Tag: 3BL

Ralph Winkler has written a lot of music, but he never imagined one of his most popular songs would be inspired by one of the worst days for his family.

Ralph, 58, who lives in Heerlen, Netherlands, remembers the day in 2023 when he and his wife, Angeles rushed their teenage son, Mikk, to the hospital and first heard about Mikk’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

He describes the next few days as a roller coaster ride. The whole family was inundated with information as they learned from hospital staff how to manage blood sugar levels and taught Mikk how to inject himself with insulin.

“It started to hit him very hard, and he started to think, ‘why me?’” recalled Ralph. “We wanted to be able to take the burden from him, so we told him we would handle this together.”

As his family struggled with Mikk’s new medical reality, Ralph began writing music to express his emotions as a father. The resulting song, Wind Underneath Your Wings, is a tribute to his son’s bravery and the fear many parents experience when their child is confronted with a medical problem they are powerless to stop.

Today, Wind Underneath Your Wings is one of Ralph’s most-streamed songs — played more than 18,000 times on Spotify. In fact, the song was so warmly received in their local diabetes community that Mikk and Angeles established the Winkler Wings Foundation. Proceeds from the song go toward the organization’s mission to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and funds to support those living with the condition.

The foundation hosted its first benefit festival in November, raising more than €4,000.00 to benefit the organization Diabetes+ in The Netherlands.

Today, Mikk is thriving, thanks partly to his Medtronic MiniMed^TM 780G insulin pump, which automatically adjusts his insulin levels to help manage his blood sugar. Mikk jokingly refers to the device as his best friend. “It’s really changing my life,” said Mikk. “I feel very free. I can do way more. I can go out more.”

The device also brings peace of mind for his parents, and it’s brought Ralph an extra sense of pride in his day-to-day job working for Medtronic. Ralph helps translate user manuals, including one for the same technology that helps his son.

“This experience forced me to look at my work through the lens of a patient, and it’s easier to see how our colleagues at Medtronic are making an impact on the lives of people around the world,” said Ralph.

Learn more about Medtronic here.

MiniMed™ 780G System is for type 1 ages 7 and over. Prescription required. WARNING: Do not use SmartGuard™ feature for people who require less than 8 units or more than 250 units of insulin/day. For full safety information, see https://bit.ly/780gRisks

Jeremy Lardeau, senior vice president of the Higg Index at Cascale, recently joined industry leaders at The Economist’s Sustainability Week Asia. Over 900 business leaders came together in Bangkok to explore how the region’s rapid economic growth, substantial renewable investments, and diverse ecosystems provide opportunities to lead on decarbonization.

Lardeau joined the “Troubling taxonomies: how to standardize sustainability reporting” panel, moderated by Vijay Vaitheeswaran, global energy and climate innovation editor at The Economist. Participants also included Ornsaran Pomme Manuamorn, senior financial sector specialist at World Bank, and Susanna Hasenoehrl, head of sustainable solutions business, Asia-Pacific and Japan at SAP.

While acknowledging the complexity of the supply chains, Lardeau explained the benefits of standardized sustainability reporting and the use of a common framework. He highlighted reporting challenges including limited resources, duplicative work, contradicting information, and a lack of comparable data. Lardeau also noted that governments have an important role to play in promoting standardized environmental reporting systems through sensible regulation.

Lardeau shared how Cascale’s Higg Index suite of tools unites the industry on a common framework, bringing together 40,000 users – including over 300 Cascale members – across the value chain. He also noted that the Higg Index facility tools, specifically the Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM) and the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (Higg FSLM), can contribute facility-level assessments to broader reporting needs. And Lardeau highlighted how supply chain management platforms can help companies comply with disclosures required by legislation.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration to scale up strategic partnerships, Lardeau noted that Cascale’s new Industry Decarbonization Roadmap (IDR), developed in partnership with Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) outlines key strategies to accelerate collective action for supply chain decarbonization.

Attendees were invited to register for the Cascale Forum, which will take place May 14-15 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The two-day event will bring manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, and key industry stakeholders together to drive actionable solutions on decarbonization, foundational environmental performance, responsible purchasing practices, and more.

CDL’s 18^th Integrated Sustainability Report Highlights

• Increased alignment with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards, founded on CDL’s harmonised two-pillar reporting framework
• Enhanced double materiality assessment to identify key climate-related Sustainability Risks and Opportunities (SROs)
• Expanded Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) includes major properties in New Zealand and enhanced use of nature-related tools; Alignment of nature-related goals with GET strategy
• Secured S$400 million first-of-its-kind TNFD targets-aligned sustainability-linked loan for nature conservation and sustainable development

City Developments Limited (CDL) has released its 18th Integrated Sustainability Report (ISR) 2025, titled “Zero in on Action: Fast-Forwarding Towards Sustainable Ecosystems”. Building on last year’s focus on nature and biodiversity, this year’s report underscores CDL’s commitment to advancing sustainable ecosystems and creating value for a resilient, nature-positive future. The report also reflects CDL’s pioneering sustainability leadership since 1995, as well as its progress toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and targets under the CDL Future Value 2030 Sustainability Blueprint.
 
In line with its Operational Net Zero 2030 target, CDL has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 operational carbon emissions for assets under direct management and operational control by 25% from 2016 levels. It achieved a 38% reduction in Scope 3 embodied carbon in new developments compared with a 2016 baseline. The Group recorded a 52.1% reduction in Scope 3 investment intensity, reflecting CDL’s commitment to achieving its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated target of a 63% reduction in emissions by 2030. To further advance its climate action strategy, CDL completed an Internal Carbon Pricing (ICP) pilot study on Republic Plaza, its flagship Grade A office building in Singapore, laying the foundation for future implementations of carbon pricing mechanisms across its portfolio.

Ms Esther An, CDL’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of CDL’s 18th sustainability report, a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability for three decades. Guided by our ethos of ‘Conserving as We Construct’, CDL has consistently integrated environmental stewardship, social well-being, and economic prosperity into our operations. We continue to innovate by ‘Cooling by Greening’ and collaborate with our ecosystem of partners to step up nature-based solutions and TNFD reporting. This milestone underscores our dedication to creating sustainable spaces that respect nature, advance communities, and ensures a resilient future for all.”
 
Further Alignment with IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards with Enhanced Double Materiality Assessment
 
In June 2023, the ISSB issued its inaugural International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2, which many jurisdictions, including Singapore, have adopted using a phased approach. Moving towards greater alignment with the ISSB Standards, CDL worked with external consultants to enhance its double materiality approach, evaluating both financial and impact materiality in 2024. The Group identified several SROs with potential financial implications on its business. CDL will prioritise addressing these SROs, given the urgent impact of climate change on its core businesses.
 
CDL has built up a unique blended sustainability reporting framework anchored on impact and value pillars. Since 2008, CDL’s framework has incorporated the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards at its core, adding various framework over the years: CDP (2010), Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) (2013), Integrated Reporting Framework (2015), SDG Reporting (2016), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Recommendations (2017), SBTi (2018), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards and  Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) Framework (2020), and TNFD Recommendations (2024).
 
Strengthening Commitment to Nature and Biodiversity Conservation
 
CDL has secured over S$9 billion in sustainable financing since 2017. In 2024, it obtained a landmark S$400 million sustainability-linked loan from DBS Bank, aimed at supporting nature conservation and sustainable development in Singapore. The first-of-its-kind loan is tied to TNFD-aligned targets, reinforcing CDL’s leadership in sustainable finance and environmental stewardship.
 
As one of the first Singapore companies to voluntarily adopt the TNFD Recommendations in March 2024, CDL has expanded its TNFD disclosures this year to include its wholly-managed and owned properties in New Zealand. Additionally, the Company has leveraged advanced AI-driven tools for biodiversity and environmental risk assessments, including Xylo Systems, Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT), ENCORE (Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks, and Exposure), and the WWF Risk Filter Suite (Water Risk Filter).
 
CDL continues to advance nature and biodiversity conservation through the launch of two key initiatives in March 2025, the CDL EcoTrain and CDL MicroForest, at City Square Mall, Singapore’s first eco-mall. These initiatives align with CDL’s TNFD adoption and reinforce its commitment to enhancing urban biodiversity and climate resilience while nurturing future eco-champions and promoting sustainable living.
 
Media Contact:
Stephanie Chua
Manager, Sustainability

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DULUTH, Minn., April 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Sofidel proudly marked the beginning of a new chapter in its Duluth mill with a groundbreaking ceremony for expansion. Sofidel’s CEO Luigi Lazzareschi, Governor Tim Walz, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, our design-build project partner Hansen-Rice, and vendors were in attendance to celebrate the company’s continued investment in the community.

The ceremony included remarks from Sofidel executives, who spoke about the significance of this expansion for the city and the company.

“Today marks another milestone in Sofidel’s history. With this expansion, Sofidel further strengthens its presence in the U.S., enabling us to better serve our communities and stakeholders,” said CEO Luigi Lazzareschi.

“Hansen-Rice is honored to partner with Sofidel on this significant expansion,” said Chris Miles, Business Manager at Hansen-Rice, Inc. “This project exemplifies our shared commitment with Sofidel to deliver quality, innovation, and sustainable growth. As we lead the work ahead, we’re excited to help deliver meaningful outcomes for Sofidel, their customers, and the Duluth community.”

Sofidel acquired the Duluth paper mill in January 2024. The company will expand the existing facility into an integrated, state-of-the-art production plant, creating additional 160 jobs. Sofidel will also build an automated warehouse for product storage and distribution. The completed project size will be about 600,000 square feet and be completed by the third quarter of 2026. This project strengthens Sofidel’s regional presence, supports economic growth, and reinforces our commitment to sustainability. The development reflects our long-term investment in Minnesota and Duluth, made possible by strong public and private partnerships. The event concluded with the ceremonial groundbreaking, symbolizing the start of construction for the new facilities.

Originally published on Workiva

On February 26, 2025, the European Commission launched a game-changing plan to boost EU competitiveness, simplify regulations, and fuel economic growth with its CSRD Omnibus. With over €100 billion mobilized for “Made in EU” clean manufacturing, the initiative reinforces Europe’s commitment to decarbonization.

Key legislative packages include the Clean Industrial Deal, driving energy affordability, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable procurement; Omnibus I, updating sustainability reporting and due diligence regulations; Omnibus II, expanding clean tech investment; and Omnibus III, set for Q2 2025, introducing a new “small mid-cap” business category.

In this blog, we focus on the Omnibus I package, in particular the proposed updates related to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Any such proposals have a long way to go before being finalized. They would require agreement from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to become law, and will only become binding for companies when their relevant EU member states transpose them into their national legal frameworks.

How could the Omnibus package impact the CSRD?

Possible updates to company size thresholds and sector-specific standards
The more substantive proposal in Omnibus I (COM(2025)81) introduces a new threshold for large companies with more than 1,000 employees and either a turnover above EUR 50 million or a balance sheet above EUR 25 million. Mandatory sustainability reporting requirements would apply to entities above a new threshold.

Furthermore, the proposal would (i) remove the Commission’s mandate to adopt mandatory sector-specific sustainability reporting standards in the future, (ii) introduce a proportionate voluntary sustainability reporting standard for out-of-scope companies, and (iii) reduce trickle-down effects of the reporting burden but introducing a “value chain cap” for out-of-scope companies.

Streamline the ESRS standards while maintaining double materiality
Omnibus I also introduces a set of simplifications that would, among other things, aim to eliminate less critical data points, prioritize quantitative over narrative disclosures, and clarify materiality principles to ensure companies report only relevant information.

Additional time to prepare for some companies
The more immediate proposal in Omnibus I is about introducing a two-year delay for Wave 2 and Wave 3 companies. This proposal does not introduce any other material changes and would need to be adopted first to provide legal certainty for companies who are currently due to prepare CSRD-aligned annual reports for their 2025 financial years that will be published in early 2026.

What’s not changing in the CSRD Omnibus package?

It is equally important to be aware of what was not part of the Omnibus simplification package and therefore likely to remain part of any future mandate:

Integrated financial and sustainability disclosures 
Despite the proposed changes, the EU and other regulators expect the same level of rigor and oversight of sustainability information and continue to emphasize the integration of financial and sustainability disclosures.

The double materiality principle
The simplified ESRS standards would remain firmly rooted in the double materiality principle, with companies required to assess and disclose both financial materiality (how sustainability issues impact financial performance) and impact materiality (how business activities affect people and the environment).

Limited assurance over non-financial disclosures
The CSRD will maintain the requirement for limited assurance over non-financial reporting in companies’ annual reports, ensuring continued third-party scrutiny and verification by external auditors.

Digitally tagged and structured sustainability reporting with verification
The requirement for digitally tagged sustainability disclosures remains unchanged. Users of sustainability information increasingly expect such information to be accessible, comparable, and machine-readable in digital formats.

No-regret actions to take now

These developments present both opportunities and challenges with potential legal complexities. To navigate this evolving landscape, we believe the following four questions will help companies currently under the CSRD mandate (Wave 1) or those preparing for future compliance (Waves 2, 3, and 4):

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WASHINGTON, April 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Each year, a significant share of eligible taxpayers do not claim tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), leaving billions of dollars on the table. In 2021, 22% of eligible households did not receive the EITC, resulting in approximately $8.2 billion in unclaimed refunds. That represents not only missed opportunities for families to strengthen their financial position, but also for communities to benefit from greater local spending and economic activity.

To help address this gap, Prosperity Now, in collaboration with the Wells Fargo Foundation, has awarded $200,000 to 15 community-based organizations through the 2025 VITA Support Fund [see full list below]. These organizations provide no-cost, IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services in 12 U.S. markets, ensuring eligible taxpayers can confidently file their returns and claim the full range of refundable credits, including the EITC and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Tax preparation services can be costly, with the average price of a basic return nearing $400 for households earning between $20,000 and $60,000 annually. For families already balancing tight budgets, that price tag is out of reach. VITA programs remove that barrier, offering no-cost and accurate filing in trusted, community-based settings.

The selected organizations have a strong record of delivering high-quality services with cultural and community awareness at the center. They are expected to prepare over 20,000 tax returns this year, returning an estimated $25 million in refunds and credits to households who earned them. Many also provide year-round support through financial coaching, connections to safe banking options, and help navigating public benefit programs.

“No one should miss out on tax credits they’ve earned because they can’t afford help filing,” said Marisa Calderon, President & CEO of Prosperity Now. “When we support community-based tax preparation, we’re not only helping families strengthen their financial footing, but we’re also keeping dollars circulating in local economies where they can do the most good.”

“Wells Fargo is committed to helping people achieve economic mobility, and one of the first steps is making sure they receive all the money they have earned,” said Bonnie Wallace, head of financial health philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Supporting VITA programs is an important way we can make a difference on people’s path to financial security.”

The VITA Support Fund reflects Prosperity Now and the Wells Fargo Foundation’s shared commitment to expanding financial opportunity through trusted community partnerships.

Meet the 2025 VITA Support Fund Grantees

Organization Name	Market
The Women’s Building	San Francisco, CA
The Link VITA	Atlanta, GA
Catalyst Miami, Inc.	Miami, FL
Fremont Family Resource Center	San Francisco, CA
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation	Philadelphia, PA
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Phi Tau Omega Chapter	Atlanta, GA
WEBS Training Center	Washington, DC
International Rescue Committee-San Diego	San Diego, CA
The Iowa Center	Des Moines, IA
Metro-St. Louis Community Tax Coalition, Inc.	St. Louis, MO
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona	Native Communities
Common Wealth Charlotte	Charlotte, NC
Alaska Business Development Center	Rural Alaskan Communities
Haitian Neighborhood Center	Miami, FL
Chinese Community Center	Houston, TX

About the VITA Support Fund

The VITA Support Fund aims to close the gap in tax filing support by investing in organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. This year’s grantees bring language access, cultural relevance, and personalized support to individuals and families who might otherwise face barriers to receiving their full tax refund. The cohort includes trusted partners with strong local ties and organizations expanding their reach through volunteer training, digital tools, and partnerships with schools, faith communities, and service providers.

About Prosperity Now

Since 1979, Prosperity Now has been a trusted leader in strengthening financial security, expanding access to capital, and ensuring economic stability for businesses, families, and communities. We work across sectors to develop practical, scalable solutions that create lasting change. Through innovation, strategic investment, and collaboration, we build the infrastructure needed to sustain small business growth, housing opportunities, and financial well-being in an evolving economic landscape. Learn more at www.prosperitynow.org.

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Cummins

Cummins Inc.’s (NYSE: CMI) Power Generation business announced the addition of new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) solutions to their global product line. Fully integrated BESS containers for AC output, the development of this product represents a significant push towards helping customers reach their sustainability goals.

“The global shift for renewable energy sources is becoming more profound,” said Lucio Kroll, Senior Director New Energy Solutions of Cummins Power Generation. “We’re proud to expand our offerings to include BESS, staying in line with that shift and serving our customers with safe and reliable solutions that can help them meet their energy transition goals.”

Cummins Power Generation BESS solutions are available in two architectural designs: a 10ft container (200 to 400kWh) and a 20ft high cube container (600kWh to 2MWh). Product features include proven lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) batteries for high cycle life, optimal liquid cooling thermal management designed to maximize battery life and reliability, complemented by a comprehensive three-tier fire safety approach. Additionally, the products are completely self-contained with plug-and-play functionality, making transportation and installation efficient and seamless. This solution will respond to the power needs of industrial, commercial and mission critical markets operating in the 50Hz frequency range. The three main use cases are off-grid (remote communities, mining sites, and remote industrial uses), energy management (EV charging infrastructure, commercial properties, and universities) and life-saving facilities (data centers, healthcare facilities, wastewater treatment plants).

With more than 100 years of experience, the launch of BESS solutions continues Cummins’ rich history in power generation.

“When you choose Cummins, you’re receiving more than a product. Customers are backed by our world-class service and support network. You’ll always have a direct connection to qualified experts,” said Kroll.

To learn more about Cummins Power Generation BESS solutions please visit Battery Energy Storage Systems | Cummins Inc.

About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by its global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products.

The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, electrified power systems with innovative components and subsystems, including battery, fuel cell and electric power technologies and hydrogen production technologies.

Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 69,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024. See how Cummins is leading your world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com.

Media Contact
Alijah Landing
Marketing Communications Manager

Logitech Blog

Unboxing a new product is more than just opening a package – it’s an experience. Well-designed packaging tells a story, reflecting a brand’s values. Thoughtful packaging not only protects the product, but also demonstrates commitment to quality and can reduce environmental impact. When a company cares about the packaging design, it’s saying, “We know this matters to you.”

At Logitech, we’re saying goodbye to single-use plastic, one package at a time. This bold step means plastic clamshell packaging from our highly visible mice portfolio is being replaced with paper. By the end of 2025, our transition to paper will span tens of millions of mice across global retailers. This translates to an impressive 660 tons of plastic removed and 6,600 tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere. To put it in perspective, that’s the equivalent of eliminating over 37 million single-use plastic water bottles annually, and removing nearly 1,400 gasoline-powered passenger cars from the roads for one year¹.

The transition away from plastic clamshell packaging pushes Logitech closer to the ultimate goal of eliminating single-use plastic entirely. It’s a monumental goal, driven by over three years of relentless progress in packaging design, and has already eliminated over 1,800 tons of plastic packaging material.

But, it’s not just removing single-use plastic from packaging that matters. Package design goes beyond simply selecting renewable materials or using materials that are easier to recycle. It’s about completely reimagining packaging—enhancing the unboxing experience, simplifying material separation for recycling, and designing with waste reduction in mind. Logitech is thoughtfully creating solutions that meet the needs of both customers and the planet.

The company also continues to embrace FSC^TM-certified paper packaging. Over 70% of new product introductions now use paper from its FSC^TM-certified packaging program. It has swapped plastic hang tabs for recyclable paper pulp alternatives, and replaced plastic shrink-wrap with wood fiber bags across many products. These choices don’t just lower the product’s carbon footprint; they enhance the unboxing experience, delivering packaging that’s lighter, sleeker, and easier to open.

Plastic pollution is not just a statistic; it’s a shared challenge. A recent GlobeScan study revealed that 61% of consumers want to choose recyclable packaging. But, despite good intentions, inadequate waste management systems in many regions mean most single-use plastic fails to be reused effectively. Tackling the issue at its root, and moving to fully paper-based packaging, turns off the tap on plastic.

Great packaging tells a story and reflects shared values, showing a company’s commitment to sustainability. When that care is evident, it connects you to something bigger. Packaging isn’t just a wrapper – it’s a promise.

So, the next time you’re shopping, stop and think about the packaging. Say, “Paper please.” Consumers like you are the driving force behind eliminating plastic waste and inspiring companies to improve. Choose to let go of single-use plastic. It’s not just what’s inside the box, but the box itself that will add to your experience.

¹ Source: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results

LINCOLN, Neb., April 11, 2025 /3BL/ – Over the past year, Andriaki and Arbor Day Carbon — a wholly owned subsidiary of the Arbor Day Foundation — partnered to support verified carbon credit and large-scale tree planting in the Mississippi River Alluvial Valley. The partnership planted a total of 1 million native trees throughout the alluvial plain area that occupies parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Project efforts were executed by Arbor Day Carbon’s local planting partner and carbon credit supplier GreenTrees — the largest verified reforestation carbon credit program in the world by credits issued to-date. Tree planting efforts took place on degraded land affected by deforestation mostly due to corn, cotton, and soybean conversion in recent decades. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the area, GreenTrees has worked with over 600 landowners to restore over 140,000 acres of private forestlands.

“This partnership highlights the incredible need to restore critical ecosystems while demonstrating leadership in accounting for the footprint we have on this shared planet,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Andriaki has continued to lead by example of innovation in their commitment towards environmental action that creates meaningful impact for both forest ecosystems and the communities that live in and care for them.”

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has worked to plant over 500 million trees in forests and communities around the world. Through a global network of partnerships, the Foundation facilitates projects that empower organizations of all sizes to reach their sustainability goals via measurable, impactful work through trees and forests.

Since 2021, Andriaki has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to help advance their shared goals of sustainable, large scale tree planting. Together, their work strives to improve water quality, generate alternative income streams for landowners, and restore vulnerable wildlife habitat, aligning with Andriaki’s ESG strategy and commitment to sustainability.

Andriaki is also committed to environmental responsibility extending beyond this collaboration by promoting stewardship throughout the maritime industry. The company has worked to integrate new technologies and vessels that have enabled them to reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to Andriaki’s commitment to decreasing environmental impact throughout their operations.

Located within the American Southeast — one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s global priority regions — the Mississippi Alluvial Valley was once a thriving floodplain forest ecosystem that supported an abundance of biodiversity. Today, it is considered one of the most deforested and degraded areas in the Southeast due to centuries of agricultural expansion and land conversion. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, more than 75% of this riparian forest has been lost — a significant decrease in habitat for hundreds of game and non-game wildlife, including the 60% of migratory bird species that depend on the Mississippi River for their annual journeys.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

About Andriaki Shipping Co. Ltd.

Andriaki Shipping Co. Ltd. is an international ship management and operating company, based in Athens Greece. Established in 1953, Andriaki managed over 100 vessels of various types and sizes. Currently, the company operates a modern fleet of Tankers, all flying the Greek Flag and classed with major IACS societies.

Placing innovation and adaptability at the core of its mission, Andriaki is dedicated to maintaining an environmentally sustainable, operationally safe, and socially cooperative work culture.

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Originally published by Waste360.

By Arlene Karidis.

Divert and Safeway, Albertson’s leading banner, recently teamed to tailor food recovery strategies to operational needs at a few Northern California Safeway stores. The project entailed leveraging store-specific data generated by Divert to uncover new opportunities for waste reduction and outlining strategies for ongoing improvement.

Together with Divert’s field team, in collaboration with Alameda County Community Food Bank, Safeway increased donations for the first grouping of stores by 20 percent in three months.

The program is continuing to expand to additional stores and regions identified as having the greatest opportunity.

See original article on Waste360 and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.