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Event ‘What
not to wear: Cotton and Child slavery’ on Thursday 8th October,
7pm at Amnesty International UK. This event was originally scheduled to
take place on the 9th June but was postponed due to a tube strike.
The event is free of charge. You can book your place online
by visiting www.amnesty.org.uk/events_
As part of Article 13’s commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) we “encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies” (Principle 9). This includes sustainable water technology. See our UNGC events pages (URL: http://www.article13.com/csr/ungc_our_csr_events.asp).
Integrating sustainable water technologies into an organisation is
not only an ecologically sound and socially beneficial investment, but
there is also a solid business case attached. Utilising green water
technology:
Here
at Article 13, we have leading edge experience in water resources
management, including waste water treatment, water demand management,
trade in water services, water technology, and water management
programmes.
New innovations in water technology have the
potential to pave a sustainable way for the future by making important
contributions to our lives, and the environment we live in.
Some particularly useful Article 13 resources are:
http://www.article13.com/UNGC/World%20Water%20Day%20report_23.03.09.pdf
http://www.article13.com/A13_VintageSelection.asp#lst_The_elements_-_water
Article 13 case examples:
http://www.article13.com/A13_ContentList.asp?strAction=GetPublication&PNID=1360
For
information on how Article 13 can assist you in auditing your company’s
water management practices, developing water action plans, and reducing
your business’s water use and related impacts on the environment,
contact Fiona Banyard on 0208 840 4450 or mail fionab@article13.com
Green
and ethical businesses are defying the grey economic climate and
booking up for the EcoVillage at the Kent County Show this year. The
EcoVillage is in its second year and is going from strength to
strength having expanded its space to over 5000sq m, showcasing over
80 exhibitors.
Visitors
to the Kent County Show can come and find ideas and inspiration for
greener living at The EcoVillage from a wide range of exhibitors -
we have everything from cars to insurance, clothes to garden
features, bikes to timber buildings – everything you need for
greener living!
If
gardening is your interest, Co-op will be giving away free wildflower
seeds as part of their Save the Bees Campaign, learn about growing
your own with the Soil Association, or get inspiration from English
Oak.
If
transport is your thing, come and see the Seat Ecomotive range -
three of the most eco-friendly cars on the market, or look at the
latest in electric bikes with Greased Lightening Cycles.
Paperpod
and Playmais will have plenty to keep children occupied and they’ll
love making their own smoothies with Move ‘n’ Smooth! Mums and
Dads will find it hard to resist treating them to clothes from Kidz
Organic or toys and games from Woodland Children.
The
Mark Group will be on hand for advice on making your home energy
efficient, while Invicta Clean Energy, Eternal Energy Systems, Solar
Age and Viridus Energie will be available to discuss how you can help
to power your home with renewable energy.
At
The EcoVillage 2009 visitors will discover exhibitors of all shapes
and sizes, arranged in village streets such as Energy Avenue and
Protect Kent Path, EcoVillage Hall and the Market Marquee. They can
also relax in the EcoVillage Green Picnic Area where Well Hung Meats
will be providing delicious organic food all day, or visit Goji Wah
Wah, a converted London Routemaster bus serving gourmet vegetarian
food.
We
are also please to be collaborating with sponsors Protect Kent and
Countrystyle Group this year, John Suffolk of Countrystyle Group
comments:
“Countrystyle
Group is pleased to be sponsoring the EcoVillage at this year’s
Kent Show.
The
EcoVillage is a great initiative for green business in the South East
and totally in keeping with the business philosophy of Countrystyle
Group. We hope that by supporting the event this year that we can
help to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.”
There
will be plenty to see and do at The EcoVillage, so come and find us
at this years’ Kent County Show to find out how easy it really is
to be green!
Notes
to editors:
The
EcoVillage will be at The Kent County Show at Detling 17th, 18th &
19th July 2009
The
EcoVillage is an event which promotes sustainable products, services
and organisations. Our aim is that a visit to an EcoVillage will
help people to live a greener life and help them save money!
The
EcoVillage will also be present at Construction Expo 2009. Held at
Chatham Maritime on 30th
September, this event is a key event for construction professionals
in the South East.
The
EcoVillage was also present at the Kent 2020 Exhibition in April of
this year, a great event for
The
EcoVillage
For
more information about The EcoVillage please contact Vicky Whitlock
on 01227 271261, vicky@theecovillage.co.uk or visit
www.theecovillage.co.uk,
which we’ll be regularly updating.
Media
enquiries, high resolution photography and requests for interviews
for the EcoVillage should be forwarded to Vicky Whitlock.
A REGIONAL EVENT WITH INTERNATIONAL REACH
As ministers abandon plans to publish a community empowerment bill, Smart City Futures will give those communities a voice! It will bring together Global leaders from business, policy and research for a desperately needed, honest and open conversation about connectivity, collaboration and community empowerment.
WHO WILL BE THERE?
High Level International Speakers Include:
Melissa Sterry CEO, Societás, UK
Prof Takeda Shuzaburo Exec Director, Business Universities Forum, Tokyo
Veli-Pekka Niitamo Research Director, NOKIA IT Living Labs, Netherlands
Prof Paul James Director Global Cities, RMIT, Melbourne
Lesley Gavin BT’s first female futurologist, UK
Prof Carolyn Kagan Psychology and Social Change, MMU, UK
WHAT and WHY?
A lack of transparency and a silo mentality is resulting in a global political, environmental and economic meltdown
Open,
honest debate and knowledge sharing will help global communities to
climb out of these economically and environmentally challenged times
Smart
City Futures will provide an honest, open forum that will break down
the walls between policy makers, industry leaders, Universities and the
communities they serve. Together they will explore open innovation and
talk about how to build the foundations for a more sustainable future
Day
3 of Smart City Futures, designed by Just-b. Productions, will bring
b.TWEEN magic into the mix to pull crucial conversations into the 21st
century at this landmark forum
Using web 2.0 technologies, this
innovative event will show how Universities can walk the walk and act
as catalysts for change. Smart City Futures will give communities a
voice and a chance to interact in real time with global leaders
All speakers will be able to answer unmoderated questions in this rare chance to talk directly and honestly about our future
NEW CHALLENGES CALL FOR NEW SOLUTIONS: What makes SCF different?
This
event will be packed with installations, conversations, workshops,
brainstorms and one to ones. Moving away from traditional formats,
technologies will invite participation and interaction throughout.
Sessions will look at a range of thought provoking topics and themes
such as:
Professional Futures: Innovation and Collaboration in the Professional realms;
Policy Futures: Towards a Framework for Sustainable Economies;
Community Futures: Empowering Communities
Good News!
Sustained now calling for Nominations for their Dandelion Award – Food & Garden Category. You can nominate online today – The Sustained Dandelion Award recognises the extraordinary contribution of grassroots social enterprises, companies and individuals in creating a truly positive impact and are thus sowing the seeds for a more sustainable society.
http://www.sustainedmagazine.com/dandelion/nominate/010#form
–
What could your nominated enterprise/company/individual win?
Apart from the sculpted award which will be presented at a public event to be announced shortly, the winner will receive a full page write-up in or next edition of Sustained, telling all of our readers why they are fantastic, and they will also receive a free advert and online presence.
Help us reward the hard work of those people at grassroots who are so often overlooked. Nominate online. Winners will be announced in the next issue of Sustained (issue 10) and the closing date for nominations is 21st May 2009.
Our future categories run in the following order:
***Food & Garden – June (Summer Special)***
GO ONLINE TODAY – NOW CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS
• Community & Events – September, Issue 11 (Wildlife Special)
• Home & Prosperity – November, Issue 12 (Winter Special)
• Well Being & Fashion – February, Issue 13 (Health Special)
Happy nominating!
http://www.sustainedmagazine.com/dandelion/nominate/010#form
As sales for organic and Fairtrade cotton rise, a major event in
Bristol investigates the future of the fibre
April
2009
A
groundbreaking conference to be held in Bristol on 9 May will present
a new vision for sustainability in the cotton industry. [1]
‘COTTON
ON!’
will
be introduced by environment journalist Lucy Siegle and will offer
expert speakers from the Department for International Development,
Soil Association Oxfam, Fairtrade Foundation, Labour Behind the
Label, Gossypium, Monsoon, and more. [2]
The
event will cover everything from fashion and design to the chain from
cotton plant to high-street store product.
The
latest organic market report from the Soil Association reveals
significant growth in sales of organic cotton which increased
by 40% in 2008 and total UK sales of organic clothing and textiles
reached £100 million.
Consumer
demand for ethically produced cotton is clear – the question is
whether the industry can rise to this demand?
Tim
March, head of marketing for Howies clothing company, who are
sponsoring the event, said:
“We
are delighted to support this important and challenging event. Howies
is committed to ethical standards and we are keen to see the debate
develop and move on.
“This
is not preaching to the converted – we’re bringing together people
who might not often get the chance to sit at the same table, such as
campaigners, big retailers and government, with the aim of working
out some real solutions.”
Hannah
Durrant, campaigner for Oxfam in the South West, added:
“Many
cotton farmers compete in a world market that excludes them with
subsidies paid to farmers in richer countries. On a recent visit to
Mali I met farmers who said that producing organic and Fairtrade
cotton really makes a difference to them. We want to see more farmers
around the world get a chance at a fair deal.”
Ends
For
further information please contact the Soil Association press office:
Clio
Turton, senior press officer, 0117 914 2448 / 07795 562 556 /
Notes
to editors:
[1]
The
Council House, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR
9
May, 9.30am to 4.30pm
£12
/ conc. £8
Tickets
available at http://tinyurl.com/cotton-on-booking
[2]
The
event has been organised by the Soil Association, Oxfam Campaigns
South West, Bristol Fairtrade Network and Bishopston Trading Company.
Bristol
City Council is also supporting Cotton On and is currently
investigating ethical workwear for its staff. Bristol is leading the
green agenda and was recently the only UK finalist to become a Green
City.
Members of staff at a Wimborne based, global leading Company were honoured on Thursday 10th July at an award ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
Allen & York is a market leading, sustainable recruitment Company serving the Environment, Planning & Built Environment, Energy and Health & Safety sectors. Enjoying a distinguished reputation for quality and professionalism, Allen & York have – since their establishment in 1993 – provided high quality personnel to national and international organisations whilst ensuring a long standing commitment to their employees.
The ‘Awards’, as it became known, recognized individuals that had smashed their performance targets, gave the best business support, the ‘super star Manager’ and the best team. Winners were announced and rewarded with trophies.
The Investor In People – IIP – award was won in 1999 through Allen & York’s belief that the most valuable asset for any business is the people it employs. They have retained this since by focusing on their employee development and well-being as a core value.
Mark Allen, the Managing Director said, "Allen & York staff are a high achieving and happy group of individuals but it’s been great to recognise and celebrate the success more formally. Awards like this are a step beyond a financial reward- they actually help our staffs’ long term development!"
Continual training and informing is provided to members of staff to ensure exceptional and in-depth understanding of current market issues allowing clients and candidates to enjoy an outstanding level of service.
Lorraine Bailey, the new HR Manager said, "Allen & York are committed to the ongoing training and development of all of our staff to ensure a motivated workforce with well-defined career paths."
Businesses increasingly identify CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) as being an important part of the recruitment process; demonstrating to new recruits that they are about to join a caring and socially concerned employer ("The Ethical Employee": report from Future Foundation and the work foundation 2004), this report looked at how a well developed corporate CSR programme can be a source of competitive advantage to employers.
Barchester Green Investment is an established organisation (est.1985) within the personal wealth management market, working mostly with private clients, Charities and Social Enterprises committed to ethical and environmental investment strategies.
Employee benefits and CSR
Ethical and environmental investment has grown rapidly since ethical funds first emerged in the UK in 1985, figures produced by the not for profit Ethical investment Research Service (EIRIS) show that at December 2007 there was a total of £8.9 invested in ethically screened funds, this is a very significant increase on the 1997 figure of £1.5 billion.
Research carried out by F&C (Foreign and Colonial) also indicates a significant level of interest in ethical and environmental investing amongst the general population. In May of 2008 F&C commissioned a survey with OnePoll looking at the public’s interest in ethical investment. The survey found that 88% of respondents felt that it was "important" or "very important" for companies to take social and environmental governance issues seriously.
The survey also found that 58% of respondents were prepared to invest their own money ethically.
As the Corporate Social Responsibility agenda has developed it has moved away from being about legal compliance to focusing on the integration of social and environmental responsibility into the core values of the business; Yogesh Chauhan, the BBC’s chief adviser on CSR and deputy chair of the Corporate Responsibility Group (CRG), put it very succinctly when he said "Corporate Responsibility is no longer viewed as a niche activity within companies and knowledge of CR issues is becoming a key competence for managers across business and industry".
By connecting corporate social responsibility with the employee benefits element of an employee’s overall remuneration the employer sends out a clear message about the seriousness of their commitment to CSR.
What are the key employee benefits areas this might cover?
Employee benefits divide into three discreet groups; insurance based benefits, pension benefits and salary sacrifice/green benefits such as cycle schemes.
Insurance based benefits-
These are benefits which are purchased for the employee by the employer using an insurance company, the main forms are; death in service, income protection, family income benefit and health insurance.
The opportunity- purchase insurance using a friendly society or an insurance company with strong CSR presence; for example Friends Provident or AEGON who are a FTSE for Good listed insurer.
Group personal pension schemes-
The majority of mid size companies, those with less than 1000 employees, have switched to offering Group Personal Pensions. The majority of pension providers offer an ethical fund or funds, but how good is their offer?
There are a number of pension providers with market leading ethical funds and others with poor performance from both a financial and an ethical point of view.
AEGON and Friends Provident offer Citywire AA rated ethical investment manager with strict ethical screening criteria. Aegon’s lead ethical manager, Audrey Ryan, recently won the Observer Money 2008 ethical manager of the year award.
Cycle to work-
The 1999 Finance Act introduced a tax exemption which allows employers to provide employee with cycles and accessories as a tax free benefit.
Employees using this scheme will enjoy a reduction of up to 50% in the cost of purchasing their chosen bicycle.
The rise of transformational investing-
Whereas investing ethically used to mean avoiding the bad or socially irresponsible; heavily polluting industries, arms manufacture, tobacco and investments in oppressive regimes. Transformational investment concentrates on investing in ways which produce competitive market returns and clear social and environmental benefits.
A number of these investments are now available within pension schemes.
Printed envelopes are a great way to market your company. We produce a range of overprinted one, two and four colour recycled and compostable envelopes. Even our window envelopes are recyclable; unlike standard envelopes the window is made using corn starch. The inks we use are also vegetable based, making our printed envelopes the perfect environmental answer to your marketing needs.
We are offering 15% off the price of our printed envelopes to all Ethical Junction Members
