Blog
Socially Responsible Supply Chain Contracts
The American Sustainable Business Network presents how to “enlist your contracts as allies” in pursuing your mission and achieving positive social impact from experts Sarah Dadush, Patrick Miller, and Olivia Windham Stewart. In this webinar, you’ll learn about a new toolkit on responsible business contracting developed by an American Bar Association working group.
Together for H2OPE
An ASBN member, MPowered has powered with multiple other organizations, have banned together in order to raise $1M to provide clean, safe drinking water, lights and charging devices for up to 550,000 displaced Ukrainians. With the help of these organizations they will gain easy access to safe drinking water, a cornerstone of the personal health and well-being needed to sustain their efforts, plus the light and power they need to restore and rebuild.
Break Free From Plastic Lobbying Event
The week of June 13, Stephanie Erwin, ASBN’s director of the circular economy working group, got to go to a lobbying event for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. This event had many organizations and members from Congress to discuss the Act. The event acted as not only an informational and a push to Congress but also was a networking event where people were able to bond and discuss the Act and their work for a more circular economy.
Staff Retreat
At the beginning of June ASBN was able to hold an all staff retreat in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With Covid the last two years we have not fully been able to have all of our staff in one place. Our retreat was filled with team building, getting to know you exercises, and a look into the future for where we want to see ASBN growing from where it is now. This was a great opportunity to have our staff reflect on the last two years and just enjoy being in each other’s company.
The Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March
ASBN helped to uplift the Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March at Washington D.C. on June 18. Reverend Barber gave a speech followed by many others who stood up for our democracy and for the low-wage people in the United States that are not being treated fairly on an everyday basis. This walk had thousands of people in attendance, if you missed it you can watch the speeches here.
ASBN and our support of the Environmental Protection Agency
ASBN and partners filed a friend-of-the-court brief before the Supreme Court on Friday afternoon in support of the Environmental Protection Agency and clean water protections in the case of Sackett v. EPA. The Court’s ruling will be critical to the future of clean water protections in the United States.
BCCA release
On June 8, ASBN and Businesses for Conservation and Climate Action published a release Applauding the Nomination of Proposed National Marine Sanctuary, Alaĝum Kanuux̂ on World Oceans Day. It was the perfect way to celebrate World Oceans Day as Alaĝum Kanuux̂, means Heart of the Ocean. Read the full release below.
SEC’s New Proposed Rule Sign-On Results
Since the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commision (SEC) produced their proposed rules for The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors ASBN has been asking its members to submit comments to the SEC to show their support. We had a webinar with SEC’s Director Renee Jones where she was able to explain the rules and answer questions that people had on the proposed rules.
Membership Interview with Spencer Williams, CEO and co-founder of West Paw
Why is sustainability important to your business?
Federal Contracting 101
American Sustainable Business Network presents Federal Contracting 101. The Federal Government buys more goods and services than any other organization on the planet. But being a government contractor isn’t for the faint of heart. Fortunately, purpose-driven companies – B corps, PBCs and the like – are used to some of the complexities of doing good for the world while also making a profit.
Blockchain, NFTs, & Metaverse For Good
American Sustainable Business Network presents Blockchain, NFTs, & Metaverse For Good. Hear how our orgs and community can understand these new technologies and utilize them for good!
Searching for the Soul of Businesses- A Conversation with Alan Murray & Jeffrey Hollender
American Sustainable Business Network co-founder and CEO Jeffrey Hollender partook in a 1-on-1 conversation with Alan Murray, CEO of Fortune Media and author of the forthcoming book Tomorrow’s Capitalist: My Search for the Soul of Business. Tomorrow’s Capitalist is a report from the front lines on how corporate CEOs—the ultimate pragmatists—realize that they could lose their “operating license” unless they tackle the fundamental issues of our time: climate; diversity and inclusion; and inequality and workforce opportunity.
Be a Part of this Historical Climate Legislation!
At this very moment, historic climate legislation is being considered in Congress that could deliver on President Biden’s goal to cut carbon pollution in half this decade. The next two months are our last best chance for the foreseeable future to pass this vital climate legislation.
Now is the moment for the business community to step-up to help get climate legislation over the finish line.
Letter sent to US Congress Appropriations Committees calls for regenerative and just agriculture funding in the FY 2023 budget
The fiscal year 2023 federal budget process is underway in Congress. As the appropriations subcommittees held hearings in May to start drafting the bills that will fund federal agency and programs in the next year, ASBN’s Regenerative Agriculture and Justice Working Group collaborated on a letter of budget priorities for the subcommittee working on agriculture.
ASBN on Reproductive Rights
On May 18, ASBN held a webinar for members on reproductive rights and abortion access. This webinar discussed how business and investor communities cannot sit out this discussion as our history is being rewritten before our eyes. The webinar’s panel consisted of Nicole Clegg (Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood NNE), Kia Guarino (Executive Director, Pro-Choice Washington), and J.J. Straight (Deputy Director, Liberty Division, ACLU). It was facilitated by Diane J. Johnson, Ph.D. (Founder and CEO, Mmapeu Consulting).
Membership Interview with Suzanne McDowell, Vice President of CSR and Sustainability of King Arthur Baking
Why is sustainability important to your business?
As a business that has been around for more than 230 years, King Arthur Baking has every intention of providing the same premium ingredients and best in class resources to each future generation of bakers. Our lengthy history and continued success are made possible by a mission rooted in sustainability.
Investing in Communities through Crowdfunding
American Sustainable Business Network presents ‘Investing in Communities through Crowdfunding’. View this panel discussion to learn about opportunities to raise funds and invest in companies and projects that support community building. Panelists include representatives from crowdfunding platforms SmallChange.co (real estate projects), Crowdfund Mainstreet (local investing), and Raise Green (clean energy and environment).
ASBN Honors the Life and Legacy of Hazel Henderson
The American Sustainable Business Network is deeply saddened by the news of Hazel Henderson’s passing. Hazel was a longtime collaborator, partner, and member of ASBN since its origins as Social Venture Network in 1987 whose profound impact was felt throughout the organization.
ASBN and OSC2 Move to Pass Break Free from Plastic Act
ASBN will continue its partnership with One Step Closer to Zero Waste (OSC2) in order to collect signatures in support of the Break Free from Plastic Act. We are focusing on the Senate and the House, and the states of Washington, California, New York. Our sign-on letter will be sent to the legislators in each state, and to members of the Senate and House. On our campaign you are also able to make a packaging commitment to take personal action and change at least one plastic material to a more sustainable one in 2022.
Sustainable & Non-Toxic Business Roundtable
American Sustainable Business Network presents a Sustainable & Non-Toxic Business Roundtable. Most consumer goods are made with toxic chemicals which can negatively impact health. Through public policy, we can change the system for the better. Hear from leaders at non-toxic companies, Barry A Cik (Naturepedic Organic Mattresses), Marcia Frieze (Case Medical Inc.), Martin Wolf (Seventh Generation), and Kari Block (EarthKind).