Manufacturer Category: Dr. Delman Lee, Vice Chair, TAL Apparel (incumbent)

These individuals bring a wide breadth of knowledge and valuable insights, each contributing a unique perspective critical to advancing our vision for a more equitable and restorative industry.

Harsh Saini brings over 25 years of global experience in sustainability, manufacturing, compliance, communication, brand and crisis management, and trade relations. She has also been an influential figure on multiple boards and committees, including Global Compact, Better Work, FLA, Bangladesh safety programs, OECD, The Fashion Pact, AAFA, ETI, SAC, and GFA.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve on the SAC Board of Directors representing the Affiliate member category,” said Harsh. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow members and industry players to support SAC’s vision and strategic initiatives for an even greater impact in our industry.”

Amanda Tucker, with 25 years of experience in building coalitions to deliver change, possesses extensive expertise in sustainability, sourcing, labor rights, and governance across three continents. Her innovative approaches will be invaluable as we strive for a more sustainable future.

Grateful for her election to the Brand/Retailer seat, Amanda stated, “In order to make significant strides towards sustainability, I believe that we must work together and commit to learning and adapting with our partners to reach our shared goals. I am excited and honored to bring my expertise to the board with a goal to deliver meaningful change and impact at scale.”

Dr. Delman Lee will return to the board, representing the Manufacturer member category. He has been a key advocate since the SAC’s inception, actively supporting equal partnership and providing invaluable expertise and insight on the challenges facing manufacturers, and opportunities to deepen collaboration to ensure every voice throughout the supply chain is heard.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue representing the SAC manufacturer member category on the Board of Directors,” said Delman. “It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals in driving our mission and shared vision forward. I remain committed to leveraging my experience and expertise to amplify the voices of my fellow manufacturer members and contribute to the collective efforts in achieving our sustainability goals. Together, we will make a lasting impact and create a more sustainable future for our industry.”

The SAC CEO, Amina Razvi said, “We are thrilled to welcome our newly elected and re-elected Board members. The combination of their unique perspectives and wealth of experience will be instrumental in accelerating the SAC’s efforts toward a more equitable and restorative industry. Only by working together will we achieve the necessary transformation within the consumer goods industry and steer it towards a more sustainable and responsible future.”

The SAC is deeply grateful to outgoing Board members Rüdiger Fox, CEO/Chief Environmental Activist at Sympatex, and Jonas Eder-Hansen, COO at Global Fashion Agenda, whose dedicated service and invaluable contributions have guided the organization’s strategic direction and initiatives throughout their tenure.

Learn more about SAC’s governance and view the current Board of Directors on our website today.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

ATLANTA, July 27, 2023 /3BL/ – Today, The Home Depot released its 2023 ESG Report. The report provides details on the company’s progress on its environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillars: Focus on our People, Operate Sustainably and Strengthen our Communities. This year, the company achieved several of its ESG goals and set new ones to benefit its associates, customers, communities and the planet.

“Since the company’s inception, we have invested in running a responsible, sustainable company because it makes our business stronger, more agile, and more resilient,” said Ted Decker, chair, president and CEO of The Home Depot. “That has always encouraged good business practices and enabled us to consistently deliver industry-leading results.”

In 2022, the company reduced its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by approximately 92,000 metric tons, equivalent to taking more than 20,000 cars off the road for a year. Recently, the company submitted new carbon reduction goals to the Science Based Target initiative for Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 “Use of Products Sold” emissions.

The Home Depot’s greatest environmental impact comes from the products it sells. By the end of fiscal year 2028, the company expects more than 85% of U.S. and Canadian sales in outdoor power equipment, specifically push lawn mowers and handheld outdoor equipment like leaf blowers and trimmers, will run on rechargeable battery technology instead of gas. Additionally, The Home Depot announced new goals related to helping customers save energy costs and reducing water usage through its products sold by 2026.

In a continued effort to create the best associate experience in retail, the company focuses on associate engagement, compensation, safety and training. Continuing its commitment to associate development, the company plans to provide 10 million hours to frontline associates for skill development and 2.5 million hours of training to leaders by 2028.

Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has contributed more than $450 million to veteran causes, and Team Depot has volunteered 1.4 million service hours to veteran causes. In 2022, The Home Depot Foundation granted $82 million, continuing to prioritize taking care of the communities where it operates, focusing on veteran causes, skilled trades training and disaster relief. By 2028, The Home Depot Foundation plans to invest $50 million to train skilled tradespeople, including veterans, to help close the skilled labor gap.

Keep up with all the latest Home Depot news! Subscribe to our bi-weekly news update and get the top Built from Scratch stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Originally published on Illumina News Center

Nothing about Budi Hermawan’s experience with tuberculosis (TB) has been easy. In 2003, he had a cough. He didn’t think much of it, but as his symptoms worsened, he visited a doctor near his home in Bogor, Indonesia. He was diagnosed with TB and given medication, but eventually, he stopped taking the drugs.

Hermawan did not understand the disease or how important it was to continue his medicines. A few months later, his symptoms returned. He went back to the doctor, who strongly urged him to take all his medications. He did, but his disease continued to worsen.

“It was a long process, and I only had limited information,” says Hermawan. “It also affected my psychological and economic situation, as I was not able to work properly or be productive due to the disease.”

Finally, in 2010, his TB had worsened to the point where he was considering having a lung removed. This was an expensive proposition, and he had little money. Hermawan consulted with his family, and he took two months to raise the funds before he returned to the hospital. That delay proved fortuitous—a new treatment was now available and meant he would no longer need surgery.

The hospital tested Hermawan’s sputum (saliva and mucus) for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), a strain of the disease that is able to resist two of the most powerful anti-TB drugs, rifampicin and isoniazid. In those days, fast molecular tests were not available, and it took three months to get the results. Hermawan had to wear a mask the whole time to protect his family. Eventually, his results came back positive, and he was told to start treatment.

At the time, only one facility, Persahabatan Hospital in Jakarta, provided the treatment. Either he would have to commute via bus, train, and taxi four hours each day, or he would have to move to the capital.

For nearly two years, Hermawan took about 30 tablets a day, received daily injections, and went in for monthly exams. For the first four months, he moved to Jakarta to protect his family; then, once he was negative for TB, he moved back to Bogor—but the treatment continued for 17 months.

“It is extraordinary because the treatment is 21 months long and patients have to reconcile with the situation,” says Hermawan, whose story is unfortunately not uncommon. MDR-TB is more difficult and takes longer to treat than drug-susceptible TB. “Family support is very important, as well as support from fellow survivors.”

Supporting TB education and treatment 
Hermawan’s experience inspired him to help others, and he joined a number of drug-resistant TB support groups, including Jakarta MDR-TB Fighters. Now he leads POP-TB Indonesia, which provides advocacy, education, and patient support.

This work is informed by his experiences. Hermawan thinks about the three-month period when he was waiting to learn whether he had MDR-TB and was a danger to his family and community.

Things are a bit better now. Some Indonesian clinics have adopted molecular tests, which can process results in as little as two hours. And on July 25, following the results of a Unitaid-FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics) trial, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced its endorsement of next-generation sequencing for diagnostic testing of drug-resistant TB. This further expands drug resistant testing capability to get patients to the correct course of treatment faster. But even with this fast technology, infrastructure issues can slow the process.

“Theoretically, the results come out in two hours, but on the ground, the results come out in two weeks or even a month,” Hermawan says. “The human resource factor is very influential; they are not ready. There are conditions where the equipment is available but damaged. This is a challenge we face on the ground.”

And for patients, there are many layers to the experience: the social stigma, the difficulty accessing effective therapies, the economic hardships associated with the disease and even the treatments.

“We work to educate and motivate fellow survivors,” says Hermawan. “We can also advocate for patients because we have legal representatives. Currently, we have 36 representatives for POP-TB. Regarding mental health, we have 14 mental health responders for the hotline, and we also collaborate with psychologists.”

Hermawan used to meet individually with MDR-TB patients, but he realized that approach was unsustainable—there are just too many. He now leverages POP-TB’s resources to provide that necessary support, though he does occasionally intervene in person.

“There was a patient, a few months ago, who called me and told me she had nothing to eat,” he says. “This is terrible. TB medication must be accompanied by good nutrition. I ordered food for her and her family and the next morning my team and I found her. Her house was uninhabitable. I advocated for her, and she is being rehabilitated by philanthropic organizations. Before that she missed treatments; after she was never absent, and now she is cured.”

There’s a lot more work to be done. TB is the second-leading infectious disease killer worldwide, behind COVID-19. In 2022, WHO reported that globally, the number of adults and children receiving treatment for MDR- and rifampicin-resistant TB fell 43% short and 15% short, respectively, of United Nations five-year targets set in 2018. Hermawan is grateful to Illumina and other companies for their support, while noting that resources remain scarce and patients rely on POP-TB and other organizations to help them successfully complete their treatments.

“We have to convey information to the patient,” he says. “Sometimes, doctors will declare the patient cured, but they still have to continue treatment even though the microscope has no longer found germs. They have to continue in case there are dormant germs, and we help them understand this process so they are eventually cured.”

To read about tuberculosis surveillance, click here.

To read about a Mumbai lab using genomics for tuberculosis surveillance, click here.

To read about fighting drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa, click here.

 

On Wednesday, June 14th, 2023, The Paramount Veterans Network participated in Paramount’s Global Community Day. For 27 consecutive years, Paramount Community Day has made a difference in local communities. This year’s theme, TOGETHER FOR GOOD, builds on the foundation of One Paramount – a global team inspiring local impact. Employees have logged thousands of hours of service and this year’s goal is to continue making a difference in our local communities.

In its third year, Paramount VetNet’s Director of Programs and Operations, Betty Diaz, and Co-Chair of Veterans in Media & Entertainment Karen Kraft created a letter-writing campaign to deployed service members. This year’s Community Day provided Paramount employees an opportunity to write letters in four locations that spanned from New York, Los Angeles, and virtually.

During the virtual event, which was moderated by Karen Kraft, Paramount employees heard from special guests, Navy Pilots from the US NAVY Reserve Unit in San Diego. At the Paramount Global HQ in New York, colleagues interacted with CPT Justin Rios from the 369th Sustainment Brigade, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

We received hundreds of letters from various locations that hosted events, all of which will go to the Harlem Hellfighters (US ARMY) in New York and the VR-57 Conquistadors (US NAVY) in San Diego.

“What a great day to support, learn, and be humbled by active-duty military, veterans, and the Paramount colleagues who showed up to write letters for our service members and who learned about what some of our active-duty military personnel are doing today,” says Christopher Barrett Marine Corps Veteran

“We are grateful to our colleagues who participated and shared in gratitude while offering encouragement and support to our service members. Whether it’s a letter, a note, a sentence, or simply a word…it will help make a difference in the lives of our service members who may be experiencing challenging times while deployed,” says Betty Diaz

“Always grateful. Thank you all for your service.”