Tag: 3BL

Abbott

At Abbott, sustainability starts with our purpose — helping people lead fuller lives through better health. That’s how Abbott can make the biggest impact on people’s lives and deliver sustainable, responsible business growth in the years to come.

Our 2022 Global Sustainability Report highlights the meaningful progress we’ve made toward achieving our 2030 Sustainability Plan and demonstrates how we’re working to improve the lives of 3 billion people each year by the decade’s end.

A key strategy we’re using to reach this goal is consciously innovating for access and affordability to make our future products and technologies available to more people around the world. The Design Principles we’re integrating into our R&D processes will help us evolve the way we bring our technologies to the people who need them.

Three examples of how we’ve made our health technology more accessible, personal and convenient to more people include delivering our next-generation continuous glucose monitoring system FreeStyle Libre 3, introducing an improved version of the NeuroSphere MyPath digital health app, and launching our Panbio HIV Self-Test in 14 countries.

In addition to our progress in innovating for access and affordability, the report highlights the ways in which we’re building the diverse, innovative workforce of tomorrow, responsibly connecting data, technology and care, creating a resilient, diverse and responsible supply chain, and protecting a healthy environment.

For more details, take a look at Abbott’s 2022 Global Sustainability Report.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

PANBIO HIV SELF-TEST

FREESTYLE LIBRE 14 DAY, FREESTYLE LIBRE 2 AND FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 SYSTEMS

Failure to use FreeStyle Libre systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose reading and alarms (if enabled) do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

*Please refer to www.freestylelibre.us for the indications and important safety information.

PANBIO HIV SELF-TEST

The Panbio Self-Test is not available in the U.S. where Abbott manufactures and sells the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test which is also authorized for over-the-counter usage and available at major national pharmacies, grocery chains and retailers.

Bacardi continues to bring Shake Your Future – a free, professional bartender training program for unemployed young adults – to more people. Most recently, Bacardi partnered with the Bermuda Government’s Department of Workforce Development, to bring the program to Bermuda which is home to the global headquarters of the family-owned spirits company. Now, after undergoing rigorous training at the prestigious European Bartending School in London, followed by workshops on personal branding and marketing, participants of the transformative program have returned to Bermuda to embark on work placement opportunities with local bars and restaurants.

Originally created by Bacardi in 2018, Shake Your Future has since launched in Italy, France, India, South Africa, and other markets. Globally, an impressive 80% of graduates have secured successful careers in the hospitality industry. By providing participants with valuable skills, hands-on experience, and industry connections, Shake Your Future is helping to equip a new generation of hospitality professionals with the tools they need to succeed in this dynamic industry.

Learn more about Shake Your Future in Bermuda

About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, PATRÓN® tequila, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF® vodka. Founded more than 161 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000 people, operates production facilities in 10 countries, and sells its brands in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit https://www.bacardilimited.com/or follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Petronas are proud to present the goIT Monthly Challenge for July. As part of our shared dedication to a cleaner Earth, we’re partnering together for an ambitious challenge that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7 – affordable and clean energy for all. We’re asking students ages 6-18 if they’re up for the challenge of creating a digital innovation that will help protect our planet while promoting sustainable development. Students will flex their creative prowess to share their ideas for a digital innovation that helps create affordable and clean energy options for all.

Petronas is a global oil and gas company headquartered in Malaysia with a rich history of promoting sustainability, innovation, and progress. Founded in 1974, the company has invested heavily in research and development to create energy sources that are cleaner and more accessible. They have been at the forefront of developing renewable energy sources such as wind farms and solar power plants.

As proud sponsors of the goIT Monthly Challenge for August, Petronas is dedicated to inspiring young minds to pursue STEM education and contribute towards achieving SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy. Through this challenge, they hope to encourage students to think critically about how technology can be used to create lasting positive impacts on our planet.

Like TCS, Petronas is committed to creating solutions that benefit people, partners, and the planet. Through its many initiatives across various sectors TCS and Petronas continue to make an important contribution towards achieving a better world for us all!

Learn more about the goIT Monthly Challenge for July at on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG.

Originally published by Ericsson

Welcome to the latest edition of our Diversity & Inclusion News Round-Up. Today we are talking about gender biases in performance reviews, US Supreme Court reversing affirmative action, an interesting documentary from disability rights activist Paddy Smyth, and how a state in India is empowering women through free bus rides.

Gender bias

Interesting HBR article about three gender biases that often creep into performance-review processes – and disproportionately affect women.

Race

On Thursday, the US Supreme Court ruled that universities and colleges can no longer consider race as a factor in student admission. This article explains the background, and how this decision can impact racial equity.

Disability

In this short documentary, Irish TV presenter and disability rights activist Paddy Smyth reflects on his life with cerebral palsy, and discusses if he “wants to be fixed”. Worth watching!

Women empowerment

The state of Karnataka, India, just launched free bus travel for women. The goals of the initiative are to empower women, make their commutes safer and boost employment – and in the first nine days, over 40 million women made use of the offer. Read more here.

Dow (NYSE: DOW), a global materials science company, announced its collaboration with Procter & Gamble China (P&G China) for an air capsule e-commerce packaging. The air capsule, enabled by P&G China’s innovation and Dow’s materials, aims to deliver an effective and efficient way to protect products while avoiding excessive packaging in e-commerce and facilitating recyclability.

The air capsule packaging is a significant milestone in advancing sustainability for the e-commerce industry, offering benefits such as:

Reduction of >40% in material weight compared to traditional corrugated parcel boxes, thus requiring only 25% of original trucking and 75% less warehouse spaceSafe and reliable cushion protectionEnabling recyclability through an all-PE mono material structure

The packaging design is also reliable and convenient for consumers, with features such as a tamper-free opening for content integrity, an easy-to-tear strip, and an auto-deflate feature for hassle-free disposal after opening.

“The rise of e-commerce has inevitably generated an increase in packaging waste. At Dow, our role is to develop materials that enable better performing, sustainable packaging that is designed for recyclability from the start. Through our collaboration with P&G China, we not only meet the needs of consumer brands and e-retailers, but also enable consumers to do their part with materials that close the loop on packaging waste,” said Bambang Candra, Asia Pacific commercial vice president, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.

E-commerce packaging typically consists of carton boxes as the outer packaging, with air cushion bags or bubble wrap inside to protect and stabilize the products during delivery. However, the traditional air cushion bag film structure is multi-material – such as nylon (to provide high gas barrier for extended shelf life), a tie-layer resin, and polyethylene – making it difficult to recycle through conventional methods.

Dow’s ELITE™ AT high performance PE resins provide comparable gas barrier performance, allowing nylon to be removed from the formulation to create an all-PE mono material structure that enables recyclability of the packaging.

“At P&G, we are focused on optimizing our packaging design and committed to driving greater circularity in plastic packaging. Partnering with Dow has enabled us to make progress in our commitment toward achieving 100 percent recyclable or reusable packaging by 2030. The development of our air capsule e-commerce packaging is a step in the right direction, and we hope to continue collaborating with more partners to drive such impact at scale,” said Neo Yang, Go to Market Packaging Innovation Director, P&G Greater China.

Through expertise in materials science, Dow works closely with partners like P&G China to deliver a sustainable future for plastics. These efforts are aligned with Dow’s sustainability goals to Close the Loop by enabling 100 percent of its packaging solutions to be recyclable or reusable by 2035 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

About Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics

Packaging and Specialty Plastics (P&SP), a business unit of Dow (NYSE: DOW), combines core strengths of R&D, worldwide reach, broad product lines and industry expertise to deliver high performing technologies for end use markets in food packaging, personal hygiene, infrastructure, consumer goods and transportation. P&SP is one of the world’s largest producers of polyethylene resins, functional polymers, and adhesives, and enabled by Pack Studios, is a leading innovator and collaborator across the value chain on sustainable application development and circular economy life-cycle design for plastics. www.dowpackaging.com

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth; asset integration and scale; focused innovation and materials science expertise; leading business positions; and environmental, social and governance leadership to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated, science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Dow operates manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 37,800 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $57 billion in 2022. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at https://www.pg.com/news.

For further information, please contact:

Gemaine Goh 
Email: ggoh1@dow.com

Annabel Toh 
Email: DowAP@golin.com

By Candace Higginbotham

Medical debt continues to be the subject of high-level discussions – in news reports, government and regulatory agencies, state legislatures and Congress.

And since 41% of U.S. adults report they’ve gone into debt because of medical or dental bills, you have likely experienced it first-hand or indirectly through neighbors, friends or family members.

But Regions Bank is helping to make a difference.

A recent $50,000 grant to RIP Medical Debt abolished $9.1 million of medical debt for nearly 6,000 individuals and families in Houston and Atlanta.

This follows an initial $50,000 Regions grant last year that alleviated $12.8 million of medical debt for 12,000 people in Georgia, Florida and Texas.

RIP Medical Debt is a nonprofit that purchases unpaid and unpayable medical debts at significantly reduced rates in large, bundled portfolios for households that are at or below four times the federal poverty level or going through financial hardship as defined by a debt being 5% or more of one’s annual income. One dollar donated can abolish, on average, $100 of medical debt because debts are acquired for a fraction of their face value.

I’m proud that Regions Bank’s contributions have continued to help reduce this hardship for individuals and families in our communities.
Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Affairs at Regions Bank

When the medical debt is in their possession, rather than collect it, RIP Medical Debt erases it.

To date, the company has helped more than 6 million individuals and families by paying off more than $9 billion in medical debt.

“We were so pleased with the results of our community partnership with RIP Medical Debt last year that we made the decision to make a second investment,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Affairs at Regions Bank. “Medical debt is a serious issue – it’s the number one reason people declare bankruptcy in our country. I’m proud that Regions Bank’s contributions have continued to help reduce this hardship for individuals and families in our communities.”

Regions Bank’s commitment to this critical issue goes beyond financial investment. In March 2022 the bank launched a set of financial education tools through Regions Next Step, the bank’s no-cost financial education program. The courses on navigating medical debt were specifically designed to help people and families address urgent issues surrounding unpaid medical bills.

Last October, Regions made the courses available to other financial institutions wanting to help address this national problem, and those banks are now also sharing the courses with their own customers.

Regions also recently announced the results of a survey conducted by Regions Next Step about the scope and impact of medical debt.

Key findings included:

Two in five people have experienced an unexpected medical event in the last year and, among those, seven in 10 found it difficult to pay for it.For those with medical debt, seven in 10 respondents had debt that is either overdue or in collections.Due to the cost of medical bills in the last year, nearly one-quarter of Americans has either used all their savings to cover the expenses or has been contacted by a collection agency due to medical bills.

These results align with some grim statistics from a recent Kaiser Family Foundation report that found more than 100 million people in America have medical debt, for a total of nearly $200 billion. A quarter of adults with health care debt owe more than $5,000. And about one in five with any amount of debt said they don’t expect to ever pay it off.

Debt is most widespread in the South, according to the Urban Institute. And that played a major role in Regions’ decision to take action on this issue – because so many people in the communities the bank serves are being negatively affected.

“We were very intentional about directing the funding to areas of our footprint with the highest share of adults struggling to pay their medical debt,” Abrahams said. “We understand how the enormity of this hardship can have a negative impact on every part of people’s lives – as well as that of their families. Helping to improve the financial lives of people in our communities benefits everyone and increases the health of our local economies.”

Fortunately, all the news reports and public discussions are not all bad news. Some are resulting in actions to help ease the burden. In April, the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – announced that medical collections with balances of $500 or less would no longer appear on consumer credit reports.

Small victories are important when it comes to tackling big issues like medical debt.

Regions Bank is committed to doing our part: And abolishing $22 million in debt for almost 20,000 people is a great start.

Being an avid traveler, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many amazing parts of the world, taking in the local cultures and ecosystems. By far, one of my favourite parts of being on an adventure is watching and filming wildlife in its natural habitat. It is one of the greatest joys that I find in life. The miracles of biology unfurling before my eyes can have me transfixed for hours. I’ve made it my life’s mission to encourage as many people as possible to fall in love with the natural world that surrounds us, but doing so respectfully. It’s imperative to be responsible while observing wildlife in order to keep both the animals and ourselves safe. It is their home we are stepping into and needs to treated as such.

The Art of Stealth

There are many different ways that we can admire nature respectfully. Perhaps the most important thing to remember when setting out to catch sight of a species is to be invisible. Of course, there’s no Harry Potter-style cloak to hide your presence, and often you don’t need to invest in full camo, but essentially your presence should have no effect on the animals’ behaviour.

If you being there impacts any wild creatures’ daily routine, feeding, sleeping, resting or mating behaviours; this could have real consequences on its life and should be avoided completely. For example, a moose resting in the snow in Yellowstone National Park is doing this to conserve vital calories. If you make that animal move by getting too close to take a photograph, it could have a devastating impact on that individual surviving in the harsh winter environment.

In the same way we are creatures of habit, so are animals. They have evolved these behaviours over hundreds of years to survive. We should not be the reason they have to change these practices.

Admiring From Afar

As tempting as it can be, you should avoid touching wild animals at all costs. This is particularly important when it comes to potentially dangerous species. Most people are content not picking up snakes or spiders but tend to have a harder time resisting when it comes to fluffy, furry animals. What if you’re watching a troop of gorillas in Uganda and an overly affectionate youngster makes it way over to you – what would you do? Hopefully the COVID pandemic has educated most people about the dangers of zoonotic diseases – a disease caused by germs that spread between animals and humans. Physical contact with animals increases the chances of spreading viruses (other examples include Ebola, Zika Virus, Lyme Disease, and SARS to name a few). Especially in the case of the great apes who are particularly susceptible to our illnesses. So, not only could these actions encourage the spread of viruses among humans, but you could potentially be introducing a virus humans are capable of fighting off to an animal who cannot.

If you love animals, a stroke or cuddle could be lethal. Don’t kill them with kindness, admire them from afar.

The Benefits of Choosing Local

Teaming up with an expert local guide can be the best way to have the ultimate animal encounter. From optimal locations to the best time of year to visit, the advice of regional specialists is key. Not only will you benefit greatly from a native’s knowledge, you’re bound to learn a thing or two that you won’t find in any text book. When I used to produce wildlife TV shows, we’d nearly always opt to employ a local guide versus an academic expert in the field. There’s nothing that replicates the knowledge learned from spending time in the field.

Lastly, the money that you invest with local experts and guides can help protect the wildlife you adore. The small fees you pay for these guides make the economic case that animals are worth more alive than dead. This data assist those fighting the cause to prevent harmful activities like poaching, illegal fishing, deforestation and the bushmeat trade.

Using Tech To Improve Your Experience

Technology can also help to play a role in travelling more sustainably. Before travelling, I spend time online to do my research. I look for eco-friendly accommodation options, the most sustainable transportation choices and reputable ecotourism providers. I also use carbon footprint calculators to find out how I can reduce the environmental impact of my travels and to take action to drawdown the carbon emissions that can’t be avoided. I use a mix of DAC and afforestation platforms to offset the emissions caused by my travels.

I also like investigate if the accommodation or tour operator have live webcams. This enables me to understand the environment that I’ll be travelling to better before I leave home.

Technology also enables paperless travel. Instead of printing out travel documents and paperwork, I store them digitally on my smartphone and tablet. This reduced waste and promotes a more sustainable approach to travel.

Finally, I’m a real nerd when it comes to energy-saving devices. I always travel with solar-powered chargers, portable power banks and LED travel lights. Not only does this allow you to sustainably charge your devices, it also ensures you’re never out of battery when out in the wilderness.

If you’re about to embark on an eco-adventure, technology can really optimise your experience. From Wildlife ID app that use image or sound recognition to GPS tools that ensure you stay on designated tourist trails, you really can get the most out of your travels using tech.

To keep up with my adventures and learn more about ecotourism, or keep up with my #LenovoInovators journey, follow me on Instagram @CatherineCapon.

Unlimited possibilities – this is the theme of Project UP – Comcast’s $1B commitment to reach tens of millions of people with connectivity and other tools that drive economic mobility. I thought of the unlimited possibilities that the 8.3 million Americans who can’t yet connect to broadband Internet will begin to have thanks to the Biden administration’s historic announcement today allocating billions to connect everyone.

President Biden and Vice President Harris announced the allocation of $42.5 billion in federal funds, which will be granted across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. This once in a generation investment, made possible by bipartisan congressional action, will enable broadband to get to the places it isn’t today. Policymakers and the private sector have been working to bridge the digital divide for decades, since I was serving in the Clinton administration. But never have we seen this pairing of public and private funding to truly complete the job.

At Comcast, we’ve already been working coast to coast on new deployments into areas that don’t have Internet – and you can see some of those stories here including new network expansions, investments and buildouts in Lackawanna County, PA; Plainfield, CT; Colbert County, AL; eight counties in Georgia; 19 counties in Indiana; the communities of Kingwood, Pinehurst, Prairie View, Waller, New Caney and Conroe, Texas; Chattaroy and Key Peninsula, WA.

These areas now have the unlimited possibilities the internet can bring – seeing a doctor who is across the country via telehealth, taking a job training course remotely to get a better job, connecting to family far away or becoming an entrepreneur, coder, filmmaker.

Unlimited possibilities aren’t possible if there isn’t broadband infrastructure. That alone is not enough. We also need resources to get and keep connected the many who have access but may have issues around adoption – like affordability and lack of digital skills. This where the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Digital Navigators are so vital.

Two weeks ago, the White House highlighted the ACP with a week of action, and we together with so many others stepped up – this month we’ll host or participate in over 100 events aimed at ACP awareness and enrollment for eligible people.

Comcast is the founding partner of the Online For All campaign with Civic Nation and the U.S. Department of Education, with the goal of reaching millions who still remain unconnected with the power of the Internet. The ACP has been a big success already with 18.5 million families now getting help with their broadband costs through the program. So many more are eligible, and we need to continue efforts across the board. Digital Navigators are key to getting these folks connected and will be a focus of this campaign.

Yesterday, I had the honor of joining a discussion at the Aspen Ideas Festival with Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Administrator of NTIA, Alan Davidson. He noted that, on top of the infrastructure investment, there is also $3 billion that will be used for digital equity and opportunity programs across the country. Alan called this a “generational moment” to bring the essential communications medium of our time to everyone. I agree wholeheartedly and look forward to unlimited possibilities broadband can provide to everyone.

Broderick Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Executive Vice President, Digital Equity for Comcast Corporation.

FISHERS, Ind., July 10, 2023 /3BL/ – Land Betterment Corporation (“Land Betterment” or the “Company”), a certified B Corporation and an environmental solutions company, is proud to announce its ekō Solutions division has partnered with Camp G.R.A.V.E.S., an organization currently providing housing solutions to victims of the 2021 Kentucky tornadoes. Through this partnership, ekō Solutions placed six sustainable upcycled shipping-container homes at the site in Water Valley, Kentucky, for people in need of temporary housing.

Land Betterment has a strong track record of helping communities in a time of need. Back in December of 2021 when the devastating tornadoes hit western Kentucky, Land Betterment took immediate action and provided 22 ekō Solutions’ upcycled shipping-container homes to displaced residents in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. These container homes provided a foundation for families so they could begin to rebuild their lives and move forward.

Now, Land Betterment’s ekō Solutions division, through this partnership with Camp G.R.A.V.E.S., is providing sustainable upcycled shipping container homes to be used for individuals and families in need of temporary bridge housing. This will include housing for individuals who lost their homes due to natural disasters after the initial financial relief has expired and eventually to children aging out of foster care.

“Our units were a critical housing solution for families who had their lives turned upside down by the 2021 tornadoes,” said ekō Solutions President Peter Rodriguez. “We got to know this community well in the aftermath of that storm. Now, we’re honored to partner with Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. to give a hand up to men and women who are in need of a home.”

In addition to providing housing, Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. offers comprehensive support programs, including resources, employment opportunities, and education programs. Their track record of helping individuals achieve independence and productivity sets them apart and makes Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. an ideal partner for this endeavor.

“People need homes as the foundation for their families, and without that, it is very difficult to move forward,” Kirk Taylor, Land Betterment President said. “We are so proud to be able to have a positive impact on both individuals and communities in a time of need.”

The six upcycled shipping-container homes are located at 15030 State Route 45 South, Water Valley, Kentucky. The models currently in place at Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. are the Agora model which measures 320 square feet and is an open floor plan with 1 bedroom and 1 full bathroom and the Tide Model measuring 320 square feet and is an open floor plan with a 1 bedroom studio and 1 full bathroom. These sustainable and energy-efficient homes combine contemporary design with practicality.

ekō Solutions ensures the quality and compliance of the homes by adhering to strict national and state building codes. With a standardized approach and rigorous quality control measures, homes are manufactured at an impressive rate of up to seven per week. The construction process pays close attention to detail, from the faucets used to the placement of electrical outlets. By virtue of their previous life as ocean shipping containers, ekō homes are built to withstand transportation, ensuring they meet building standards and codes.

In addition to the Agora and Tide models, ekō Solutions offers a wide range of shipping-container housing solutions, including mobile workstations, bathrooms, dog grooming facilities, food stands, RVs, farms, hunting retreats, and homes.

About Camp Graves 
Camp G.R.A.V.E.S, a 501(c)(3) non-profit located Water Valley, Kentucky, helps break the cycle of poverty, housing instability, unemployment, government dependence, addiction, lack of education and roadblocks getting in the way of independence and success. Through our programs, Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. provides disaster relief, interim housing to disaster victims and services to break negative cycles. Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. provides short to mid-term housing for victims of displacing disaster. This housing allows families to regroup, recuperate and rebuild what they have lost without worrying about where they will house their family. Housing stability in the mist of upheaval is crucial for the rebuilding of both the physical home and their lives to begin. Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. also connects individuals and families to community resources in Graves, Kentucky and surrounding counties. Camp residents and the community have access to local resources ranging from schools to hospitals, municipalities, churches, legal aid, counseling, and everything in between. We are working with organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to provide individuals with opportunities to better themselves, their lives and the lives of those around them. To learn more about Camp G.R.A.V.E.S. visit our website www.campgraves.org or connect with us on Facebook

About ekō Solutions 
ekō Solutions, a Land Betterment Company, is a sustainable development company utilizing innovative, low-cost, container-based structures to provide durable, high-end solutions to the building marketplace while also maintaining the ability to be utilized in a mobile environment. ekō Solutions uses innovative ecological structures to replace legacy inefficient and ineffective methods of living, growing and working. The sustainable craftsmanship of our structures is what separates us from the alternatives. Our structures are suitable for residential, crisis, recovery, commercial and recreation use. For more information visit ekosolutionsllc.com and connect with ekō Solutions on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Land Betterment Corporation 
Land Betterment Corporation, an Indiana Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp, is an environmental solutions company focused on fostering a positive impact through upcycling former coal mining and industrial sites to create sustainable community development and job creation. The Company utilizes a complete solution-based lifecycle program to restore and rehabilitate the environment and revitalize communities in need of change and opportunity. Land Betterment accomplishes this by identifying un-reclaimed, run-down and neglected coal mining sites, fixing the environment through reclamation and remediation, and then repurposing the land to support a sustainable business that serves the community. Land Betterment firmly believes that with real solutions it is possible for restoration of impacted areas to live side-by-side long term employment, while building sustainable and safe surroundings for communities and our planet. For more information visit landbetterment.com or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

**Media Contacts:**

Mark LaVerghetta 
Chief Governance Officer, Corporate Finance 
Land Betterment Corporation 
Phone: 317.537.0492 ext. 0 
Email: info@landbetterment.com

Stephanie Conzelman 
Stakeholder Engagement Director 
Land Betterment Corporation 
Phone: 207.205.0790 
Email: info@landbetterment.com

Zak Owens 
Fleur de Lis Communications 
Phone: 502.386.5704 
Email: zak@fdlcomms.com

**Source:** Land Betterment Corporation

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Land Betterment Corporation’s control. The words “believes”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “continue”, “seeks”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.

INDIA, July 10, 2023 /3BL/ – Talented and versatile Bollywood actor, Bhumi Pednekar joins forces with M·A·C Cosmetics for the much anticipated 29th year of its pioneer VIVA GLAM charitable initiative, which supports healthy futures and equal rights for all.

The VIVA GLAM Bhumi Pednekar lipstick is a limited-edition lipstick co-created by Bhumi Pednekar and M·A·C Cosmetics. It represents their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact as 100% of the selling price of the lipstick will go to local organizations that support women and girls, HIV/AIDS relief efforts and the LGBTQIA+ community. VIVA GLAM BHUMI PEDNEKAR is a weightless moisture-matte lipstick that delivers a blur of soft-focus pink color. The beautiful pink bullet comes housed in a never-seen-before, golden glitter case and is perfectly complemented by Bhumi’s personal touch—a signature on the stunning art deco packaging. This exclusive combination is set to captivate beauty enthusiasts and collectors alike, making it an absolute must-have.

“I am humbled, honored, and excited to be M·A·C VIVA GLAM’s first ever India Ambassador. Being a M·A·C girl at heart, this initiative only makes my love for the brand even stronger. I genuinely believe that it is each of our responsibility to support healthy futures and equal rights now, and for the future generations. I am thrilled to help spread awareness of this amazing initiative with my own VIVA GLAM Lipstick. This lipstick is going to be a big step in the right direction, it does not just look good but also gives back 100%,” says Bhumi Pednekar, VIVA GLAM Ambassador.

This lipstick marks a significant milestone since M·A·C VIVA GLAM’s inception in 1994, which has raised over half a billion dollars in charitable donations. M·A·C Cosmetics is proud to contribute to a cause that aligns with its values. By channeling the power of beauty, M·A·C aims to create a positive ripple effect in society and inspire others to make a difference.

“We are thrilled to have Bhumi as the face of our latest VIVA GLAM campaign. Bhumi perfectly embodies the essence of Indian beauty and the core values of M·A·C Cosmetics and together, this campaign will amplify the message of inclusivity and further drive positive change”, said Karen Thompson, Brand Manager, M·A·C Cosmetics India.

Talking about the latest launch, Sonic Sarawate, Global Artist for M·A·C Cosmetics India says, “VIVA GLAM Lipsticks are always iconic, and its superior formula & shades speak for itself. VIVA GLAM X Bhumi Pednekar lipstick is in the Powder Kiss formula that gives a zero-shine look of a matte lipstick with the cushiony, lightweight feel of a balm. The shade has been handpicked by Bhumi and is what makes it even more special. In fact, one of the core reasons for my longstanding relationship with M·A·C is their strong sense of social responsibility.”

Through VIVA GLAM BHUMI PEDNEKAR, M·A·C Cosmetics India will expand their partnership with two key VIVA GLAM grantees in India in the coming year – Organization for Friends, Energies, and Resources (OFFER) & Committed Communities Development Trust (CCDT). Continuing their long-standing relationship with OFFER, this lipstick will help support Anandaghar, a palliative care program for children living with HIV/AIDS in the outskirts of Kolkata. It is a unique program that takes care of boarding, food, medical requirement, schooling & tuition fees as well as co-curricular activities for the affected children. The goal of the initiative is to provide all the privileges a child deserves, so that they seamlessly compete and establish themselves in the society as grown-up adults. Through the program with CCDT, the focus is on empowering adolescents to be able to contribute meaningfully to their own development related to SRHR (sexual reproductive health and rights) and influence the environment positively.

The universally flattering VIVA GLAM BHUMI PEDNEKAR lipstick is a must-have for beauty enthusiasts and changemakers. This limited-edition lipstick combines glamour with a commitment to support the health and rights of All Ages, All Races and All Genders through a lipstick that gives back 100%!

Available: 
VIVA GLAM Bhumi Pednekar lipstick will be available starting 1st July 2023. Shop the range online at maccosmetics.in, nykaa.com, myntra.com, shoppersstop.com and offline across all M·A·C, Nykaa & Shoppers Stop stores in India

About M·A·C Cosmetics: 
M·A·C (Make-Up Art Cosmetics) is a leading brand of professional cosmetics and part of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Since its creation in Toronto, Canada, over 30 years ago, the brand’s popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from Makeup Artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M·A·C is now sold in over 130 countries/territories worldwide. Follow M·A·C on Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok and Pinterest (@MACcosmetics); become a M·A·C fan on Facebook (facebook.com/maccosmetics); follow M·A·C on Instagram (instagram.com/maccosmetics) and watch M·A·C videos on YouTube (youtube.com/maccosmetics).

M·A·C Cosmetics India is present in 110 doors across India and online on maccosmetics.in, Nykaa.com, Myntra.com, TataCliq.com, Purplle.com, Ajio.com, NNNOW.com, Boddess.com and ShoppersStop.com. To locate a M·A·C store nearest to you, visit maccosmetics.in. You can also follow Sonic Sarwate, Global Senior Artist, M·A·C India on Instagram @sonicsmakeup and Leiya Phinao Ningshen, National Artist M·A·C India on Instagram @leiyamua

For more information, visit https://www.maccosmetics.in/

ABOUT M·A·C VIVA GLAM: 
M·A·C VIVA GLAM was created at the height of the AIDS epidemic in 1994 to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Through this trailblazing campaign, 100% of the selling price of all VIVA GLAM lipsticks all year round goes to organizations and programs aimed at creating healthy futures and equal rights for women, girls, and the LGBTQIA+ communities while maintaining its decades-long support for those living with HIV/AIDS. To date, the campaign has raised more than US$500 million and funded 1,800 organizations around the globe.