Tag: 3BL

Ancestry, the global leader in family history, published its 2025 Impact Report, detailing the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its products and leveraging its resources to build a better future for generations to come. The report outlines key achievements across the business in 2025, showcasing efforts to empower its people and partners, deliver meaningful service to customers, and make a positive impact on communities and the planet.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to meaningfully serve our customers while operating our business in a manner that is good for both people and the planet,” said Howard Hochhauser, President & CEO of Ancestry. “Our Impact Report reflects how we are expanding access to history, strengthening trust through responsible data and technology practices, and helping future generations discover where they come from and see themselves in the stories of the past.”

The 2025 Impact Report highlights Ancestry’s progress in key areas, including:

• Expanding Access to Historical Records: Exceeded Ancestry’s 3-year philanthropic commitment to allocate $3 million to making culturally significant history that is at risk of being forgotten available to everyone at no cost. In 2025 alone, Ancestry made more than 13 million culturally significant records available to everyone for free, including new collections related to enslavement and the Holocaust.
• Powering Discoveries for All: Added over 4 billion new records and introduced 68 new and updated DNA regions, helping more than 29 million people connect to over 3,600 places worldwide.
• Empowering Students: Exceeded 3-year goal of providing more than 10 million students with free access to historical records through AncestryClassroom®, reaching over 13.8 million students in total after expanding access by 800,000 students in 2025 alone. Additionally, Ancestry awarded 26 scholarships through the HistoryMakers College Tour and Scholarship program.
• Driving Sustainability: Innovated across the supply chain to reduce emissions in production and distribution per AncestryDNA® kit by 8.1%.

To learn more and to view the full 2025 Impact Report, please visit https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/annual-impact-report.

About Ancestry®
Ancestry®, the global leader in family history, connects everyone with their past so they can discover, preserve, and share their unique family stories. With our unparalleled collection of more than 70 billion records, over 3.8 million subscribers, and over 29 million people in our growing DNA network, customers can discover their family story and gain a new level of understanding of their lives. Over the past 40 years, we’ve built trusted relationships with millions of people who have chosen us as the platform for discovering, preserving and sharing the most important information about themselves and their families.

Media Contact:
Jillian McCoy, Director, Corporate Responsibility & Communications
Dept.: Communications

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by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Social media feeds fill with news of forever chemicals. Apps abound that allow us to assess a product’s “health impact” score. Meanwhile, we still want nutritious options that are best for our bodies and health. We’re living in a food information overload. This may leave us with overwhelming wonder about the safety of foods for our bodies, and for the environment. When climate anxiety and diet intersect, it can cause excessive worry and even lead to disordered eating. We still have a lot to learn about food, the environment, and our health. However, we know that excess worry isn’t good for us. Let’s break down what we know and how to minimize risk.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

We’re increasingly aware of the negative impact that chemicals have on our bodies, and where we encounter them. Read on to learn many ways of avoiding them.

PFAS

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” degrade very slowly. This causes them to build up in humans, animals, and the environment. We encounter PFAS pretty much everywhere, including in our water and food. There’s a lot we still don’t know about PFAS, but researchers are investigating how to measure exposure and impact on our health. At the same time, food manufacturers, restaurants, and others in the food industry are moving away from packaging that may contain PFAS.

Microplastics

Microplastics are a significant part of the conversation about environmental and physical health. Science confirms the impact (and longevity) of these chemicals. And researchers believe they can increase risk of chronic disease. However, we don’t know exactly how to measure the amount of microplastics we absorb, how long they last, or the influence they have on our bodies or the environment.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is another chemical that has been used for decades. It’s often found in plastics, food and beverage packaging, or as a coating for metal products, including cans. Exposure to BPA may be harmful for children and babies, increasing risk for chronic disease.

The Good News

To help you minimize microplastics, there are increasingly more kitchen tools for the home kitchen that are PFAS-free. Limit plastic and use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or bamboo/wood for food preparation and storage instead. To limit exposure to BPA, look for canned products, containers, and more labeled “BPA-free.”

Habits That Minimize Risk

It just takes small changes and a bit of thought to minimize your risk and fill your shopping cart with more environmentally friendly options.

Support Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming allows producers to control the environment that produce is grown in. This includes temperature, lighting, and exposure to harmful elements. This farming method uses less water and energy (when sunlight is utilized). Greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables are also less likely to be sprayed or grown with harmful chemicals. Look for greenhouse-grown or hydroponic produce to support this type of farming.

Eat More Plants, Less Meat

Eating more plants is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and the environment. Plants are rich in essential fiber and micronutrients. They also use fewer resources to produce. Meat production has significant impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as water and energy use. When we choose a plant-forward diet, we are making a more sustainable choice. Go further by supporting local growers to reduce carbon emissions (and get fresher food too!).

Choose Reusable, Plastic‑Free Foodware

Avoiding single‑use plastic—and plastic‑coated—food containers helps reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals while also lowering your carbon footprint. Bring your own reusable options like stainless steel, ceramic, or food‑grade silicone cups and to‑go containers when you’re eating on the go. And when shopping, skip the single‑use plastic produce bags. Place your fruits and vegetables directly in your cart or use a reusable produce bag instead!

Be Cautious About “Health Impact” Apps

There are several apps that provide product information to help you avoid “less clean” ingredients. This may be beneficial if you know what to do with the information. But it can also create confusion. Be sure to consider the product as a whole and if it’s a good choice for your overall health. For example, we know we need to avoid too much sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar to lower risk of chronic disease. However, the app may not be taking this into consideration. If you’re looking for an app that does help you locate nutritious foods with less effort, I recommend Guiding Stars.

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.

*Image by Freepik
 

by Allison Stowell

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

Social media feeds fill with news of forever chemicals. Apps abound that allow us to assess a product’s “health impact” score. Meanwhile, we still want nutritious options that are best for our bodies and health. We’re living in a food information overload. This may leave us with overwhelming wonder about the safety of foods for our bodies, and for the environment. When climate anxiety and diet intersect, it can cause excessive worry and even lead to disordered eating. We still have a lot to learn about food, the environment, and our health. However, we know that excess worry isn’t good for us. Let’s break down what we know and how to minimize risk.

Avoiding Harmful Chemicals

We’re increasingly aware of the negative impact that chemicals have on our bodies, and where we encounter them. Read on to learn many ways of avoiding them.

PFAS

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” degrade very slowly. This causes them to build up in humans, animals, and the environment. We encounter PFAS pretty much everywhere, including in our water and food. There’s a lot we still don’t know about PFAS, but researchers are investigating how to measure exposure and impact on our health. At the same time, food manufacturers, restaurants, and others in the food industry are moving away from packaging that may contain PFAS.

Microplastics

Microplastics are a significant part of the conversation about environmental and physical health. Science confirms the impact (and longevity) of these chemicals. And researchers believe they can increase risk of chronic disease. However, we don’t know exactly how to measure the amount of microplastics we absorb, how long they last, or the influence they have on our bodies or the environment.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is another chemical that has been used for decades. It’s often found in plastics, food and beverage packaging, or as a coating for metal products, including cans. Exposure to BPA may be harmful for children and babies, increasing risk for chronic disease.

The Good News

To help you minimize microplastics, there are increasingly more kitchen tools for the home kitchen that are PFAS-free. Limit plastic and use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or bamboo/wood for food preparation and storage instead. To limit exposure to BPA, look for canned products, containers, and more labeled “BPA-free.”

Habits That Minimize Risk

It just takes small changes and a bit of thought to minimize your risk and fill your shopping cart with more environmentally friendly options.

Support Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming allows producers to control the environment that produce is grown in. This includes temperature, lighting, and exposure to harmful elements. This farming method uses less water and energy (when sunlight is utilized). Greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables are also less likely to be sprayed or grown with harmful chemicals. Look for greenhouse-grown or hydroponic produce to support this type of farming.

Eat More Plants, Less Meat

Eating more plants is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and the environment. Plants are rich in essential fiber and micronutrients. They also use fewer resources to produce. Meat production has significant impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as water and energy use. When we choose a plant-forward diet, we are making a more sustainable choice. Go further by supporting local growers to reduce carbon emissions (and get fresher food too!).

Choose Reusable, Plastic‑Free Foodware

Avoiding single‑use plastic—and plastic‑coated—food containers helps reduce exposure to microplastics and harmful chemicals while also lowering your carbon footprint. Bring your own reusable options like stainless steel, ceramic, or food‑grade silicone cups and to‑go containers when you’re eating on the go. And when shopping, skip the single‑use plastic produce bags. Place your fruits and vegetables directly in your cart or use a reusable produce bag instead!

Be Cautious About “Health Impact” Apps

There are several apps that provide product information to help you avoid “less clean” ingredients. This may be beneficial if you know what to do with the information. But it can also create confusion. Be sure to consider the product as a whole and if it’s a good choice for your overall health. For example, we know we need to avoid too much sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar to lower risk of chronic disease. However, the app may not be taking this into consideration. If you’re looking for an app that does help you locate nutritious foods with less effort, I recommend Guiding Stars.

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.

*Image by Freepik
 

PHOENIX, April 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Following months of strategic collaboration, the Arizona Energy Promise Task Force has released its final report to Governor Katie Hobbs, outlining 31 consensus-driven recommendations to modernize Arizona’s grid and lower energy costs. The Ray is proud to announce that Allie Kelly, Executive Director of The Ray, served as a key subject matter expert on the Working Group established by Executive Order 2025-13, ensuring that right-of-way (ROW) innovation is at the heart of Arizona’s energy future.

Addressing a 40% Surge in Demand

The Task Force was convened at a critical moment for the state. With rapid population growth and industrial expansion, Arizona utilities project a staggering 40% increase in peak energy demand over the next 15 years. Executive Order 2025-13 was designed to “cut the red tape” and find innovative ways to deliver affordable, reliable power without placing the financial burden on Arizona families.

Sharing The Ray’s ROW Blueprint

Throughout the working group sessions from late 2025 through March 2026, Allie Kelly and The Ray team shared technical expertise on how Arizona can leverage its most underutilized asset: the public right-of-way.

The final report, released this spring, reflects several core strategies championed by The Ray, including:

Transmission Co-location: Accelerating the use of transportation corridors for high-voltage transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the grid faster.

Optimizing State Assets: A key recommendation calls for developing a statewide map of state-owned land and assets—including highway roadways—to support future energy siting.

Streamlined ROW Solar: Reducing administrative barriers to deploy solar projects along infrastructure, protecting Arizona’s land and water footprints while adding immediate capacity.

“Being at the table for this Task Force allowed us to show Arizona leaders that the solution to their energy demand isn’t just about building more—it’s about building smarter. By using the land we already own—our highways—Arizona can meet its energy goals faster and more affordably.”

— Allie Kelly, Executive Director–

From Recommendations to Action

With the final report now in the Governor’s hands, The Ray continues to work closely with the Governor’s Office of Resiliency and the Arizona State Land Department to move these recommendations toward implementation. As Arizona seeks to become a national leader in clean energy and manufacturing, The Ray’s P4 (Public-Private-Philanthropic-Partnership) model serves as the primary engine for turning these policy ideas into roadside reality.

Media Contact

Dallen McLemore, Communications Specialist, The Ray

229.449.6168 | dallen@theray.org | @TheRayHighway

Key Takeaways

• Facilities storing 1 million gallons of oil or more may be subject to federal regulations that require facility response plans (FRP), but whether you actually need one depends on a specific set of risk-based criteria.
• If a facility can show that no sensitive environmental, cultural, or human health resources would be affected by a spill, then an FRP is not needed.
• Hazard and vulnerability assessment, response protocols, resource inventories, communication chains, and training/drill schedules each play a distinct role in an FRP. Gaps in any one area can undermine the entire plan.
• FRPs are living documents, not a one-time compliance checkbox. Regulatory updates, facility changes, and drill findings all require the plan to evolve.
• The decisions made before a spill, determine the outcomes after one. From stocking materials to training staff on scenario response, preparation drives effective, compliant emergency action when it matters most.
   

Facilities that store 1 million gallons or more of oil have at least one thing in common: they all must consider whether they need to develop a Facility Response Plan, or FRP. Outlined in 40 CFR Part 112.20, compliance is an essential requirement to ensure oil pollution prevention. These oils can consist of a variety of petroleum and non-petroleum products, and should a facility experience a catastrophic release, the potential impact on the environment and other sensitive resources could be devastating. 

Developing a strong facility response plan begins with recognizing when your company needs one and following the right steps to create it.

What is a Facility Response Plan?

A facility response plan is an emergency plan that outlines how a company will respond to spills of oils or hazardous substances that could pose a threat to human health, the environment, or property. It is meant to demonstrate that, should the worst-case scenario spill occur, a facility has the means to quickly and effectively clean up spills. It is both an emergency operational guide as well as a regulatory requirement, depending on the business.

There are a few key elements that every FRP should include to be both effective and compliant. First, there needs to be a clear step-by-step plan on how a facility will respond to hazardous spills. Details should be precise and clear enough so that anyone can pick up the facility response plan and know exactly what to do before, during, and after a spill.

In addition, details should highlight the resources needed to carry out the facility response plan. Tools, equipment, and protective gear should be outlined so that a company can acquire the materials and have them available at a moment’s notice. Resources also include response organizations that may need to be contracted for assistance in case of a spill.

Communication structures are also an essential part of FRPs. Clear directions on who to contact when a spill occurs, how to report incidents to authorities, and how communications should be conducted between internal staff and external partners are essential to managing these crises effectively.

Finally, your FPR is required to include a training and drill protocol. Training instructions are there to inform staff of their responsibilities and to enable facilities to conduct mandatory drills. By employing these exercises, facilities can operate with precision should a spill occur.

Who Needs a Facility Response Plan?

Just because a facility stores more than 1 million gallons of oil, it does not necessarily mean that it needs a facility response plan. Regulations include a reasonable exception to the FRP requirements: If it can be shown that no sensitive environmental, cultural, or human health resources would be impacted by a spill, then an FRP is not needed.

If you are unsure whether you need a facility response plan, go through the following questions. Facilities that can answer “no” to the following three questions most likely do not need an FRP.

• Is the facility located at a distance such that a discharge from the facility could cause injury to fish, wildlife, and sensitive environments?
• Is the facility located at a distance such that a discharge from the facility would shut down a public drinking water intake?
• Has the facility experienced a reportable oil spill in an amount greater than or equal to 10,000 gallons within the last five years?

Other Potential Requirements

For companies that do not need a facility response plan but have more than 1,320 gallons of oil in storage, there may be other required measures to assist in managing storage in an environmentally conscientious manner.

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans: Most oil storage facilities fall under SPCC requirements, which focus on preventing spills before they happen, highlighting proper storage, containment, and inspection protocols.

Integrated Contingency Plans (ICP): Also known as a One Plan, an ICP integrates multiple emergency response plans. SPCC, OSHA regulations, and FRP standards can be combined to eliminate redundancies and simplify employee training.

Industry-Specific Emergency Plans: Industries like refineries or chemical plants have emergency protocols laid out by regulatory bodies, such as OSHA, or other rules within the EPA. Similar to an FRP, they are tailored to those specific industries.

Facility Response Plan Best Practices

As a company develops its own facility response plan, there are certain best practices to keep in mind. While this list is not exhaustive, here are five of the top items to remember when drafting and implementing an FRP:

Align with national and regional plans. All FRP guidelines should be consistent with the National Contingency Plan and relevant Area Contingency Plans. Any procedures that diverge from these plans must be reevaluated.

Include site-specific visuals. This is not a time for templates. FRPs should include maps and diagrams that reflect the layout of your facility. The more tailored to your facility, the better.

Have regular training and drills. It isn’t enough to read through the document. Facilities should have annual drills and scenario walk-throughs so that if a spill occurs, reactions will be second nature.

Update regularly. A common misconception about facility response plans is that they are fixed documents. On the contrary, they are meant to evolve. As facilities change, regulations are updated, and drills uncover flaws in protocol, your FRP must be updated to reflect those changes. In addition, facilities must submit changes to an EPA regional office for approval.

Keep essential materials stocked. Should a spill occur, facilities won’t have time to go out to grab the materials and resources they need. The FRP outlines what response materials should be stocked and stored and replenished when needed.

Communication is key. A facility response plan is a guide, but humans are the ones who will carry it out. Clear communication between departments, staff, and partners before, during, and after a spill will result in more positive outcomes.

Plan Today for a Better Tomorrow

A thoughtful facility response plan helps ensure your employees, operations, and environment are protected, long before an incident occurs. With an FRP, you are proactively planning for compliance and operational resilience. Get started today and talk with one of our EHS auditing and compliance experts who can guide you toward facility response plan success.

AMSTERDAM and HONG KONG and OAKLAND, Calif., April 29, 2026 /3BL/ – Cascale today announced a major milestone for its Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), celebrating the recent graduation of 52 textile, apparel, and footwear manufacturers, following completion of the program.

MCAP Graduation, At A Glance:

• 52 manufacturers graduated from MCAP in March 2026.
• 8 Cascale Brand and Retailer members are actively supporting their manufacturers. 
• They are the first participants to complete Cascale’s 18-month decarbonization program.
• All graduates have set validated Scope 1 and 2 targets and begun implementation.
• Their commitments reflect a collective reduction potential of 1.6M tCO2e emissions.

“Huge congratulations to these 52 participating manufacturers who have completed MCAP reaching this milestone is a testament to their commitment and ambition,” said Joyce Tsoi, senior director of the decarbonization program at Cascale. “These graduates are not only committing and setting science-aligned targets for their scope 1 and 2, they are now equipped with a range of climate capabilities to accelerate climate action as well as becoming more climate resilence.  The MCAP Decarbonization roadmap lays out a clear pathway, a practical means of what and how they can tangibly achieve their emission targets by actively implementing interventions that will deliver measurable emissions reductions. The climate risk training and assessment has equipped them with knowledge and strategic foresight necessary to enhance their risk management and operational resilience. This is what meaningful climate action looks like in practice.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate two of our suppliers’ graduation from Cascale’s Manufacturer Climate Action Program,” said Michi Fried, senior manager of sustainability at Everlane. “Earning this recognition is no small undertaking, and it reflects the depth of commitment our suppliers have made to decarbonizing their operations. It also speaks to the kind of partnerships we strive to build at Everlane: ones rooted in a shared belief that a more responsible future for our industry starts within our supply chain. Knowing our suppliers have now validated targets to reduce their Scope 1 and 2 emissions is exactly the kind of concrete progress that raises the bar for the whole industry, and the momentum we need to meet the scale of the climate challenge.”

MCAP Impact

Over the course of the 18-month program, MCAP equips manufacturers with a comprehensive suite of tools, training, financing support, guidance, and climate risk assessments  to accelerate meaningful climate action. The graduates are first to complete MCAP’s structured, science-aligned pathway to decarbonization.

The first two graduating cohorts, which celebrated in a virtual ceremony hosted by Cascale, included 52 manufacturers; eight Cascale Brand and Retailer members are actively supporting their manufacturers. Graduates have measured their emissions, set science-aligned targets for Scope 1 and 2, and begun implementing reduction strategies, demonstrating leadership in the transition to a low-carbon textile, apparel, and footwear industry. 

Collectively, participating facilities are on a pathway toward approximately 1.6 million tCO2e in emissions reductions – equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 326,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles. The program also positions participants to continue advancing decarbonization efforts beyond graduation, annually measuring and reporting their decarbonization progress, strengthening long-term resilience in an evolving sustainability landscape.

New MCAP cohorts are launching soon! Manufacturers and brands can register for a free information session. 

Media Contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk 

ABOUT CASCALE

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to combat climate change and support decent work in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale stewards and governs the Higg Index frameworks, modules, and methodologies, while Worldly delivers the technology platform through which they are implemented globally. Cascale also  recently acquired the Better Buying and Sustainable Furnishings Council tools. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

EL CERRITO, Calif., April 29, 2026 /3BL/ – On the heels of San Francisco Climate Week, Net Impact, in collaboration with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), announced the winning teams of the 2026 Home Electrification Challenge. This statewide competition invited students from colleges and universities across California to design innovative customer engagement strategies that accelerate home and neighborhood-level electrification across PG&E’s diverse customer base. As PG&E works toward a sustainable energy future, the company sought innovative approaches to help customers understand the benefits of electrification and inspire electrified homeowners to become active advocates within their communities.

After an earlier round of competitions at individual schools, eight finalist teams with more than 20 students came to PG&E’s Oakland Headquarters to present their ideas to PG&E leaders for a chance to win a cash prize. These students and other attendees also enjoyed professional networking with PG&E sustainability and customer electrification teams, career-oriented content, and a tour of PG&E’s Net-Zero Climate Command Center.

Meet the 2026 Home Electrification Challenge Winners

Two winning teams were selected and awarded a grand prize of $1,000 each:

• University of California, Berkeley, represented by Vish Goel, Vedatman Duhoo, Vit Do, and Harper Young.
• University of California, Los Angeles, represented by Angela Hu, Angel Wang, and Zitong Wang.

“Helping our customers electrify their homes at the pace and scale we need is a big sustainability challenge – and big challenges require innovative thinking and collaborative approaches. This competition was an exciting way to tap into the creative ideas of bright-minded students to help shape our strategy. Special thanks to our partners at Net Impact for helping to bring this impactful initiative to life,” reflected Chris Benjamin, Senior Director of Corporate Sustainability at PG&E.

“We’re honored to continue our multi-year relationship with PG&E,” said Net Impact CEO, Karen Johns. “This program was just the latest way that our organizations have collaborated to prepare business trained students for impactful careers. The topic of home electrification couldn’t be more timely or important. We congratulate the winning teams, as well as all of the finalist teams who participated across California.”

“The Net Impact x PG&E Case Competition was both challenging and inspiring,” Angela Hu, team member from the UCLA winning team, reflected. “Working on such a relevant issue as climate change, our team had a lot of fun developing creative solutions around household electrification. It was especially exciting to work on something that PG&E is actively tackling right now, rather than a past case, and hearing directly from the PG&E team working on these projects gave us a much clearer sense of how these ideas actually get implemented. The experience really pushed us to grow as a team and think more confidently about building practical solutions to climate challenges.”

To learn more about PG&E’s home electrification efforts, visit their website here.

About Net Impact

Net Impact is one of the largest and oldest global member organizations focused on training business students for impactful careers and impactful lives. Net Impact engages over 50,000 students and professionals annually. With almost 300 chapters in over 30 states and 40 countries, members are pursuing impactful careers and impactful lives across diverse industries, including business, sustainability, and social impact fields. Visit www.netimpact.org.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

CONTACT:

Net Impact

Hilary Manzo, Associate Director of Programs
Email: hmanzo@netimpact.org

PG&E

Paul Doherty, Manager, Clean Energy & Innovation Communications
Email: paul.doherty@pge.com

Buying a home is a major milestone and with the right preparation it can be a confident and accessible experience. A thoughtful, well‑informed approach can help buyers navigate today’s housing market while staying focused on long‑term financial wellness.

These tips can help you find the perfect house without succumbing to common home-buying pitfalls:

1. Start with a Financial Check-In

Before you dive into listings, it helps to pause and take a clear look at your finances. Reviewing your credit, paying down balances where you can and holding off on new debt can make a real difference when it’s time to apply for a mortgage. Just as important, understanding what fits comfortably in your budget allows you to shop with confidence.

Talk with a mortgage loan officer (MLO) to understand your mortgage options and get all your questions answered.

2. Know Where You Stand Before You Shop

Understanding the difference between mortgage pre‑qualification and pre‑approval can streamline your home‑buying journey. Generally, pre‑qualification provides an early estimate of your borrowing potential, while pre‑approval is based on verified financial information and can signal readiness when making an offer. Both steps can help buyers make more informed, confident decisions.

Even if you are pre-approved for a certain home purchase price, the monthly payments might not be ideal for your budget. Use this calculator to figure out a comfortable loan and payment amount.

3. Look Beyond the Listing

A home may look perfect at first glance, but inspections and property surveys can help uncover the details that matter long‑term. From understanding property lines to identifying potential repairs, these steps help ensure there are fewer surprises after closing and more confidence in the decision you’re making.

4. Guidance and Access Make a Difference

No two home‑buying journeys look the same, and access to clear information and trusted guidance can make all the difference. During Fair Housing Month, it’s a reminder that everyone deserves a fair opportunity to explore homeownership with transparency, respect, and support.

Banks, housing counselors and community partners offer a range of tools that can help reduce barriers, including:

• Down payment assistance programs
• Low down‑payment mortgage options
• First‑time homebuyer education
• One‑on‑one financial guidance

5. Keep Perspective Throughout the Process

It’s easy to let emotions take the lead when you find a house you love. Taking a step‑by‑step approach, asking questions and leaning on knowledgeable professionals can help you stay focused on what truly works for your life and your long‑term goals.

The Takeaway

Homeownership isn’t just about finding the right house: it’s about having the knowledge, resources and confidence to make informed choices. With preparation and the right support, more buyers can take meaningful steps toward owning a home that fits their lives and financial goals.

Content provided for informational and educational purposes only and is in no way to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal financial issues.

NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. Information and offers are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit and collateral approval. Not all loans or products are available in all states.

NMLS #399797. Equal Housing Lender.

CFMA#260424-4385678

Originally published on CVS Health Company News 

Key points

• CVS Pharmacy is now offering same-day delivery of over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) or ephedrine (EPH) in select states, where allowed by law.
• The convenient new offering gives customers the ability to purchase cold and cough medicines containing the ingredients online and delivered to their home.

Now, more than ever, getting relief doesn’t have to mean leaving home. CVS Pharmacy customers across 32 states can quickly and easily get the cough and cold medications they need, right when symptoms hit, without making a trip to the store.

“We’re always looking for new ways to give our customers convenient access to the medicines they need,” said Zach Dennett, Vice President, Merchandising, CVS Health. “Rapid delivery of over-the-counter cold, sinus and allergy products containing PSE and EPH – along with other health and wellness products – is an important new service that can help ease sick symptoms without customers ever needing to leave their home.”

Identity verification process

To meet federal requirements and help prevent misuse, customers will need to verify their identity when checking out on CVS.com or the CVS Health app. It’s a simple, secure step that’s required by law. Federal and state laws also require identity verification for PSE and EPH product purchases to make sure purchase limits are followed. CVS Pharmacy is utilizing ID.me, a secure digital identify wallet, to help enforce those limits across both in-store and online purchases.

When checking out on CVS.com or the CVS Health app, customers select Check state eligibility, then Verify with ID.me at checkout. They then follow the on-screen instructions to upload their valid driver’s license or state-issued ID and confirm their information. To complete the purchase, the delivery address must match the address on the ID. Once verification is successful, customers can finalize their order and choose same-day delivery, if it’s available in their state.

Delivery-eligible states

CVS Pharmacy is currently offering home delivery of PSE and EPH medications in 32 states, including Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.

Same-day delivery fees vary by store location and are shown when a customer adds products to their shopping cart. ExtraCare Plus members enjoy free same-day delivery on qualifying orders purchased on CVS.com® or in the CVS Health app.

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The following is an excerpt from Cisco’s FY25 Purpose Report. Explore the full report to learn more about how we Power an Inclusive Future for All.

As data center and AI usage surge, so does the need for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.

Cisco has long believed that sustainability action can spur innovation and build a more resilient energy supply.

Since 2008, we’ve set ambitious five-year targets to cut our absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions, paving the way to major milestones this year. In fiscal 2025, we proudly achieved our goal of reducing our Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 90%, compared to a fiscal 2019 base year.¹ In addition, for the first time in company history, we sourced renewable electricity to match 100% of global annual electricity needs at Cisco owned and leased facilities.²

Reaching these milestones reflects our long-standing commitment to energy and sustainability — and our momentum ahead. We intend to maintain at least a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions as we work toward our goal to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2040.

Sustainability across our direct operations

Cisco was able to achieve its ambitious Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction goal through a holistic approach across our global operations, from driving efficiency to sourcing renewable energy.

Driving Efficiency and Decarbonization 

In fiscal 2025, we implemented 78 energy efficiency projects that avoid approximately 11.5 gigawatt-hours of energy consumption and 27,200 metric tonne carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) each year through our:

• Buildings: Implemented AI and advanced analytics to monitor and optimize energy, airflow, and cooling in our labs
• Electrification: Completed our first building electrification projects in San Jose, California and Galway, Ireland, with more underway and planned globally
• Fleet: Increased electric vehicles in our fleet of leased company cars for our European employees from 11% in fiscal 2019 to 66% in fiscal 2025

As we look ahead to fiscal 2026 — the final year of our five-year energy efficiency investment plan — we intend to continue investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building electrification projects that reduce our emissions.

Sourcing Renewable Energy 

In fiscal 2025, for the first time ever, Cisco sourced renewable electricity to match 100% of global annual electricity needs at Cisco owned and leased facilities² through a variety of methods, including new long-term power purchase agreements in:

• India: Cisco’s Bangalore campus, our largest outside the United States, began receiving power from a new 92 megawatt (MW) solar and wind generation facility. The system is projected to generate approximately 181,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually. We also established dual electrical feeds, enabling Cisco to reduce campus diesel fuel use by approximately 30%.
• Texas: Cisco served as the anchor buyer for two aggregated virtual power purchase agreements for 172 MW of solar. Of the 172 MW, Cisco will procure 100 MW from two new solar projects estimated to come online in 2027.

Together, these efforts will produce more than 500,000 MWh of renewable energy per year, or the energy needed to power approximately 72,000 U.S. homes annually. They are part of our larger strategy to add more renewable energy sources to the grid, while better matching renewable energy generation with our power consumption.

In fiscal 2025, we also piloted the use of renewable fuels in our operations. We began using biodiesel in Bangalore for approximately 10% of our backup power generation needs and sourced renewable natural gas for Cisco sites in the United States and United Kingdom.

Optimizing Our Real Estate Footprint 

By creating and renovating spaces with sustainability and employee well-being in mind, we aim to reduce both our environmental impact and operational costs while creating healthier spaces for employees.

At the end of fiscal 2025, 45 Cisco facilities had earned certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) and the WELL Building Standard, with 11 more underway. These spaces now account for 21% of our global real estate portfolio. For example, our Shanghai office achieved LEED® and WELL Platinum certification and is 18% more energy efficient than code.

We’re also bringing intelligence into the built environment. With Cisco Spaces, sensors and Webex endpoints automatically adjust room settings to improve comfort and save energy. This smart building technology is live in our San Francisco and New York offices.

Supporting Our Suppliers 

Reducing our own emissions is only the beginning; we’re helping our suppliers do the same. In fiscal 2025, we met and exceeded our goal that 80% of Cisco component, manufacturing, and logistics suppliers by spend have a public, absolute GHG emissions reduction target by fiscal 2025 — with 88% having emissions reduction targets.

We hosted a net-zero roundtable with suppliers in Thailand, convening business partners, suppliers, and local experts to tackle challenges like renewable energy adoption and product carbon footprint calculations.

In addition, we also teamed up with two consumer brands to help suppliers access clean electricity in Asia at more affordable rates. Already, four supplier sites representing three suppliers have committed to purchasing nearly 28 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy in 2025, avoiding an estimated 16,717 metric tonnes of CO2e of emissions.

Driving AI-Ready Infrastructure 

In the AI era, we are continually innovating to make our products more efficient while advancing performance and security. This fiscal 2025, we announced several new products in our switching portfolio that help bring this balance across data centers and campus networks.

Introducing the N9300 Series Smart Switches 

The N9300 Series Smart Switches combine intelligent networking silicon and data processing units, which help to simplify data center infrastructure and make it more efficient. The Smart Switches feature two processing engines that together intelligently steer traffic to drive enhanced capabilities, optimal performance, reduced energy consumption, and operational simplicity.

The N9300 series is powered by the Cisco Silicon One processing chip, our unified architecture for multiple network roles and devices. This innovation delivers switching and security products that are more efficient, lowering operational costs while increasing capacity. The Silicon One unified architecture has already supported the development of a broad portfolio of routing and switching devices, with more in progress.

Delivering Impact Through Our Products 

Several more products across our enterprise switching, enterprise routing, and data center networking portfolios received ENERGY STAR® certifications. This designation helps customers more easily factor energy efficiency into their purchasing decisions.

Learn more about how we are driving energy efficiency in our products on the Purpose Reporting Hub.

Read the full FY25 Purpose Report

At Cisco, our Purpose is core to who we are and what we do. Learn more about our goals and progress to date in our Purpose Reporting Hub. 

1. ^{Percentage is rounded from an 89.7% reduction. This rounding is for presentation purposes only and does not affect the underlying data.}
2. ^{Cisco achieved this milestone using a variety of methods, including on-site renewables, contractual arrangements such as power purchase agreements, and energy attribute certificates. See the Purpose Reporting Hub for our renewable energy strategy.}