Tag: 3BL

Originally published in International Paper’s 2023 Sustainability Report

Climate change is disrupting society and business today. As we face physical and transition risks now and in the years ahead, identifying these risks and opportunities for our company and the communities where we operate is key. We’re working to better understand these risks and determine the best way to monitor, measure and address them. As one of the first North American pulp and paper companies to have an approved Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) target, we continue to use the SBTi-approved methodology to inform the strategies we need to implement.

Our reporting also follows the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), a framework for companies to analyze and report on climate-related risks, and to inform investors on exposure to financial risks related to climate change. We additionally respond to Climate Disclosure Project’s (CDP) Climate Change, Forest and Water Security questionnaires to transparently disclose our risks and opportunities in those core areas of sustainability.

Our latest TCFD Report maps out our climate-related risks and opportunities as well as the corresponding mitigation and adaptation strategies. As a leading producer of renewable fiber-based products, we see significant opportunities in the growing low-carbon circular economy. However, we are already experiencing weather-related impacts exacerbated by climate change. We believe that we are more likely to experience an increase in acute, rather than chronic, impacts related to extreme weather and water scarcity during this decade. We continue to refine our climate scenario analyses to plan effectively and communicate transparently to our stakeholders.

Learn more in this report’s Sustainable Operations section and our Climate Change Statement.

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About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

Originally published in Mary Kay’s 2024 Sustainability Report

FOREST STEWARDSHIP AT MARY KAY

Mary Kay celebrated International Day of Forests by highlighting its certification from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®). The certification applies to Mary Kay’s Print and Digital Imaging Center in North Texas (FSC® C181627).

Mary Kay has a commitment to support responsible forestry by using certified sustainable paper sources for paper inserts, distribution cases and shipping boxes.30%: Current rate of postconsumer recycled paper content for product paper inserts printed at the Mary Kay Print Center.

DID YOU KNOW? 

The FSC® certification stands for sustainable sourcing that puts forests and people first and ensures products come from responsibly managed forests.

Learn more about the FSC

1.4 MILLION TREES PLANTED GLOBALLY 

Through our partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation, Mary Kay is making a positive environmental impact in ecosystems where we operate around the world using reforestation and urban forestry to solve issues of climate change, community, and biodiversity. The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest member nonprofit dedicated to planting trees. 

THE ARBOR DAY PARTNERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

16 years planting together30+ reforestation projects across nine countries, providing valuable resources and ecosystem service1.4 million+ trees in the ground100, 000 trees planted in 2023 in Spain, Mexico and in the U.S., in Georgia and California, with a focus on areas of critical needs

CONSERVATION AWARD

In 2023, Mary Kay received an award for “Leadership in Conservation and Sustainability” by Texan by Nature, founded by former First Lady, Laura Bush. TxN 20 recognizes Texas’ publicly traded and private companies from 12 industry sectors that have made a demonstrative commitment to conservation.

From the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of e-waste, electronics have a huge impact on communities of people and the wider planet. In response, Amazon, one of the world’s largest online retailers, championed the development of a new recycled content standard for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that aims to increase the use of recycled materials in the manufacturing of these products and reduce their environmental footprints. The new standard underpins certification for electronic and electrical products that is recognized by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program.

In this blog, we will explore the details of the EEE standard, why it is important, and how certification can benefit businesses that manufacture products in the covered categories. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the standard and achieving certification.

What is the new SCS EEE recycled content standard? 

Amazon worked with SCS Standards to develop this specific guidance as an annex to SCS’ well-established Recycled Content Standard (SCS-103). SCS Standards is an independent standards creation organization. SCS-103 is a global standard used to verify the recycled content claims of products and materials, and the EEE annex (SCS-103A) sets specific requirements and thresholds for recycled content in electrical and electronic products, such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, and printers.

Developed through a multi-stakeholder process involving industry leaders and NGO representatives, such as Close Loop Partners, Logitech, Dell, HP, Microsoft, and others, the EEE annex reflects the best practices and innovations in the electronics industry, while also pushing for higher levels of recycled content and sustainability.

The standard underpins recycled content certification for electrical and electronic equipment, and products must have more than one source of recycled material and meet specific minimum thresholds set for each recycled material (plastics, metals, etc.) to achieve certification. The standard specifies an overall claim of the combined recycled materials as a percentage of the whole product.

Why is recycled content certification for electronics important? 

By increasing the use of recycled content in electronic products and giving consumers a choice for more sustainable products, EEE recycled content certification can help drive markets for recycled materials, reduce the demand for virgin materials, conserve natural resources, and prevent e-waste from ending up in landfills or incinerators. It also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and energy use associated with electronics manufacturing.

In certifying their products to the EEE standard, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility and differentiate themselves from their competitors. They can also access new markets and customers, such as Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly Program, which recognizes products that meet high environmental standards and displays a badge on their product listings.

How can businesses engage with the EEE standard? 

Companies producing or selling electrical and electronic products need trustworthy guidance about how to engage with the EEE standard, plus a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges of aligning their operations with the standard. To that end, we will walk through some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the EEE standard.

How do I know if my product is eligible for certification to the EEE standard?

The EEE standard applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic products, such as computers, tablets, phones, cameras, printers, scanners, monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, headphones, routers, modems, smartwatches, smart speakers, and more.

A complete list of product types and their minimum recycled content thresholds (in Table 4 of the standard) can be downloaded from the SCS Standards website. The standard requires that a product have at least two different recycled material inputs, such as metals or plastics, that meet the minimum thresholds for recycled content. A product must also have a minimum total recycled content percentage, which varies depending on the product type.

What if my product type is not listed in the standard or does not meet the minimum requirements?

If your product type is not listed in the standard or does not meet the minimum requirements, you can request an interpretation or variation from SCS Standards. This is a process where organizations can provide additional information or data to justify why their product should be eligible for certification, or why an organization might need an exception or deviation from the standard.

For example, you may offer a product not listed in the standard but with a similar function and composition to another product listed. Or you may have a product that has only one recycled material input, but it forms more than 50% of the total product weight. Or you may have a product that has technical or legal limitations that prevent you from using more recycled content. In these cases, you can contact SCS Standards, and the team will review your submission and decide whether to approve or reject your request.

How do I get certified to the EEE standard and how long does it take?

Certification is broken down into the following steps:

1) Submit an application to SCS Global Services found on our website here.

2) Submit data and documentation to SCS according to the data request an SCS auditor will supply — such as your bill of materials, material input evaluation, purchasing and inventory records, legal compliance affidavit, material due diligence, and quality control procedures.

3) Undergo an on-site or virtual audit by SCS, where an auditor will verify your data and claims and identify any nonconformities or corrective actions.

4) Upon completion, you will receive a certification decision from SCS, which involves issuance of the certificate and logo, and then SCS submits the certified product information to the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Program. The certification process can take anywhere from two to six months, depending on the complexity and scope of the product and the availability of company data and documentation.

How do I maintain my certification and what are the costs involved?

Existing certifications must be renewed every year. This involves submitting updated data and documentation to SCS and undergoing a surveillance audit, which checks for any changes or issues with your product or your supply chain. The renewal process can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on the extent and frequency of your changes.

The costs involved in maintaining your certification include the annual fees for SCS and the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Program, as well as the audit fees, which vary depending on the scope and location of your audit. You can also add new products or suppliers to your certification scope at any time, which may incur additional fees.

SCS Global Services is here to help

For 40 years, SCS Global Services has served as a trusted partner and a leading provider of sustainability certification, consulting, and standards development. The Recycled Content Standard was first introduced in 1989, a response to the burgeoning interest in recycled content claims and the introduction of innovative new recycling technologies. More than three decades later, the demand for recycled products and materials continues to grow — and SCS has certified thousands of products worldwide.

If you are unsure whether certification is right for your products, we can help you better understand the certification and how it qualifies for inclusion in Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly Program. To learn more, replay our recorded webinar, “Qualify for Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly with SCS Recycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment.”

Read More

Author

Youssra Elkhatib

Program Manager, Circular Materials

Email

From the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of e-waste, electronics have a huge impact on communities of people and the wider planet. In response, Amazon, one of the world’s largest online retailers, championed the development of a new recycled content standard for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that aims to increase the use of recycled materials in the manufacturing of these products and reduce their environmental footprints. The new standard underpins certification for electronic and electrical products that is recognized by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program.

In this blog, we will explore the details of the EEE standard, why it is important, and how certification can benefit businesses that manufacture products in the covered categories. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about the standard and achieving certification.

What is the new SCS EEE recycled content standard? 

Amazon worked with SCS Standards to develop this specific guidance as an annex to SCS’ well-established Recycled Content Standard (SCS-103). SCS Standards is an independent standards creation organization. SCS-103 is a global standard used to verify the recycled content claims of products and materials, and the EEE annex (SCS-103A) sets specific requirements and thresholds for recycled content in electrical and electronic products, such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, and printers.

Developed through a multi-stakeholder process involving industry leaders and NGO representatives, such as Close Loop Partners, Logitech, Dell, HP, Microsoft, and others, the EEE annex reflects the best practices and innovations in the electronics industry, while also pushing for higher levels of recycled content and sustainability.

The standard underpins recycled content certification for electrical and electronic equipment, and products must have more than one source of recycled material and meet specific minimum thresholds set for each recycled material (plastics, metals, etc.) to achieve certification. The standard specifies an overall claim of the combined recycled materials as a percentage of the whole product.

Why is recycled content certification for electronics important? 

By increasing the use of recycled content in electronic products and giving consumers a choice for more sustainable products, EEE recycled content certification can help drive markets for recycled materials, reduce the demand for virgin materials, conserve natural resources, and prevent e-waste from ending up in landfills or incinerators. It also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and energy use associated with electronics manufacturing.

In certifying their products to the EEE standard, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility and differentiate themselves from their competitors. They can also access new markets and customers, such as Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly Program, which recognizes products that meet high environmental standards and displays a badge on their product listings.

How can businesses engage with the EEE standard? 

Companies producing or selling electrical and electronic products need trustworthy guidance about how to engage with the EEE standard, plus a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges of aligning their operations with the standard. To that end, we will walk through some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the EEE standard.

How do I know if my product is eligible for certification to the EEE standard?

The EEE standard applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic products, such as computers, tablets, phones, cameras, printers, scanners, monitors, keyboards, mice, speakers, headphones, routers, modems, smartwatches, smart speakers, and more.

A complete list of product types and their minimum recycled content thresholds (in Table 4 of the standard) can be downloaded from the SCS Standards website. The standard requires that a product have at least two different recycled material inputs, such as metals or plastics, that meet the minimum thresholds for recycled content. A product must also have a minimum total recycled content percentage, which varies depending on the product type.

What if my product type is not listed in the standard or does not meet the minimum requirements?

If your product type is not listed in the standard or does not meet the minimum requirements, you can request an interpretation or variation from SCS Standards. This is a process where organizations can provide additional information or data to justify why their product should be eligible for certification, or why an organization might need an exception or deviation from the standard.

For example, you may offer a product not listed in the standard but with a similar function and composition to another product listed. Or you may have a product that has only one recycled material input, but it forms more than 50% of the total product weight. Or you may have a product that has technical or legal limitations that prevent you from using more recycled content. In these cases, you can contact SCS Standards, and the team will review your submission and decide whether to approve or reject your request.

How do I get certified to the EEE standard and how long does it take?

Certification is broken down into the following steps:

1) Submit an application to SCS Global Services found on our website here.

2) Submit data and documentation to SCS according to the data request an SCS auditor will supply — such as your bill of materials, material input evaluation, purchasing and inventory records, legal compliance affidavit, material due diligence, and quality control procedures.

3) Undergo an on-site or virtual audit by SCS, where an auditor will verify your data and claims and identify any nonconformities or corrective actions.

4) Upon completion, you will receive a certification decision from SCS, which involves issuance of the certificate and logo, and then SCS submits the certified product information to the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Program. The certification process can take anywhere from two to six months, depending on the complexity and scope of the product and the availability of company data and documentation.

How do I maintain my certification and what are the costs involved?

Existing certifications must be renewed every year. This involves submitting updated data and documentation to SCS and undergoing a surveillance audit, which checks for any changes or issues with your product or your supply chain. The renewal process can take anywhere from one to three months, depending on the extent and frequency of your changes.

The costs involved in maintaining your certification include the annual fees for SCS and the Amazon Climate Pledge Friendly Program, as well as the audit fees, which vary depending on the scope and location of your audit. You can also add new products or suppliers to your certification scope at any time, which may incur additional fees.

SCS Global Services is here to help

For 40 years, SCS Global Services has served as a trusted partner and a leading provider of sustainability certification, consulting, and standards development. The Recycled Content Standard was first introduced in 1989, a response to the burgeoning interest in recycled content claims and the introduction of innovative new recycling technologies. More than three decades later, the demand for recycled products and materials continues to grow — and SCS has certified thousands of products worldwide.

If you are unsure whether certification is right for your products, we can help you better understand the certification and how it qualifies for inclusion in Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly Program. To learn more, replay our recorded webinar, “Qualify for Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly with SCS Recycled Content Certification for Electrical and Electronic Equipment.”

Read More

Author

Youssra Elkhatib

Program Manager, Circular Materials

Email

BOSTON, September 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, today announced the retirement of Deece Hannigan, Vice President Paper Business and several key leadership appointments, effective Oct. 1, 2024.

Mr. Hannigan’s career with Sappi North America (SNA) spanned 37 years in roles with increasing responsibility in Somerset Manufacturing, Graphics Sales and Marketing, Release, Procurement and Fiber Resources before his current role of leading the entire Paper business beginning in 2000. Much of Deece’s career has focused on the growth of the Somerset mill in Skowhegan, Maine, and he has been a driving force behind the transition of Sappi’s business to packaging. Deece led the business strategies to convert both Paper Machines 1 and 2 at Somerset to paperboard.

To continue moving forward with SNA’s growth and strategy, several longtime SNA leaders have been promoted to positions of greater responsibilities. Paul Bortolan has been named Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Graphics, Packaging and Specialties businesses, and Sean Wallace will assume the role of Vice President of Research, Development and Sustainability. Additionally, Blue Keim has been appointed Managing Director of the Somerset mill in Skowhegan, Maine, while Gary Couture has been appointed Managing Director of the Westbrook Mill in Westbrook, Maine.

These leadership changes represent another step in Sappi’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more agile leadership team that will help the company navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace and reinforce its position as a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to building a world-class team that drives both operational excellence and strategic growth,” said Mike Haws, President and CEO of Sappi North America. “Each of these leaders bring a wealth of experience and have already shown a strong commitment to our company, which will ensure we continue delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers. We are confident they will thrive in their new roles. We congratulate Deece on his well-deserved retirement. His invaluable contributions to our company and our people have positioned SNA to be a leader in our industry for generations to come.”

All four leaders will officially assume their new roles on October 1, 2024. This transition ensures a seamless continuation of the company’s growth strategy and commitment to operational excellence across its mills and business units.

To learn more about Sappi and its leadership, visit: https://www.sappi.com.

About Sappi North America, Inc.

Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. Our four diversified businesses – high-quality Graphic Papers, Dissolving Pulp, Packaging, and Specialty Papers deliver premium products and services with consistent quality and reliability. Our high-quality Coated Printing Papers are used for premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Dissolving Pulp, which is used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods. We deliver sustainable Packaging and Specialty Papers for luxury packaging and folding carton applications with our single-ply packaging brands and for the food and label industries with our specialty papers. We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of Casting and Release Papers with lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries.

Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries. www.sappi.com

Media Contact

Haley Sinacole

Matter Communications

sappi@matternow.com

BOSTON, September 19, 2024 /3BL/ – Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, today announced the retirement of Deece Hannigan, Vice President Paper Business and several key leadership appointments, effective Oct. 1, 2024.

Mr. Hannigan’s career with Sappi North America (SNA) spanned 37 years in roles with increasing responsibility in Somerset Manufacturing, Graphics Sales and Marketing, Release, Procurement and Fiber Resources before his current role of leading the entire Paper business beginning in 2000. Much of Deece’s career has focused on the growth of the Somerset mill in Skowhegan, Maine, and he has been a driving force behind the transition of Sappi’s business to packaging. Deece led the business strategies to convert both Paper Machines 1 and 2 at Somerset to paperboard.

To continue moving forward with SNA’s growth and strategy, several longtime SNA leaders have been promoted to positions of greater responsibilities. Paul Bortolan has been named Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Graphics, Packaging and Specialties businesses, and Sean Wallace will assume the role of Vice President of Research, Development and Sustainability. Additionally, Blue Keim has been appointed Managing Director of the Somerset mill in Skowhegan, Maine, while Gary Couture has been appointed Managing Director of the Westbrook Mill in Westbrook, Maine.

These leadership changes represent another step in Sappi’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more agile leadership team that will help the company navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace and reinforce its position as a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to building a world-class team that drives both operational excellence and strategic growth,” said Mike Haws, President and CEO of Sappi North America. “Each of these leaders bring a wealth of experience and have already shown a strong commitment to our company, which will ensure we continue delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers. We are confident they will thrive in their new roles. We congratulate Deece on his well-deserved retirement. His invaluable contributions to our company and our people have positioned SNA to be a leader in our industry for generations to come.”

All four leaders will officially assume their new roles on October 1, 2024. This transition ensures a seamless continuation of the company’s growth strategy and commitment to operational excellence across its mills and business units.

To learn more about Sappi and its leadership, visit: https://www.sappi.com.

About Sappi North America, Inc.

Sappi North America, Inc., headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. Our four diversified businesses – high-quality Graphic Papers, Dissolving Pulp, Packaging, and Specialty Papers deliver premium products and services with consistent quality and reliability. Our high-quality Coated Printing Papers are used for premium magazines, catalogs, books, direct mail and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Dissolving Pulp, which is used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods. We deliver sustainable Packaging and Specialty Papers for luxury packaging and folding carton applications with our single-ply packaging brands and for the food and label industries with our specialty papers. We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of Casting and Release Papers with lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries.

Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries. www.sappi.com

Media Contact

Haley Sinacole

Matter Communications

sappi@matternow.com

Charlotte, N.C., September 19, 2024 /3BL/ – The Peace Corps and Discovery Education are partnering to launch Global Learners, a free digital program that provides educators with standards-aligned lesson plans to foster students’ understanding of world cultures and global issues. The lessons provide a glimpse into everyday life in over 60 countries, from the perspective of Peace Corps Volunteers working with communities to promote world peace, friendship, and cultural exchange.

Through this program, educators can access activities, video series, and first-hand accounts from Peace Corps Volunteers and community members designed to support students’ development as it relates to intercultural awareness and competence.

“As we approach the United Nations International Day of Peace, this partnership is a reminder of the power of connection, both across borders and across difference,” said Carol Spahn, Director of the Peace Corps. “The program’s content will prepare the next generation with the skills and tools to be global citizens and leaders.”

The Global Learners program expands on the Peace Corps’ unique approach to international development, which is rooted in people-centered, localized impact. Since the agency’s founding in 1961, more than 240,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked side-by-side with communities around the world on locally-led projects, building meaningful and lifelong connections.

“Acts of service and supporting communities are a critical part of learning, understanding, and celebrating culture,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “We are proud to be partnering with the Peace Corps to bring no-cost resources fostering greater appreciation of world cultures and service-oriented careers.”

Through the Peace Corps’ Bold Invitation campaign, U.S. citizens from all backgrounds, who embody the spirit of service and cross-cultural understanding, are invited to become volunteers. The next application deadline is October 1, 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online to contribute to global peace and friendship.

Learn more about the resources from Global Learners at globallearnerspc.com or through the Discovery Education Experience.  

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

###

About the Peace Corps 
The Peace Corps is an international service network of volunteers, community members, host country partners and staff who are driven by the agency’s mission of world peace and friendship. At the invitation of governments around the world, Peace Corps Volunteers work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, community economic development, and youth development. Through service, members of the Peace Corps network develop transferable skills and hone intercultural competencies that position them to be the next generation of global leaders. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 volunteers have served in 144 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Karen Mascariñas 
Acting Director, Peace Corps Office of Communications 
Email: kmascarinas@peacecorps.gov

Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com

Charlotte, N.C., September 19, 2024 /3BL/ – The Peace Corps and Discovery Education are partnering to launch Global Learners, a free digital program that provides educators with standards-aligned lesson plans to foster students’ understanding of world cultures and global issues. The lessons provide a glimpse into everyday life in over 60 countries, from the perspective of Peace Corps Volunteers working with communities to promote world peace, friendship, and cultural exchange.

Through this program, educators can access activities, video series, and first-hand accounts from Peace Corps Volunteers and community members designed to support students’ development as it relates to intercultural awareness and competence.

“As we approach the United Nations International Day of Peace, this partnership is a reminder of the power of connection, both across borders and across difference,” said Carol Spahn, Director of the Peace Corps. “The program’s content will prepare the next generation with the skills and tools to be global citizens and leaders.”

The Global Learners program expands on the Peace Corps’ unique approach to international development, which is rooted in people-centered, localized impact. Since the agency’s founding in 1961, more than 240,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked side-by-side with communities around the world on locally-led projects, building meaningful and lifelong connections.

“Acts of service and supporting communities are a critical part of learning, understanding, and celebrating culture,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “We are proud to be partnering with the Peace Corps to bring no-cost resources fostering greater appreciation of world cultures and service-oriented careers.”

Through the Peace Corps’ Bold Invitation campaign, U.S. citizens from all backgrounds, who embody the spirit of service and cross-cultural understanding, are invited to become volunteers. The next application deadline is October 1, 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online to contribute to global peace and friendship.

Learn more about the resources from Global Learners at globallearnerspc.com or through the Discovery Education Experience.  

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

###

About the Peace Corps 
The Peace Corps is an international service network of volunteers, community members, host country partners and staff who are driven by the agency’s mission of world peace and friendship. At the invitation of governments around the world, Peace Corps Volunteers work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, community economic development, and youth development. Through service, members of the Peace Corps network develop transferable skills and hone intercultural competencies that position them to be the next generation of global leaders. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 volunteers have served in 144 countries worldwide. For more information, visit peacecorps.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Contacts 
Karen Mascariñas 
Acting Director, Peace Corps Office of Communications 
Email: kmascarinas@peacecorps.gov

Grace Maliska 
Discovery Education 
Email: gmaliska@dicoveryed.com

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

September is National Childhood Cancer and National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Sadly, nearly 10,000 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and about 1 in every 365 Black or African American babies in the U.S. are born with sickle cell disease — about 1 in 13 are born with the trait. With this in mind, Aflac is on a mission to assist families and provide tips for how you can help bring some relief for those who are impacted.

Here are a few ideas on how you can comfort families when they need it most:

Provide a meal. It can be home-cooked, delivered from a restaurant, or a voucher for a meal delivery service. You can also share store-bought or homemade baked goods.
 Spend time together. Take a walk, see a movie together, offer to be a listening ear or just sit in silence together.
 Send a message of support. Share gentle empathy with a card, note, text, voicemail, email or private social media message.
 Offer to help with tasks. Ask if you can help clean their home, do laundry, water plants, get groceries, care for pets, take their car for a wash, or pick up their mail or newspapers.
 Help with caregiving responsibilities. Offer to babysit or stay with their other children while keeping things as normal as possible. If you have children of your own, set up a playdate.
 Drop off a favorite comfort item. Consider a magazine, book or board game.

“It’s easy to ask, ‘Can I help?’ But for those in the midst of a treatment journey — whether it’s their own or a loved one’s — it can be tough to determine what they need in that moment,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager, Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “Instead, try offering specific acts of service like, ‘Can I send you some dinner?’ or ‘Can I take care of the kids or pets this evening?’ This way, the other person can simply say yes or no.”

Want more information on how you can lend a hand to those in need? Visit Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter for inspirational stories about My Special Aflac Duck®, an award-winning, free robotic, comforting companion, that provides comfort and joy and is clinically proven to help reduce stress for kids and for parents. You can even request one for a child age 3 or older with pediatric cancer or sickle cell. You can download tips for providing comfort to families in need (available in English and Spanish), as well as images that you can share on social media to encourage your followers to help inspire action.

Since 1995, Aflac has been committed to help support those who care for children with cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell disease. Over the last three decades, the company has donated more than $184 million to these causes. But the support isn’t just monetary, Aflac also created My Special Aflac Duck in 2018 to provide children with cancer comfort through a robotic companion designed to help them express their emotions and help normalize medical procedures. In 2022, the company adapted My Special Aflac Duck with special accessories to support children with sickle cell disease. To date, Aflac has distributed more than 32,000 of these ducks — free of charge — to children ages 3 and up with cancer or sickle cell.

Join us in building a bridge to a brighter future at Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2400834

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

September is National Childhood Cancer and National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Sadly, nearly 10,000 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and about 1 in every 365 Black or African American babies in the U.S. are born with sickle cell disease — about 1 in 13 are born with the trait. With this in mind, Aflac is on a mission to assist families and provide tips for how you can help bring some relief for those who are impacted.

Here are a few ideas on how you can comfort families when they need it most:

Provide a meal. It can be home-cooked, delivered from a restaurant, or a voucher for a meal delivery service. You can also share store-bought or homemade baked goods.
 Spend time together. Take a walk, see a movie together, offer to be a listening ear or just sit in silence together.
 Send a message of support. Share gentle empathy with a card, note, text, voicemail, email or private social media message.
 Offer to help with tasks. Ask if you can help clean their home, do laundry, water plants, get groceries, care for pets, take their car for a wash, or pick up their mail or newspapers.
 Help with caregiving responsibilities. Offer to babysit or stay with their other children while keeping things as normal as possible. If you have children of your own, set up a playdate.
 Drop off a favorite comfort item. Consider a magazine, book or board game.

“It’s easy to ask, ‘Can I help?’ But for those in the midst of a treatment journey — whether it’s their own or a loved one’s — it can be tough to determine what they need in that moment,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager, Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “Instead, try offering specific acts of service like, ‘Can I send you some dinner?’ or ‘Can I take care of the kids or pets this evening?’ This way, the other person can simply say yes or no.”

Want more information on how you can lend a hand to those in need? Visit Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter for inspirational stories about My Special Aflac Duck®, an award-winning, free robotic, comforting companion, that provides comfort and joy and is clinically proven to help reduce stress for kids and for parents. You can even request one for a child age 3 or older with pediatric cancer or sickle cell. You can download tips for providing comfort to families in need (available in English and Spanish), as well as images that you can share on social media to encourage your followers to help inspire action.

Since 1995, Aflac has been committed to help support those who care for children with cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell disease. Over the last three decades, the company has donated more than $184 million to these causes. But the support isn’t just monetary, Aflac also created My Special Aflac Duck in 2018 to provide children with cancer comfort through a robotic companion designed to help them express their emotions and help normalize medical procedures. In 2022, the company adapted My Special Aflac Duck with special accessories to support children with sickle cell disease. To date, Aflac has distributed more than 32,000 of these ducks — free of charge — to children ages 3 and up with cancer or sickle cell.

Join us in building a bridge to a brighter future at Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and/or Continental American Life Insurance Company.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2400834