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As COVID-19 has swept throughout the world, reports of high-profile cases have given rise to the concept that this virus does not discriminate. It can hit any person with force, from our friends and neighbors to politicians and celebrities.  

Considering this crisis as a kind of equalizer may be an acknowledgment of our collective humanity and a call to support each other by physically distancing. However, before this virus, generations of inequity and unjust systems have placed certain communities significantly more at risk than others. The virus may not discriminate, but these systems do.

With recent demographic data on virus infections and fatalities, there is even more evidence that these system failures and inequities have severe consequences. Therefore, we must apply an environmental justice lens when allocating COVID-19 resources and supporting communities.  

Environmental Justice and COVID-19

Ibram X. Kendi, Director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, has led the call for states, counties, and labs to report racial demographics of the people being tested for, infected with, hospitalized with, or killed by the virus.  

“Sometimes racial data tells us something we don’t know. Other times we need racial data to confirm something we already seem to know,” says Kendi. 

This emerging data shows that African Americans make up over half of all coronavirus cases in the country, despite making up 13 percent of the US population. In Chicago, Black Americans reportedly account for 72 percent of virus-related fatalities, even though they make up less than a third of the city’s population. Expanding out to Illinois, 43 percent who have died from the virus are Black, while this demographic makes up 15 percent of the state’s population.  

Similar data and patterns are being reported from cities, counties, and states including Michigan, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, and parts of Georgia.  

Some members of Congress have already introduced legislation to expand demographic data and create a commission to identify data collection barriers and recommend how to best use the data to promote health equity.  

Systemic Causes of Underlying Conditions 

For decades, researchers, and activists have documented the racial disparities that cause the underlying conditions leaving communities of color vulnerable. These systems show patterns of discriminatory practices that are all too apparent to be coincidental. 

When trying to receive healthcare, communities of color are more likely to experience barriers to effective care. In Native American communities, disproportionately high rates of diabetes, heart disease, and asthma, combined with overcrowded housing, make these communities even more vulnerable.  

Essential workers who do not have the privilege of staying home are largely made up of people from more vulnerable communities, specifically Black and Latinx workers. This includes more than one million farmworkers who are working to maintain food production while facing inadequate safeguards, limited access to medical care, and crowded living conditions. Undocumented immigrants needing to seek treatment for the virus are faced with the threat of deportation or arrest into ICE’s detention centers, where the coronavirus is spreading in horrifying and neglectful conditions. 

Historic redlining and discriminatory housing practices continue to prevent Black and Latinx communities from safe, affordable housing. Communities of color are disproportionately faced with inadequate transportation options, lack of access to fresh and healthy food, and exposure to polluting industries which poison air and water. All these injustices inflict the underlying conditions which make these communities particularly at risk from COVID-19.  

Impacts of Environmental Racism 

A Harvard study analyzing thousands of US counties confirms the link between air pollution and COVID-19 fatalities. This study paired with countless others on pollution in communities of color affirm what the environmental justice movement has called out for decades.  

Lubna Ahmed, director of environmental health at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, stated, “In public health, it’s often said that your ZIP code is more indicative of your health outcomes than your genetic code.” 

The placement of coal plants, waste incinerators, refineries, landfills, bus depots, and other sites in communities of color has long emitted toxic pollutants into the water and particulate matter into the air. Air pollutants enter through the lung and go into the bloodstream and are linked to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, chronic health issues that increase chances of contracting severe cases of COVID-19. The Harvard study also points out bad indoor air quality and poor ventilation are prevalent in low-income housing.  

As handwashing is critical to preventing the spread and contraction of the coronavirus, reliable access to water is just as critical. Last year, 23,000 homes in Detroit had water shut off and 37 percent hadn’t had renewed service as of January. While some cities have promised to restore water to residents during this crisis, it’s up to residents to know about the program and what steps to take to receive returned service. And thousands of residents have reported being told they don’t qualify for the plan.  

Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has continued its multi-year rampage of rolling back environmental and health protections, like the recent repeal of automobile emission regulations, a move that lacked any credible justification. The EPA has “temporarily” suspended monitoring and punitive measures on polluters with no end date in sight. And we need justice and protection from pollution in communities that have been disproportionately burdened by pollutants for generations.  

Supporting the Environmental Justice Movement 

We must apply a historic lens and complete demographic data on virus cases when allocating resources and supporting communities. We need to ensure there are not just emergency supplies provided, but also an inspection of how underlying conditions are created and can be fixed. We need leaders that understand these inequities and fight to change systems. To create justice, marginalized communities must have decision-making roles in regards to their health, homes, and futures. 

Communities have long fought for environmental and social justice to address these inequities. Under-served communities have historically not had the political power to prevent new sources of pollution and eradicate existing ones. But organizing efforts of communities and activists have led to progress and there are many ways to lend support.  
 

• Urge your Congressional representatives to join the call for demographic data and to support the Environmental Justice for All Act, by Congressman Donald McEachin and Chair Raul Grijalva.   

• Small businesses support local economies and Black women alone are starting their own businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic. For business owners struggling under the economic weight of the pandemic – join our Green Business Network’s call to Congress to do more for small businesses! 

• If you are able, donate funds to Mutual Aid Networks to help provide resources – the African American Policy Forum lists networks here. 

• Volunteer or donate to support environmental and social justice groups like We Act for Environmental Justice, Color of Change, Hip Hop Caucus, NAACP, and GAIA. 

• Eating nutritious foods is a powerful defense against disease, and while food-insecurity has always been a reality in Black and Brown communities, this pandemic has made the necessity of access to healthy food all the more clear. Check out the Black Church Food Network and Soul Fire Farm's online web series for gardening info and join our Climate Victory Gardens campaign.  

• Black and Latinx people are historically under-counted in the U.S. Census, which informs funding and representation in Congress. Make sure you’re counted in the 2020 Census and register to vote!  

• Join the Prison Policy Initiative, National Organization for Women, Black Lives Matter, Mijente and other organizations in standing up for the incarcerated population and take action with the Humane Outbreak Response coalition.  

Position Title:              Development Manager

Supervisor:                   Director of Development & Organizational Advancement

Benefits:                        Excellent benefits including health care, dental, cooperative work environment, and flexible 4 day/32-hour work week

Start Date:                    Winter/Spring 2021

Job Location                 Washington, DC

Compensation:             $56,000 - $63,000

Green America, founded in 1982, is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a socially just and environmentally sustainable society by harnessing economic power – the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace. Our key program areas include climate action and clean energy, regenerative agriculture, labor justice, responsible finance, and green living.  We carry out our work in three strategic and interwoven hubs: 1) our Consumer & Corporate Engagement Programs, 2) our Green Business Network, and 3) our Center for Sustainability Solutions.

The Development Team focuses on increasing revenues for Green America’s work from individual major donors ($1,000+), foundations, and green business supporters.  Team members include the Director of Development & Organizational Advancement, Senior Major Gifts Officer, Foundations Manager, and Development Manager.  The Executive Co-Directors and President & CEO are extended team members, as they play key roles in fundraising.

We seek an experienced development professional to manage and grow Green America’s major gifts program, with a focus on renewing and upgrading current mid-level donors, identifying and qualifying new major gifts prospects, and building and maintaining long-term donor relationships.  The Development Manager plays a critical role in growing Green America’s donor base and revenues from individual donors, and helping to increase our mission impact in the world. The position will be based in Washington, DC at the Green America offices (currently staff are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTIES

1.      Manage and Grow Leaders Circle Portfolio ($1,000-9,999 annual donors)

• Manage a portfolio of ~150 Leaders Circle members, as well as additional donors with capacity and inclination to give at the Leader level or higher.
  
• Reach or exceed annual fundraising goals (2021-22 Leaders Circle goal is $300,000 with increases in subsequent years).
• Build strong donor relationships, set personalized stewardship plans (mail, visits, invitations to virtual and in-person events, engagement in our programs, etc.), and solicit for increased/renewed support.
• Coordinate, write, and personalize renewal mailings, reply forms, and proposals.
• Manage logistics of donor mailings (segment lists, print and personalize letters, design personalized reply forms, handwrite notes, etc.).
• Produce meaningful gift acknowledgements as soon as possible after gift arrives (letters, cards, photo books, digital thank yous, videos, etc).
• Work closely with fellow Development and Executive team members to coordinate donor visit and cultivation efforts.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge as the primary tool to keep record of and plan for donor identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

2.      Identifying and Cultivating New Major Donor Prospects

• Work with Director of Development to identify new major gift prospects using Blackbaud research tools and donor giving history, with focus on $250-$999 donors.
  
• Conduct donor research to identify new top prospects and to prepare for meetings with these donors.
  
• Plan and execute new cultivation strategies to recognize prospects and build a compelling case for them to deepen their support.

3.      Assist in Building Green America’s Legacy Circle

o   Understand the basics of planned giving and communicate these giving opportunities to donors.

o   Include planned giving information in mailings and assist Director of Development on planned giving solicitation strategies (email, mail, inquiry follow up).​​​​

4.      Webinar Series & Other Cultivation Activities

• Coordinate Green America’s Webinar Series with various GA teams and maximize it as a donor cultivation tool.
• In coordination with Executive Team, produce quarterly Policy Highlights emails.
• Travel locally and nationally (post-pandemic) to meet with and visit donors.
• Assist in the coordination of at least 3-5 in-person or virtual events per year (“Climate Solutions Tours,” film screenings, happy hours, luncheons, etc.).
• Assist in the production of promotional materials for use by the Development Team.

5.      Other Duties as Assigned

• Work on other Development related duties as they are assigned to you by the Director of Development. (Exs: new virtual events, data mining, donor research, portfolio review, budgeting, campaign planning, etc.)
• Participate in staff meetings and the annual operating plan & budget process.
• Participate in Cross Departmental Teams: The success of our organizational work includes the voluntary participation of staff members from all levels of the organization in cross departmental teams addressing a range of issues to strengthen our impact and planning, as time and other work commitments allow.
   

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors or advanced degree required.
• 5+ years of experience in major gifts fundraising and demonstrated successful solicitation of $1,000+ gifts.
• Deep understanding of donor-centered major gifts fundraising and how to deepen engagement and support.
• Experience with qualifying and cultivating major donor prospects and increasing their support over time.
• Ability to work very independently/be self-directed AND work closely with a team.
• Strong background in nonprofit fundraising and desire to grow in this field.
• Ability to learn quickly and respond to donor requests and gifts promptly.
• Exemplary relationship-building and written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic understanding of environmental sustainability, social/labor justice, and green economy issues.
• Ability to obtain a deep understanding of Green America’s program areas and communicate this understanding to donors and prospects.
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge (or other CRM/donor database that allows for transfer of data skills).
• Valid driver’s license and ability and willingness to travel.
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification a plus.

If interested please send a cover letter and resume to Kathy Harget, Director of Development & Organizational Advancement: kharget@greenamerica.org.

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Green America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination regarding: actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, or reproductive health disorders), age (18 years of age or older), marital status (including domestic partnership and parenthood), personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, citizenship status, credit information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic is included as a form of discrimination and is strictly prohibited.

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Green America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination regarding: actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, or reproductive health disorders), age (18 years of age or older), marital status (including domestic partnership and parenthood), personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, citizenship status, credit information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic is included as a form of discrimination and is strictly prohibited.

Whether they’re hollow or filled with ganache, every Easter egg contains a complex, globalised trade network within it. The cocoa used to make the chocolate was most likely grown in West Africa – around 70% of the world’s supply is.

Once grown, the beans might be sold to a large processor, to be made into butter, powder or liqueur. Though they’re not household names, 60% of the world’s cocoa products are processed by three companies: Barry Callebaut, Cargill and Olam.

From there, the processed cocoa will be sold again – probably to one of five major conglomerates: Mondelez, Mars, Ferrero, Hershey’s or Nestle, who alongside bean-to-bar manufacturer Lindt, produce 80% of the world’s chocolate.

At the very start of this chain, the potential for damaging practices is huge. Since 2001, the use of harmful child labour – a form of modern slavery – on cocoa farms has been an issue known to manufacturers, politicians and the general public. Since 1960, 90% of Ivory Coast’s rainforests, including National Parks, have been lost to deforestation.

The CSIRO estimate the average Australian consumes 32kg of chocolate a year, and in the absence of tight legislation, it’s up to consumers to make informed choices. But the complex supply chains that hide these dirty secrets make it difficult.

This year, three NGOs – Mighty Earth, Be Slavery Free and Green America – have banded together to produce an Easter chocolate guide that helps consumers sort good and bad eggs. The desk review looks at the policies and promises of major chocolate manufacturers and processors, and assigns them scores based on six factors relating to their environmental and labour practices.

In Australia and New Zealand, iconic New Zealand chocolate brand Whittaker’s came out on top, winning a Good Egg Award for their “leadership in policies and practices to end child labour, moving towards a living income for farmers and caring for the environment”.

“And their chocolate tastes fabulous,” says Carolyn Kitto of Be Slavery Free. “They really have earned this score.”

Swiss brand Lindt – who oversee all parts of the chocolate manufacturing process – also scored very highly. “They have the most thorough on-the-ground farmer relationship of the big chocolate companies,” says Be Slavery Free’s Fuzz Kitto.

Be Slavery Free have been investigating labour practices in the chocolate industry for more than two decades; and they have noticed a significant positive change in the last three years.

When they ran a similar assessment in 2012, Carolyn Kitto says you could fit Australian supermarkets’ ethical chocolate offerings “on an A5 page”. “Now there are so many, we have to put it up online to show them all,” adds Fuzz.

The guide only looks at manufacturers large enough to have their own programs, so major Australian chocolate brands like Haigh’s and Darryl Lee were not included in the guide – though both are good options for Australian chocolate buyers. Fuzz notes that after a significant lobbying efforts, in the past year Darryl Lee “have just done a massive turn around in Australia, it’s been a phenomenal thing to watch”.

If you want to buy chocolate not covered in the guide, Carolyn recommends looking for certification from either the Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade or Barry Callebaut’s Cocoa Horizons for an indication of better labour and environmental policies.

On the other end of the spectrum, luxury American chocolate brand Godiva was slapped with a Rotten Egg Award. Because “they used other people’s programs without being proactively involved in them,” says Fuzz. Carolyn adds: “ They’re basically saying they expect someone else to do the work rather than taking the responsibility themselves.”

Though the recent changes have been promising – particularly major manufacturers’ willingness to show transparency, and engage in a dialogue with consumers – Be Slavery Free says there is still a long way to go in ridding chocolate of its bitter elements. “We are continually saying ‘you’ve got these programs, show us the results’” says Fuzz. “There’s not been an on-the-ground assessment or baseline for us to know what the improvements are. That’s one of the things we’ve been pushing for.”

The organisation is particularly focused on fighting poverty, by ensuring cocoa farmers are paid a living wage. Fuzz explains: “How do we get them a decent price for their cocoa so they don’t have to use their children for labour?

Further regulation, with real consequences for non-compliance, is also a major area for improvement. In Australia, the Modern Slavery Act requires entities with an annual consolidated revenue of more than $100m to “report annually on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains, and actions to address those risks.” However, Fuzz notes “the difficulty is that ... although it’s mandatory to report, there’s no consequences if you don’t.”

“We wouldn’t regard that we actually have a mandatory regulation scheme, because if there are no consequences, it’s sort of like saying ‘Well you have to pay tax, but if you don’t, we’re not going to worry about it,’ ” Carolyn says.

Green America’s Cool It campaign tackles potent, dangerous greenhouse gases called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are used for refrigerant management and that are exacerbating the climate crisis.

Congress has introduced a new bill with bipartisan support (S. 2754), the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, to bolster our national economy and phase down the use of HFCs as refrigerants.

This is great news for the climate because HFCs have up to 9,000 times more warming power than carbon dioxide. As the gases leak out of refrigeration systems, there is not only an environmental benefit to phasing down HFCs, but also a significant economic one. There are available alternatives which can help businesses cut costs. Many refrigerants with zero or near-zero impact on the climate are shown to be more energy efficient than HFCs, reducing energy costs.

Improved refrigerant management is a win for businesses and the climate. This legislation is a critical step to achieving the substantial benefits of better refrigerant practices. The AIM Act is projected to create 150,000 U.S. jobs and generate nearly $39 billion in economic benefits annually by 2027. This will keep the United States competitive in the changing, global refrigerants market.

Green America's Refrigerant Management Testimony

On April 7, 2020 the Green Business Network submitted the following testimony in support of The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. The Act supports both job creation and the reduction of climate-changing emissions (HFCs or hydroflurocarbons). Below is testimony from Green America's Executive Co-Director Fran Teplitz.

Green America greatly appreciates the opportunity to provide this written testimony on S. 2754, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act.

We are pleased to support this bipartisan legislation, which will create economic growth in the refrigerants sector while phasing down substances that devastate our climate. The measures in this legislation will ensure that the United States is a leader on this issue and that our industry will remain competitive in the rapidly changing landscape of the global refrigerant market.

Green America is a national non-profit organization founded in 1982 to harness economic power – the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace – to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. We represent over 250,000 individual members and activists and more than 2,000 business members, most of which are smaller businesses and leaders in innovation and sustainable practices. These businesses consistently prove that sustainability can also be good for their business and enhance their bottom line.

The AIM Act is a bipartisan, commonsense measure to bolster American manufacturers and reduce the use of substances that warm our atmosphere at extremely high rates. It is modeled after the Montreal Protocol’s highly successful phasedown of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in order to protect our ozone layer. However, the void left by the phasedown of CFCs was replaced with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases that do not impact the ozone layer but are extraordinarily damaging to our climate.

HFCs are manmade greenhouse gases with up to 9,000 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. They are the fastest growing greenhouse gas and if left unrestricted, could contribute half a degree Celsius of warming by the end of the century, quickly accelerating us beyond the limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming as set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

These gases leak out through faulty refrigeration systems, meaning there is not only an environmental benefit to phasing down HFCs, but also a significant economic one. There are available alternatives which can help businesses cut costs. Many refrigerants with zero or near-zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) are shown to be more energy efficient than HFCs, reducing energy costs.

Additionally, while this legislation outlines the gradual phase down of the production and use of HFCs, it could also lead to better refrigerant management, such as improvements in leak monitoring and repair. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that supermarket retailers lose one quarter of refrigerant due to leaks. The Environmental Investigation Agency reports that the sector’s refrigerant leaks equate to 45 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually. If these leaks were reduced, the industry would save an estimated $108 million every year. Clearly, improved refrigerant management is a win for businesses and the climate.

This legislation is a critical step to achieving the substantial benefits of better refrigerant practices. The AIM Act is projected to create 150,000 U.S. jobs and generate nearly $39 billion in economic benefits annually by 2027. This will keep the United States competitive in the changing global refrigerants market. For all these reasons, this legislation has sweeping industry support.

Reducing HFC refrigerants will work to address their severe impact on the climate, as well as support American suppliers and businesses. Therefore, Green America supports the passage of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, S. 2754 and its companion bill H.R. 5544, however, our organization strongly opposes any state preemption provisions or amendments. While we support passing and upholding a robust national standard and program, including a provision for preemption is unnecessary and could weaken support of this legislation.

Please contact us for any further information on Green America, our Green Business Network, and our support of this legislation.

WASHINGTON, DC – April 9, 2020 – Carter’s, the largest U.S. retailer of baby clothes, is taking an important first step towards limiting toxic chemicals in its supply chain, and it is doing so as a result of pressure from Green America and its members.

Green America launched a campaign in 2019 and published a report showing Carter’s was among the worst actors in the textile industry on environmental and social practices. Nearly 15,000 consumers have joined Green America in calling on Carter’s to clean up its supply chain and release a Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), which would go a step further than an Restricted Substances List (which only protects consumers) by limiting harmful chemicals that workers and their communities are exposed to in the manufacturing process.

Carter’s actions include releasing an RSL, disclosing information about energy usage and waste reduction, and providing greater transparency about efforts to protect human rights within its supply chain.

Green America lauded the move but pointed out that the company should do more.

“A public RSL is a good first step, but without an MRSL, it is a partial solution at best. Carter’s must now also prioritize the health of workers in its supply chain and limit their exposure to harmful chemicals through a MRSL,” said Charlotte Tate, manager of Labor Justice Campaigns at Green America. “We are glad to see Carter’s take steps to protect its customers, but we urge them to take it further and not leave workers out of the solution.”

“Major industry players are often not transparent about what chemicals are used, and we do not have sufficient understanding of the impacts of the thousands of chemicals used on human and environmental health,” stated Todd Larsen, executive co-director of Consumer and Corporate Engagement at Green America. “Though, some states, including Washington, Oregon, and Vermont, have disclosure requirements for children’s products sold within that state. In recent years, Carter’s has disclosed using harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, arsenic and arsenic compounds, and cadmium, and that’s why it is good to see Carter’s taking steps to start protecting the children who wear the company’s clothes.”

Carter’s also committed to supporting suppliers in obtaining Oeko-Tex certification to limit chemical usage in raw materials and has sourced more organic cotton then in previous years. Using organic cotton limits the harmful chemicals that workers are exposed to in growing and manufacturing, and it limits chemical runoff which pollutes waterways and local communities.

Over 8,000 chemicals are used in textile manufacturing. An estimated 20 percent of industrial water pollution is attributed to the textile manufacturing industry. Textile production uses an estimated 43 million tons of chemicals every year, not including the pesticides used to grow natural resources such as cotton.

ABOUT GREEN AMERICA

Green America is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today’s social and environmental problems. http://www.GreenAmerica.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Max Karlin for Green America, (703) 276-3255, or mkarlin@hastingsgroup.com.

International Advocacy Groups Publish Joint Consumer Purchasing Guide Just in Time for the Easter Holiday 

Mighty Earth, Green America, and Be Slavery Free published a joint Easter scorecard, analyzing what the world’s biggest chocolate companies are doing to address social and environmental concerns. Godiva receives the “Rotten Egg Award” for its poor performance, and Tony’s Chocolonely receives the “Good Egg Award” for its efforts to reshape the industry. The Easter scorecard has been published annually by Mighty Earth since 2018.

“Equipped with this scorecard, consumers can buy their Easter chocolates knowing whether their treats are likely tainted by deforestation and human rights abuses,” said Mighty Earth Senior Campaign Director, Etelle Higonnet. “Consumers’ purchases highlight that we, at a time of global crisis, are all truly interconnected and that we are in this together.”

The groups surveyed 13 chocolate companies and 8 cocoa suppliers, examining their policies in six of the most pressing sustainability issues facing the chocolate industry: mandatory due diligence; transparency and traceability; deforestation and climate change; agroforestry; living income policies; and child labor, focusing primarily on child labor monitoring and remediation systems. 

“Easter is the peak holiday for chocolate sales around the world, with a greater market share than Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween. However, poorer countries where cocoa is grown may not have the financial muscle to ride the pandemic out. Communities already suffering from malnutrition and low cash flow will be hard hit,” said Fuzz Kitto, Co-National Director of Be Slavery Free in Australia. “It’s all the more reason for consumers to make a difference and buy chocolates from companies working to end environmental and labor abuses in the cocoa industry.” 

Chocolate maker, Godiva, was given The Rotten Egg Award for failing to take responsibility for the conditions with which its chocolates are made, despite making huge profits off its chocolate. Godiva rated poorly across the board. In comparison to other chocolate brands, Godiva has made very little progress on social and environmental issues in the last few years. 

Tony’s Chocolonely, which sources from the same supplier as Godiva, earned the Golden Egg Award. When comparing the two companies' efforts, the differences are stark. Tony’s is working to demonstrate that an ethical business model is possible in the chocolate industry and works to support its supplier to improve its operations. Tony’s performed well in every category across the scorecard.

“2020 is a big year in the chocolate sector, two decades since the world’s chocolate manufacturers signed the Harkin-Engel Protocol, an agreement to clean up the industry. Sadly, very little has changed,” said Charlotte Tate, Labor Justice Campaigns Manager at Green America. “Nonetheless, the industry is recognizing voluntary initiatives are not working and more companies are calling for government regulation. Businesses are recognizing that they cannot solve these issues alone and need greater government regulation.”

Roughly 2.1 million children work in cocoa, 96 percent of whom are found to be in hazardous labor according to researchers at Tulane University. In recent years, research from the World Resources Institute found that there has been an increase in deforestation in top cocoa producing countries, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Cocoa farmers often live in extreme poverty, despite chocolate companies raking in billions every year. 

While progress is being made in the direct cocoa supply chains, there are still big concerns about the harmful impacts of companies' indirect supply chains on the environment, particularly deforestation, and people. There is little transparency about what is occurring in the indirect cocoa supply chains. These issues demonstrate an urgent need for increased efforts to transform the cocoa industry into a sustainable industry. 

About Mighty Earth

Mighty Earth is a global environmental campaign organization that works to protect forests, conserve oceans, and address climate change. We work in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and North America to drive large-scale action towards environmentally responsible agriculture that protects native ecosystems, wildlife, and water, and respects local community rights. Mighty Earth’s team has played a decisive role in persuading the world’s largest food and agriculture companies to dramatically improve their environmental and social policies and practices. More information on Mighty Earth can be found at www.mightyearth.org/.

About Green America

Green America is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today’s social and environmental problems. http://www.GreenAmerica.org

MEDIA CONTACT:  Max Karlin for Green America, (703) 276-3255, or mkarlin@hastingsgroup.com.

About Be Slavery Free

Be Slavery Free is a coalition of organisations with on the ground experience in preventing, disrupting and remediating modern slavery. Since 2007 they have been working with the chocolate industry, advocating for addressing child labour and slavery. https://beslaveryfree.com  

In Australia contact:  Fuzz Kitto +61 (0) 407 931 115

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mighty Earth, Green America, and Be Slavery Free published a joint Easter scorecard, analyzing what the world’s biggest chocolate companies are doing to address social and environmental concerns. Godiva receives the “Rotten Egg Award” for its poor performance, and Tony’s Chocolonely receives the “Golden Egg Award” for its efforts to reshape the industry. The Easter scorecard has been published annually by Mighty Earth since 2018.

“Equipped with this scorecard, consumers can buy their Easter chocolates knowing whether their treats are likely tainted by deforestation and human rights abuses,” said Mighty Earth Senior Campaign Director, Etelle Higonnet. “Consumers’ purchases highlight that we, at a time of global crisis, are all truly interconnected and that we are in this together.”

The groups surveyed 13 chocolate companies and 8 cocoa suppliers, examining their policies in six of the most pressing sustainability issues facing the chocolate industry: mandatory due diligence; transparency and traceability; deforestation and climate change; agroforestry; living income policies; and child labor, focusing primarily on child labor monitoring and remediation systems.

“Easter is the peak holiday for chocolate sales around the world, with a greater market share than Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween. However, poorer countries where cocoa is grown may not have the financial muscle to ride the pandemic out. Communities already suffering from malnutrition and low cash flow will be hard hit,” said Fuzz Kitto, Co-National Director of Be Slavery Free in Australia. “It’s all the more reason for consumers to make a difference and buy chocolates from companies working to end environmental and labor abuses in the cocoa industry.”

Chocolate maker, Godiva, was given The Rotten Egg Award for failing to take responsibility for the conditions with which its chocolates are made, despite making huge profits off its chocolate. Godiva rated poorly across the board. In comparison to other chocolate brands, Godiva has made very little progress on social and environmental issues in the last few years.

Tony’s Chocolonely, which sources from the same supplier as Godiva, earned the Golden Egg Award. When comparing the two companies' efforts, the differences are stark. Tony’s is working to demonstrate that an ethical business model is possible in the chocolate industry and works to support its supplier to improve its operations. Tony’s performed well in every category across the scorecard.

“2020 is a big year in the chocolate sector, two decades since the world’s chocolate manufacturers signed the Harkin-Engel Protocol, an agreement to clean up the industry. Sadly, very little has changed,” said Charlotte Tate, Labor Justice Campaigns Manager at Green America. “Nonetheless, the industry is recognizing voluntary initiatives are not working and more companies are calling for government regulation. Businesses are recognizing that they cannot solve these issues alone and need greater government regulation.”

Roughly 2.1 million children work in cocoa, 96 percent of whom are found to be in hazardous labor according to researchers at Tulane University. In recent years, research from the World Resources Institute found that there has been an increase in deforestation in top cocoa producing countries, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Cocoa farmers often live in extreme poverty, despite chocolate companies raking in billions every year.

While progress is being made in the direct cocoa supply chains, there are still big concerns about the harmful impacts of companies' indirect supply chains on the environment, particularly deforestation, and people. There is little transparency about what is occurring in the indirect cocoa supply chains. These issues demonstrate an urgent need for increased efforts to transform the cocoa industry into a sustainable industry.

About Mighty Earth

Mighty Earth is a global environmental campaign organization that works to protect forests, conserve oceans, and address climate change. We work in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and North America to drive large-scale action towards environmentally responsible agriculture that protects native ecosystems, wildlife, and water, and respects local community rights. Mighty Earth’s team has played a decisive role in persuading the world’s largest food and agriculture companies to dramatically improve their environmental and social policies and practices. www.mightyearth.org/.

About Green America

Green America is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today’s social and environmental problems. http://www.GreenAmerica.org

About Be Slavery Free

Be Slavery Free is a coalition of organisations with on the ground experience in preventing, disrupting and remediating modern slavery. Since 2007 they have been working with the chocolate industry, advocating for addressing child labour and slavery. https://beslaveryfree.com

What’s really going into the chocolate we buy? The Chocolate Scorecard surveyed the world’s biggest chocolate companies to find out! 

Some are rising to the challenge of making cocoa sustainable, unfortunately most continue to ignore consumer demand for chocolate that’s free of deforestation, farmer poverty, and child labor. 

This guide informs the choices of consumers like you. Together, we can transform the chocolate industry into one that prioritizes people and the planet. 

Versión en español aquí. 

Sign our petition asking the world's largest chocolate companies to address child labor, farmer poverty, deforestation, and pesticide usage. 

Chocolate Scorecard Methodology  

The Chocolate Scorecard uses the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainability:  

"meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Additional components of the methodology in 2023 included:  

1. Using subject matter experts to undertake the scoring in each section; 
2. Aligning the survey with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi),  
3. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and  
4. The Accountability Framework (AFi). 

The survey covered six categories:  

1. Traceability and Transparency 
2. Living Income  
3. Child Labor  
4. Deforestation and Climate 
5. Agroforestry 
6. Agrichemical Management 

An explanation of the categories: 

Traceability and transparency 

According to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a business is responsible for any and all adverse human rights impacts either through their own activities or due to their business relationships with other parties. It is not appropriate to ‘outsource’ this responsibility or to shift the responsibility to the next or another tier in the supply chain.  

A company that lacks knowledge of its cocoa’s origin (an issue of traceability) cannot genuinely ensure it is not tainted by extreme poverty, child labor, deforestation, or other abuses. Without transparency on this traceability, civil society cannot hold companies accountable. Transparent traceability is a crucial bedrock for all other reforms.  

Traceability and transparency constitute 20% of the total overall score. 

Living Income 

A living income is:  

The net annual income required for a household in a particular place to afford a decent standard of living for all members of that household. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, healthcare, transportation, clothing, and other essential needs including provisions for unexpected events.  

This is not a reality for cocoa farmers and their families in West Africa. Many live in extreme poverty, making them more vulnerable to hunger, malnutrition, health crises, and other social challenges, including exposure to child labor.  

The highest scores were achieved by companies that are:  

1. using an actual living income calculation to benchmark their programs; and/or 
2. making payments to farmers on top of Living Income Differential (LID) set by the Governments of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire and certification premiums; and/or   
3. investing in development projects determined in consultation with the communities they are sourcing from.  

The Living Income category contributed 20% to the total overall score. 

Child Labor 

Despite voluntary corporate efforts promising to eradicate it, the prevalence of child labor has increased by 14% over the past decade.  

1. 1.56 million children exposed to child labor in cocoa production (including approximately 790,000 children in Côte d’Ivoire and 770,000 in Ghana)
2. 1.48 million children were exposed to at least one component of hazardous child labor in cocoa production; and 
3. Between 2008/09 and 2018/19, children exposed to agrichemical products increasing approximately five-fold from 5% to 24% in aggregate

Poverty and extremely low incomes are linked to children's exposure to child labor and hazardous child labor, depriving them of their future and subjecting them to abuse.  

The Chocolate Score analyzed responses in three areas for this category:  

1. Any child labor policy, monitoring and remediation system or equivalent (Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation Systems - CLMRS);  
2. Percentage of farms covered by the scheme; and  
3. Presence of a plan to scale up programs and processes to address child labor.

The Child Labor category contributed to 20% of the total overall score. 

Deforestation and climate 

Cocoa is a major global driver of forest destruction. West Africa produces 75% of the world’s cocoa, with Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana being the largest producers. These two countries have lost most of their forest cover in the past sixty years - around 94% and 80%, respectively, with approximately one-third of forest loss from cocoa growing.  

Almost everywhere cocoa grows worldwide, from Asia to Africa to Latin America, studies show it is tied to deforestation, which negatively impacts climate change. As such, this section also focuses on the industry’s contribution to global annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions leading to severe climate change.  

The chocolate scorecard analyzed the responses in the following areas for this category:  

1. Application of no-deforestation policy to global sourcing and percentage of cocoa purchased through a deforestation-free monitoring system;  
2. Percentage of cocoa sourced from deforested areas since various cut-off dates;  
3. Detailed plans for how to respond to evidence of suppliers sourcing cocoa from recently  deforested land; and
4. Policy to achieve net zero carbon emissions company-wide or using science-based targets. 

Deforestation and climate change actions contributed 20% of the total overall score. 

Agroforestry 

Though cocoa has been a major driver of deforestation worldwide, it can become the reverse - an agent of re-greening around the planet. Agroforestry, as opposed to pesticide-soaked monoculture, is a more ecologically sound way of growing cocoa and restoring farming landscapes.  

Scientific research demonstrates that robust agroforestry cocoa systems are better for the planet, carbon sequestration, soil and air moisture retention, and biodiversity. Studies show it is also better for farmers’ food security and income diversification.  

The Chocolate Scorecard analyzed the responses in four areas for this category:  

1. Any agroforestry policy and its definition;  
2. Application of the agroforestry policy, either globally or to West Africa only;  
3. Assessment and monitoring of the agroforestry policy;  
4. Support and investment in farmers within the supply chain to transition to agroforestry growing methods 

Agroforestry contributed 10% to the total overall score. 

Agrichemical Management 

As we face a mass extinction crisis, much of which is driven by chemicals in agriculture, chocolate companies need to reform their current approaches and adopt practices that do rely on agrichemicals.  

Increased productivity via chemical inputs cannot be the primary means for companies sourcing increasing amounts of cocoa. Instead, the long-term sustainability of the industry, the health of the farming communities (who often rely on neighboring rivers for drinking and bathing), soil health, and the planet's health must become a priority.  

To achieve this, companies must eliminate the most hazardous pesticides entirely and move towards reducing the overall use of agrichemicals. They should support farmers in transitioning to agricultural practices that do not rely on dangerous chemicals while helping them maintain their yield and income.  

Companies should emphasize non-chemical interventions such as grafting, pruning, hand pollination, and education around best agroecological practices and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to increase yields for farmers.  

The Chocolate Scorecard analyzed the responses in three areas for this category:  

1. Any stated targets and policy to reduce pesticides;  
2. Assessment and monitoring of hazardous pesticides in the supply chain and action to phase the use of hazardous pesticides out;  
3. Support for the adoption of non-chemical alternatives. 

Pesticides contributed 10% to the total overall score. 

WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 2, 2020 – The coronavirus pandemic is changing life as we know it, and many Americans are using their sudden surplus of spare time at home to plant Climate Victory Gardens, which are being promoted by the nonprofit Green America. With already over 2,400 gardens taking part in the Climate Victory Garden movement, this number is rising as people turn towards gardening to supplement their pantries and support their mental health in these trying times.

Inspired by the “Victory Gardens” planted during WWI and WWII that drove the creation of nearly 20 million gardens that produced 40% of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the U.S. at the time, Climate Victory Gardens empower Americans to grow their own produce while incorporating regenerative agriculture techniques that help fight climate change. Green America estimates that current gardens are offsetting the equivalent of taking over 70,000 cars off the road for a year.

Research shows that the climate crisis is contributing to epidemics and pandemics, so gardens are also part of the solution that might reduce future pandemics and other challenges associated with the climate crisis.

Jes Walton, food campaigns manager at Green America, said: “In this time of crisis and uncertainty, growing your own food can be empowering. Gardening provides Americans with a way to be more self-sufficient, and when the principles of regenerative agriculture are applied, it can be part of the climate solution. Let’s work together to support our communities and the planet.”

To plant your own Climate Victory Garden, start by following these five steps:

1. Ditch the Chemicals
2. Keep the Soil Covered
3. Encourage Biodiversity
4. Grow Food
5. Compost

You can find detailed instructions at https://www.greenamerica.org/climate-victory-gardening-101.

Thousands of Climate Victory Gardens are being tracked through Green America’s searchable map. For more information or to register your own Climate Victory Garden, visit: https://greenam.org/garden.

Green America’s how-to video, featuring actress/activist Rosario Dawson and the artist/activist Ron Finley, provides information for gardeners who want to take advantage of the spring growing season to plant their own Climate Victory Gardens.

ABOUT GREEN AMERICA

Green America is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today’s social and environmental problems. http://www.GreenAmerica.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Max Karlin for Green America, (703) 276-3255, or mkarlin@hastingsgroup.com.

Architecture, Development, and Energy Consulting Services

Since 2012, Green America's People and Planet Award has recognized outstanding small businesses with deep commitments to social justice and environmental sustainability. This project has been made possible thanks to a special donor committed to giving a boost to innovative entrepreneurs. The People and Planet Award has bestowed over $300,000 on green businesses since its inception.

The three winners of the Sustainable Food award in 2013 were The Chile Woman, Green City Growers, and Love & Carrots.

Where are they now?

At the conclusion of the People and Planet Award, we reached out to the winners to learn how the prize helped their business. Below are their answers. 

How did the People and Planet Award money help your business?

The Chile Woman: The publicity it generated locally and nationally was fantastic. Locally, it was a great example of community. The people of Bloomington and my customers really rallied around the contest and showed their support. A cash infusion of $5,000 is great for any small business. For a farmer, whose income is never guaranteed, this was an extra bonus.

Green City Growers: The money we received in 2013 allowed us to invest in re-branded our company and launching a new, more professional website. This has led to us getting more business. We also appreciated the recognition we received from receiving the award and gained additional visibility for our company.

Love & Carrots: It got me off the ground! The $5000 from GA was pivotal. At the time I was still boot strapping everything, pouring all my time into the company and living very cheaply with no cash to spare- pouring everything back into the company.

What did you use the prize money for?

The Chile Woman: Remodeling a space for our proposed chile product store onsite at the greenhouse. Now that space is full of a couple thousand chile plants pulled in anticipation of a hard freeze. I’ll be picking fresh peppers in there today to prep for tomorrow’s Eastside Farmers Market.

Green City Growers: The money we received in 2013 allowed us to invest in re-branded our company and launching a new, more professional website.

Love & Carrots: The prize money helped me buy a larger pickup truck.

What is your business up to now?

The Chile Woman: This was a challenging season weather wise. We also missed the protection of our treasured llama who passed away last year. Not only did he protect the sheep and the chickens, he kept deer out of the field and house gardens. But that’s farming! Our main business of shipping chile pepper plants continues to flourish. I continue to grow more and more chiles and have been the fortunate recipient of many non hybrid chile pepper seeds, expanding my chile seed bank to over 2100 varieties. I am more dedicated than ever to preserving chile pepper biodiversity.

Green City Growers: We're continuing to convert underutilized spaces into biodiverse food production landscapes throughout MA, and we have recently expanded to offer services throughout the Northeast US. We now run a rooftop farm on top of Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox, and a kitchen garden for The Rainbow Room at 30 Rockefeller Center, along with our 100+ sites at schools, businesses, restaurants, and housing complexes. We employ 25 individuals and are continuing to grow.

Love & Carrots: Now I have a staff of 17, a 3-acre head quarters, and we've expanded into commercial and multi-family home markets including roof top farms. We are the gardeners behind dozens of top DC restaurants. We have installed close to 1,000 garden and counting.

• Plastic wrap safely seals food so you can save it for later, but like all single-use plastics, it’s bad for the environment.
• Bee’s Wrap is an eco-friendly alternative that’s made from organic cotton coated in bee’s wax, jojoba oil, and tree resin.
• It’s compostable and biodegradable, so when you can’t reuse it anymore, it’s safe to dispose of.
• I decided to try Bee’s Wrap even though it is expensive at $18 for three sheets, and I’m done with plastic wrap for good.
• Read more: The best food storage containers

I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, so needless to say, I’m constantly trying to figure out how to best store my produce. From glass and plastic containers to aluminum foil and Saran wrap, I thought I had tried just about everything until I heard about Bee’s Wrap.

I initially hesitated because of the cost: $18 for what are essentially three sheets of beeswax. But, knowing that it’s an environmentally friendly and sustainable option, I finally decided to give it a try. Here’s why I won’t go back.

What is Bee’s Wrap?

Think of it as a food wrapper that you can wash, reuse, and eventually recycle. Bee’s Wrap is made exclusively from sustainable products: beeswax, jojoba oil, tree resin, and organic cotton. The first and most important ingredient is sourced from sustainably managed hives, and Bee’s Wrap’s biodegradable packaging is made from 100% recycled paper.

Some more impressive credentials: The Global Organic Textile Standard has certified the company’s fabric and printing process, and Bee’s Wrap is a Green America certified corporation, as well as a B Corporation.

What really makes Bee’s Wrap eco-friendly is the fact that you can reuse the sheets for up to a year. They eventually start to lose their sticking power, but when that happens you can compost them or wrap them around kindling and use them as fire starters.

How big is each Bee’s Wrap sheet?

You can buy a variety pack that includes three sizes:

• Small (7″ x 8″)
• Medium (10″ x 11″)
• Large (13″ x 14″)

Bee’s Wrap offers special wraps for bread and sandwiches too. Plus, since the wraps are made of wax, you can easily cut them to suit your needs.

How does it work?

The wraps seal with the warmth of your hands as you press and wrap them around your food. It takes a few tries to get a feel for how much pressure to use and how many seconds to press down.

Bee’s Wrap sheets do get softer over time, and I have to admit I’m skeptical that mine will last for an entire year.

How produce looks after a week in Bee’s Wrap

I opted for a variety pack with three sheet sizes. I used my small pieces (7″ x 8″) to wrap half an avocado, half an onion, and half a lime. The medium pieces (10″ x 11″) were just the right size to wrap bigger vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers. I didn’t have much use for the large pieces (13″ x 14″), so I cut them down to store produce like Serrano peppers and apples.

I was surprised at how well my avocado kept in the wrap after a few days; while it turned light brown, it didn’t go bad. I stored the lime and onion in Bee’s Wrap for about a week and though the lime was slightly dried out, it still had a significant amount of juice. The onion was in great condition, and the rest of my produce remained crisp days later.

How does it compare to other food storage methods?

I do think Bee’s Wrap keeps food fresher than plastic wrap or aluminum foil. I definitely noticed that my peppers lasted longer and were crisper when I stored them in Bee’s Wrap, and, as I mentioned earlier, I was surprised that my avocado only browned slightly after being in the fridge for a few days.

However, I don’t think Bee’s Wrap seals in freshness as well as glass containers. When I stored homemade fresh salsa in a bowl covered with Bee’s Wrap, it dried out faster than it does when I keep it in a tightly-sealed glass container. But, for the most part, I use glass containers for meal prep and Bee’s Wrap for storing cut produce that I want to use later.

I should note that the company doesn’t recommend using the wraps for raw meat. Apparently, you can freeze items with Bee’s Wrap, but I haven’t put this to the test yet.

How do you clean it?

Cleaning Bee’s Wrap is easy – I use a tiny bit of soap and wipe each sheet with a sponge before running it under cold water (hot water will melt the wax). While the company sells a special drying rack, I find that my dish rack works just fine.

You may run into some issues with staining; a red onion left little purple marks on one of my sheets, but it eventually disappeared after a few cleanings.

Let’s talk about the smell

When you first open a box of Bee’s Wrap, the smell is very strong. I’m sensitive to scents, so this did bother me; it took a week or two for me not to notice the smell every time I walked into my kitchen.

Even after a month or so of using and washing the wraps, you can still smell the wax – it’s just fainter. Thankfully, the smell doesn’t seem to rub off on food.

The verdict

I have been using Bee’s Wrap for a few months, and my sheets are still holding up. They are much softer because I use them a lot, so I am still skeptical that these will make it an entire year. For now, they still seal tightly.

I really don’t feel the need to use plastic wrap or aluminum foil for food storage, as Bee’s Wrap seems to keep produce fresher. I also love the fact that you can compost it when it wears out. I don’t think I’ll be tossing my glass containers just yet, though – while Bee’s Wrap is great for storing individual items, it’s not the best choice for large batches of leftovers or meal prep.

Written by Wendy Weiner, a gardener by trade who builds vegetable gardens and teaches the art of gardening to her clients. She is a graduate of Seed School and is one of the founding members of the Salida Seed Library in Salida, Colorado.

Fighting Climate Change with Intention in Our Gardens

What role does intention have in vegetable gardening?

For me, it starts with the seed. Seed saving is full of intention that has an impact both within and beyond the boundaries of our gardens. Every decision we make in the garden has an effect, some with hidden consequences and others with limitless benefits. As we learn the art of gardening, this awareness expands.

To garden with intention makes one fully aware of all decisions within that space. Starting with amendments, big business (think Home Depot) want us to believe that we need their inputs, from bagged compost to chemicals and seeds. When we think critically about this, we might ask: how far did these products travel? What pollution or emissions were generated during production? What impact does this product have on our gardens (and the world)? Could we somehow create these inputs ourselves? Seed saving has a role in all these inquiries.

Seed Saving to Adapt to Climate Change

Even though it seems like we have many choices, most of the seeds in this country are owned by a handful of huge seed companies. These seeds are grown thousands of miles away from where they’re finally purchased. We don’t know the details of how they’re grown or their impact on the place they’re grown. It’s likely the seeds aren’t adapted to the area they’re ultimately planted, and the diversity of available varieties is low.

Seed saving is the solution, both to the seed industry’s impact on the climate and to our gardens’ ability to adapt to climate change.

When we save seeds, we've allowed plants to fully mature beyond the eating stage, into their reproductive stage when they set their seeds. Seeds are then selected from plants that have desired traits such as drought and disease resistance, flavor, size, or abundance. It only takes one generation for seeds to be imbedded with this ecological and cultural knowledge. As climate change creates unpredictable weather, our gardens and farms become more vulnerable. The health of our gardens depends on saved seeds that have generations of coding specific to our local and changing weather patterns.

Communities are collaborating on seed saving by building seed libraries across the country, where gardeners check out seeds and return grown-out seeds at the end of the season. These libraries are a source of seeds specific to the region and its most current climate. This seed stewardship creates biodiversity and becomes a collaborative art that empowers the grower, the community, and the seeds that hold the future.

Climate Victory Gardening brings attention to the climate crisis but also our potential for nourishing communities with our intentions—and while there are many possible entry points, seeds and seed saving are a great place to start.

Seed Saving: Try These Foods First

Saving seeds is a powerful act, but it’s also simple to get started. Think of it as the final stage in a season of gardening, when we allow plants to grow to their mature stage and let seeds form. The following are easy, beginner-level vegetables for you to bring seed saving to your own Climate Victory Garden:

Lettuce

• Select a variety that prefers local precipitation levels, maintains good leaf growth, doesn't go to seed early, and has a desirable flavor.
• Pull out all the plants with undesirable traits.
• Allow the remaining plants to mature, and you'll notice that the leaves start to head up (get more elongated, pointed, and more vertical growth).
• Flowers will begin to form at the top of the stem. When a majority of the flowers are dry, pull the plant out of the ground and cut off the upper stem with the flowers. 
• Store this top of the stem in a cool dry place until you have the time to sort and clean the seeds. 
• Strip the flowers off the stems and crumble them. Then winnow (separate) the chaff from the seed.
• Store in glass, paper bags, or envelopes.

Tomatoes

• Select for flavor, size, color, water needs, and strength of the plant.
• Pick a tomato that is fully ripe. Cut in half and squeeze the juice and seeds into a small glass jar or cup. Make sure it's a juicy liquid. If it's a tomato that’s inherently not juicy, then add a small amount of water so that the seeds are suspended. 
• Allow this to sit at room temperature three to four days. A mold will likely form on the top.
• The viable seeds will sink to the bottom, and the protective gel around the seed will break down in this fermentation process.
• Skim off the mold first, then pour the rest into a strainer and run the seeds under water until they are clean. 
• Put the clean seeds on a dish to fully dry, then store in a glass jar, paper bag or envelope.

Always store your seeds in a cool, dark, dry space. Label with the name of the plant, date, location, and growing conditions. Consider adding any other pertinent information regarding the growing season that may be helpful to the future. And, if you have a special story that goes with those specific seeds you might want to include that as well.

Resources

• Looking for a seed library near you? This Seed Library Locator Map or The Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance may be helpful in your search.
• Ready to take the next step in seed saving? Check out this Seed Saving Guide from the Organic Seed Alliance.

This is the second article in a series of three about seed saving. The first article is about Seed Saving at the Front Line of the Climate Crisis, and the third article is about Developing Online Tools for Seed Saving and Sharing.

Read more inspiring Climate Victory Garden stories and tips.

Lawns are an American obsession. Since the mass proliferation of suburbs in the 1950s and '60s, these pristine carpets of green turf have been meticulously maintained by suburbanites, with grass length and other aesthetic considerations enforced with bylaws and by homeowner associations.

But for nature, lawns offer little. Their maintenance produces more greenhouse gases than they absorb, and they are biodiversity deserts that have contributed to vanishing insect populations. Residential lawns cover 2% of US land and require more irrigation than any agricultural crop grown in the country. Across California, more than half of household water is used outside of the house.

If attitudes toward lawn care are shifted, however, these grassy green patches represent a gigantic opportunity. In 2005, a NASA satellite study found that American residential lawns take up 49,000 square miles (128,000 square km) -- nearly equal in size to the entire country of Greece.

A small, shady garden at Kronish House, a villa by Ricahrd Neutra in Beverley Hills, California designed by Marmol Radzinerm, winner of the ASLA 2016 Professional Honor Award in Residential Design - Credit: Roger Davies

According to environmental scientists, transforming lawns into miniature modular bio-reserves could not only boost biodiversity, but could cut water and petrol consumption and reduce the use of dangerous lawn chemicals.

Yet the question for many homeowners remains: how?

In western states like California, Colorado and Arizona, droughts have led to restrictions on water usage, forcing many to reconsider their thirsty lawns. Some inventive families and landscape architects have transformed yards, producing oases of life for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, by employing scientific insight, design and imagination.

While many residents across the US may want a traditional patch of green carpet, Jodie Cook, a landscape designer from San Clemente, California, explained over email that West Coast homeowners are growing increasingly aware of how innovative models for lawns can benefit natural ecosystems, while providing a new dimension to the family home.

"This new garden model is giving people permission to play," said Cook, who has redesigned home lawns across Orange County, with an emphasis on "ecosystem-centric" design. Ripping up a generic lawn can reveal a canvas for personal creativity -- to plant with food, flowering plants and herbs, or to shape into wildlife habitats that invite in local fauna.

Yard, by 2.ink Studio, winner of the ASLA 2018 Professional Honor Award in Residential Design Credit: Stephen Miller / ASLA

"It seems to me that they are yearning for an authentic experience of nature close to home," said Cook. There is increasing evidence that close contact with natural environments can reduce stress and anxiety, and even help maintain memory as we age.

According to Cook, the families she's worked with have been delighted to reconnect with eclectic natural processes, such as watching rain cascade down water-drainage swales. "They don't want to travel to a wilderness park to see ecosystem interactions."

Nationwide Trend

What Cook sees in California reflects an emerging trend across the country. In Minnesota, homeowners have been offered rebates to replace lawns with flowering plants beloved by bees. Cities and municipalities, such as Montgomery County in Maryland, have also offered to pay families and homeowner associations to design gardens that collect storm water in water features and underground rain barrels.

A contemporary remodel of a suburban ranch home in Portland, Oregon by Courtney Skybak from Samuel H. Williamson Associates Credit: Samuel H. Williamson Associates / shwa.net

Such policies can lead to big changes. Images of intensely irrigated lawns in Phoenix, ringed by the red sand of the Arizona Desert, were once a disturbing case study of America's lawn addiction. But in recent decades, the state has taken action, charging more for water in the summer and banning lawns on new developments. At the turn of the millennium, 80% of Phoenix had green lawns, now only 14% does.

Landscape architects are seeing families change their preferences, according to a recent poll by the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Garden for Wildlife initiative, which encourages Americans to design gardens with food, water and shelter for wild animals.

In a 2018 poll by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), 83% of landscape architects said they were increasingly being asked about native plants, which provide better support for local ecosystems and are more drought-resistant. Last year, NWF surpassed its goal to register a million gardens nationwide to support pollinators.

A graphic patterned garden in Portland, Oregon by Courtney Skybak from Samuel H. Williamson Associates Credit: Samuel H. Williamson Associates / shwa.net

Changing Tastes

Similarly, the nonprofit Green America has launched the Climate Victory Gardens initiative, which encourages people to plant "regenerative" food gardens. Inspired by the Home Victory Gardens that grew millions of tons of fresh fruits and vegetables during World War I and II. More than 2,300 families have started farming patches of garden to sequester carbon and increase soil fertility.

These gardens today represent around 3,600 acres. According to Green America, they have the potential over the next 10 years to capture the carbon equivalent to taking 70,000 cars off the road for an entire year.

San Diego-based landscape architect Katie Seidenwurm has documented a number of reasons behind the spike in interest in different types of gardens, including rising water costs and environmental responsibility.

Xeriscape Colorado, a program by non-profit Colorado WaterWise, promotes water-saving approaches to landscaping Credit: Kristen Vance

"A lot of homeowners are more environmentally aware," said Seidenwurm over the phone, and she co-presented an ASLA talk last fall on recent residential garden trends with architect Courtney Skybak, whose home city of Portland, Oregon, is another West Coast centre for experiments in environmental garden design. "There's certificates that homeowners can get that certify that a front yard is wildlife friendly, or attracts butterflies, or is certified by master gardeners."

"I think homeowners are trying to seek a higher sense of community, and so they want to be in their front yard, interacting with their neighbors," she added.

Faced with the choice between a wildlife garden or astroturf -- the latter has also become increasingly popular in drought-hit areas -- Mary Phillips, senior director of NWW, urges people to consider nature. She refers to recent research that shows wildlife gardens can support bee biodiversity comparable to natural parklands and, as a result, a greater number and diversity of birds, especially songbirds.

Yard, by 2.ink Studio, winner of the ASLA 2018 Professional Honor Award in Residential Design Credit: Stephen Miller / ASLA

"When we share those kinds of stories, that is what's motivating people," said Phillips. "Because they're actually seeing on the ground, visually, these bees and these butterflies and the birds visiting the property, and they see that they can make a significant difference."

A Few Simple Rules

Even small changes can make a difference to the environmental impact of lawns. The "entry-level option," according to Philips, for families that still want room for their kids to play, is to inject more wildflowers into the turf. That includes plants that are typically viewed as nuisances.

"The stuff that people are usually trying to get out of their lawn, we're saying 'No, that's good to have in your lawn!'" said Philips. "So reintroduce native violets -- and even dandelions -- certain clovers, low-growing thyme and things that flower, which provide pollinator benefits and are better for the soil."

Once a wasteland, Tessa Charnofsky planted hundreds of California native plants and built decks and stairways. "Within a couple of years, it was transformed into a wildlife paradise, and became a Certified Wildlife Habitat. So many species of bumble bee and sweat bee, butterflies and moths, lizards, migrating birds, birds of pray lived here, dined here, or just passed through." Credit: Tessa Charnofsky

The more advanced option means "taller meadow or prairie-like native plants," Phillips said. These types of plants have root systems that better manage storm water runoff, in addition to absorbing more carbon, she explained.

When one home commits to a wildlife-friendly lawn, others often follow. "(It's) an unspoken message to their neighbors, it is evidence that they care about the environment," Cook said. "In many areas, the first house on the block has set off a domino effect, as others take permission to experiment."

"Each small garden acts as a stepping stone for birds, pollinators and other wildlife, becoming something much larger, impacting whole watersheds," she added.

Pomegranate and Boston Ivy on the wall of a Bel Air home owned by TV writer-producers Amy Lippman and Rodman Flenders, designed by Naomi Sanders Credit: Jennifer Cheung

There are lessons to be learned from landscaping projects both grand and small. "There are no rules for what a garden should be," said LA landscape designer Naomi Sanders. In addition to being a beautiful space, gardens and lawns present opportunities for peaceful refuge, hosting and observing wildlife, learning and exploring, and connecting with neighbors and one's self. "Perhaps more now than ever, most of us understand the importance of plants and nature and that we function within a larger natural environment."

Written by Hannah Van Eendenburg (third from left), a graduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder, studying cultural anthropology. She is an avid soccer player, gardener, and a co-founder of the S.A.V.E. (Seeds Adapted to Variable Ecosystems) Salida Seed Library in Salida, Colorado.

While seeds can naturally reproduce and grow on their own, humans have been freely collecting, growing, saving, exchanging, and sowing them for over 10,000 years. These seed savers have shaped agriculture by preserving crop diversity, increasing flavor and nutrition, and encouraging the seeds to adapt to where they’re grown. Seeds have also played an important cultural role for humans, carrying stories and connections to past generations. However, the context of seed saving has changed drastically in the last 200 years due to corporate control and the climate crisis.

Seed Saving in Recent History

After landing in the Americas, European colonizers realized that their crops were not adapted to the conditions of what would become the United States. As their crops failed in these drastically different climates and soil, the colonizers turned to native plants. Through forced exchanges with indigenous tribes, Europeans began seed saving to build a collection of crops that were successful.

From these crops, as well as countless others taken from around the world, the US government developed an agricultural-focused patent office. The USDA was formally established in 1862, strengthening the collection, propagation, and distribution of seeds. Over 1.1 billion packets of seeds were being distributed by the government throughout the US for farmers to grow and adapt in different climates.

The private sector saw the potential for growth, and seed distribution began to change. In 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) was established to build business alliances in the seed industry. This association convinced the federal government to discontinue the free seed distribution program in 1924. Intellectual property rights and patents were developed, further increasing corporate control in the seed world and making these companies economically and politically untouchable. It became illegal for individuals to save most seeds owned by corporations, and the rich history of traditional seed saving and the social and cultural role of seeds changed forever.

Today, power is consolidated in the hands of the four largest agricultural corporations in the world: Bayer (the company that acquired Monsanto in 2018), Corteva Agriscience, Sinochem, and BASF own more than 67% of seeds worldwide, grossing over $25 billion in 2019.

Seed Saving Today

Walking into a garden store today, the majority of seeds you see are most likely owned by one of these global companies. They are probably treated with insecticides, fungicides, and may even be genetically modified. These seeds might also be dependent on pesticides to grow. In the face of such limited choice, seed saving is the best decision you can make for your own health, the health of your garden, and the health of the climate.

Regionally-adapted seeds are those that have been grown and saved in your specific location for at least one season. These seeds learn from their environment, including specific weather patterns, soil type, season length, local pests, and more. These adaptations help your garden become more successful and eliminate the need for chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilizers.

By seed saving each year, plants become more dependable by adjusting to their surroundings. In contrast, purchased seeds do not have any genetic or biological familiarity with the ecosystem. Saving local seeds that flourish in your specific environment is key for food security and resilience. This is especially important today, in the face of the climate crisis, erratic weather conditions, and an increasingly unstable food system. 

The Community’s Role in Seed Saving

Food growing and seed saving are at the front lines of the climate crisis. Growing well adapted foods at the local level gives us the opportunity to reduce our climate impacts while also making our food system stronger in the face of uncertainty. The argument for regional seeds is parallel to that of local food in many ways, including fostering community relationships, strengthening economies, and increasing social justice.

A local seed movement cannot happen without community. One of the fundamental models of community seed saving and sharing is the seed library. Seed libraries are institutions that lend or share seeds with the public. Their collections are often acquired through donations from community members and local seed companies committed to sharing their knowledge. For this system to be successful, there needs to be a balance between taking seeds at the start of the season and returning seeds after the harvest. This furthers seed adaptation and solidifies community partnerships into the future.

Seed saving is one of the most efficient and beneficial ways to have a successful garden. It promotes environmental stewardship, community connection, and a way to step outside of the global economy. And, it’s something anyone can do!

Climate Victory Gardening puts the health of people, communities, and the planet first, and it all starts with seeds. Consider adding seed saving to your gardening toolkit and explore (or start!) a local seed library this season!

This is the first article in a series of three about seed saving. The second article is about Adapting with Intention: A Lesson on Seed Saving, and the third article is about Developing Online Tools for Seed Saving and Sharing. 

Read more inspiring Climate Victory Garden stories and tips.

If the label says "flushable," then wet wipes should be able to go down the toilet, right?

Unfortunately, no. Flushable wipes aren't as flushable as advertised.

But people are flushing wipes down toilets – and this is causing dangerous problems. 

Toilet paper is designed to disintegrate in our pipes and sewage systems, but flushable wipes are not. They’re typically made with synthetic materials, plastics or polyester, that won't break down. So even if they flush down your toilet, they end up clogging our sewers. This poses hazardous risks to sewage professionals that must break these clogs up as well as considerable costs. Some cities have spent millions of dollars a year to address damages and clear the pipes.

As wipes meet cooking fat in the sewage system, it builds up into a monstrous obstacle, a “fatberg.”

A fatberg is a huge mass of solid waste largely consisting of cooking fats, disposable wipes, tampons, and other sanitary items that get flushed down the commode. They’re unhygienic, expensive to fix, and incredibly gross (if you’re really curious, you can check out Museum of London’s Fatberg Autopsy). Clogs and fatbergs make jobs that are already hazardous and very difficult even more so.  

Thames Water utility in London dealt with a single fatberg weighing as much as 11 double-decker buses. Depending on the volume, fatbergs can take days or even weeks for teams of workers to clear out and send to landfills. In 2018, New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection had to clear over 2,000 fatbergs and reports that “flushable” wipes make up 90 percent of the clogs.

So, why are wipes advertised as “flushable”?

You can attempt to flush many things down a toilet (if you have a child, perhaps you've seen the random stuff someone may put down the drain...) but that doesn’t mean they’ll effectively move through our sewage system. Companies can currently label wipes as “flushable” simply because they aren’t restricted from doing so.

Companies aren't required to prove flushability before asserting this claim and it seems most would fail any such test. A study out of Canada tested 101 wipes on the market for flushability and not a single one passed. This marketing technique is misleading and we need provisions to keep companies from freely using it and sparking customer confusion.  

While there have been policy attempts to curtail deceptive “flushable” labels (California is debating a bill that would require products to be clearly labeled) these moves have been met by significant resistance from the industry.

Solutions to Keep the Pipes Clear

One of the last things we need during a serious global pandemic are clogged sewers overflowing into our streets. Utility departments are urging and pleading for us to stop flushing wipes and to only flush our bodily business and toilet paper. Wipes are also not recyclable, so they need to go to the trash bin.

To address this issue beyond our homes, we can urge our elected officials to hold companies making these wipes accountable for the costs to our municipal sewage systems. We can also contact companies by tagging them on social media and ask them to stop using “flushable” claims.

Please keep the pipes clear by not flushing wipes, wash your hands for 20 seconds, and take care of your health and your families.

In the face of mounting public pressure, Amazon announced new plans to use more clean energy to power its computing subsidiary Amazon Web Services (AWS), which it says will keep the company on track to meet its goal of reaching 100% renewable energy use by 2030. The retailing giant announced plans for four new renewable energy projects to power its data centers – an announcement that came only after intense activism on the part of Green America, the nation’s leading green economy organization, and allied groups.

In 2014, Green America launched its Build a Cleaner Cloud campaign urging Amazon to shift to renewable energy to power its cloud computing services and protect workers in their warehouses and supply chain. Consumers involved in the campaign canceled their Amazon Prime subscriptions, stopped shopping on Amazon.com, and sent messages directly to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and the company.  More than 42,000 consumers joined in the Green America push, which was the largest of its kind.

WASHINGTON, DC – March 24, 2020 – In the face of mounting public pressure, Amazon announced new plans to use more clean energy to power its computing subsidiary Amazon Web Services (AWS), which it says will keep the company on track to meet its goal of reaching 100% renewable energy use by 2030. The retailing giant announced plans for four new renewable energy projects to power its data centers – an announcement that came only after intense activism on the part of Green America, the nation’s leading green economy organization, and allied groups.

In 2014, Green America launched its Build a Cleaner Cloud campaign urging Amazon to shift to renewable energy to power its cloud computing services and protect workers in their warehouses and supply chain. Consumers involved in the campaign canceled their Amazon Prime subscriptions, stopped shopping on Amazon.com, and sent messages directly to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and the company.  More than 42,000 consumers joined in the Green America push, which was the largest of its kind.

Historically, Amazon has not been a leader on climate change. After years of intense consumer pressure, Amazon finally reached 50% renewable energy use in 2018. Last year, Amazon adopted a 100% clean energy target for powering its widely used AWS cloud computing operation. Data centers require vast amounts of power to operate and are a major contributor to climate change. Amazon’s adoption of renewable energy, and use of unbundled RECs, means the company still trails competitors like Microsoft and Google.

Charlotte Tate, manager of Labor Justice Campaigns at Green America, said: “The new announcement is further evidence than when consumers, workers, and small businesses come together, we can hold even the largest corporations accountable. Green America is committed to maintaining pressure on Amazon until it addresses its practices that are harmful to both workers and the planet.”

Todd Larsen, executive co-director of Consumer and Corporate Engagement at Green America, said: “Despite AWS's prominence in the cloud computing space, the company has not kept pace with competitors in terms of renewable energy use. While Amazon has committed to 100% clean energy by 2030, other companies are getting there much faster. The climate crisis is impacting us now. While this announcement is a step in the right direction, ten years is too long to wait for one of the world’s richest companies to catch up on renewable energy.”

Last year, 4,500 Amazon employees signed an open letter to Jeff Bezos and Amazon’s Board calling for the company to address climate change by adding more clean energy and getting to its 100% clean energy goal, greening the company's delivery fleet, providing meaningful climate targets, and being more transparent in its climate and environmental reporting. The company has threatened to fire employees if they continue to speak out.

While Amazon has made progress on renewable energy use, worker safety remains a concern. In the current context, Amazon needs to meet its workers’ demands to protect their safety. Amazon should provide paid sick leave that is not limited to those that test positive for COVID-19 as testing within the US remain difficult to access. In addition, Amazon should cover the cost of health care and testing for any employee or contractor that has potentially been exposed. This week Amazon logistics workers scored a victory when the company agreed to provide paid time off to them.  The company needs to build on that action and fully protect all its workers.

ABOUT GREEN AMERICA

Green America is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today’s social and environmental problems. http://www.GreenAmerica.org

MEDIA CONTACT: Max Karlin for Green America, (703) 276-3255, or mkarlin@hastingsgroup.com.

Ethos Logos Investments works exclusively with individuals, institutions, employers, and family offices who seek to make an impact on the world through their investments. Integrating faith, morals, and ethics into an investment portfolio is a dynamic strategy for effecting both social and financial returns. We believe in the impact of conscientious people investing intentionally. We’ve witnessed its power and experienced its influence. Our passion is working with people who are serious about their mission. Ethos Logos provides the resources necessary to truly customize a portfolio that can insulate clients from activities they’d be morally opposed to profiting from or being complicit with, while also using investments to proactively effect positive change. We offer fee-based financial plans, fee-based advisory accounts, commission only brokerage accounts, life insurance and annuities (including products offered by Catholic Order of Foresters). We also offer an extremely robust SRI and faith-based 401k & 403b platform. Now, employers can empower their employees to honor their conscience with money that is locked up in their retirement plan.

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we are taking a look at how investments are now being deployed to promote gender parity and women’s empowerment.  While there has historically been a lack of financial investments that benefit women and girls, change is underway with gender lens investing.

The good news is that there is increasing focus on how consideration of gender – the roles and numbers of women in the workforce and the increase in women’s economic empowerment – relates to financial portfolios and to investments that benefit women and girls. According to March 2020 research released by Veris Wealth Partners, assets in what is now called “gender lens investing” totaled $3.4 billion as of June 2019, up from $2.4 billion the previous year.

The challenge is that we have a long way yet to go to achieve economic equity for women. A new 2020 report from the USSIF Foundation, Investing to Advance Women: A Guide for Investors, documents that women in the U.S. still earn almost 20% less than their male counterparts, barely 27% of CEOs are women, and only 4% of c-level positions are held by women of color. Action to correct this inequality is needed across society – and the investment sector has an important role to play.

The origin of the phrase “gender lens investing” in 2009 is attributed to the Criterion Institute, a non-profit think tank that uses the finance sector to leverage social change. Criterion explains that “Investing with a gender lens is an extension of gender lens philanthropy. It builds on the networks, power, and experience of women’s funds [i.e., grant makers].”

Criterion’s 2017 Blueprint for Women’s Funds includes insight on “the need to bridge gender knowledge with investment knowledge” in order for finance with a gender lens to be as successful as needed over the long term. Criterion observes that gender lens investing needs to go beyond just counting women or viewing them solely as an economic opportunity, and to put investment decisions in the context of women’s economic empowerment. This means ensuring that investments actually improve women’s lives and set the stage for greater asset building and access to the resources and rights needed to thrive economically.

FAQs about Gender Lens Investing:

What does gender lens investing actually entail?

As with many aspects of socially and environmentally responsible investing, also known as impact investing, there is not just one definition or strategy. That said, in short, gender lens investing integrates gender analysis with investment decision-making. Common aspects of gender lens investing include the selection of companies for investment that have some mix of the following:

• Significant percentage of women on their boards of directors;
• Significant percentage of women at the executive level;
• Woman CEO
• Woman CFO
• Woman founder
• Strategies to give women access to capital
• Payment of a living wage
• Products and/or services for services that improve the lives of women and girls
• Responsible portrayals of women in advertising   

In addition, the Pax Global Women’s Leadership Index and Fund, a leader in gender lens investing, also reviews whether companies have signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles formulated by the U.N. Global Compact and U.N. Women. Other funds consider whether and how companies are addressing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal on gender equality.

What are the desired outcomes of gender lens investing?

For most investors, the desired results will be multiple, including increased economic and educational opportunity for women and girls, stronger economies, better corporate management, and greater profit for companies and shareholders. Moreover, as the Veris report above notes, we now see connections between women in leadership and better outcomes across a range of social, environmental, and corporate governance issues.

Community development investments for women can also dramatically improve the quality of women’s lives. This happens by providing loans to women and access to needed products and services (from electricity to clean cook stoves). Customized mortgage pools from Community Capital Management, for example, give access to capital to low-to-moderate income female borrowers. Calvert Impact Capital’s Women Investing in Women initiative supports women as investors and uses investments to improve the well-being of women and girls.

Why choose a gender lens for investing?

Research from around the world demonstrates time and again that companies that value women’s leadership, and societies where women have economic opportunity, do better. The Pax Elevate Global Women’s Leadership Fund, for example, invests in companies with more gender diversity because they will have greater financial returns, more innovation, greater productivity, more satisfied employees and less employee-turnover. As the Investing to Advance Women report states: “A significant body of research suggests that companies that promote women to the most senior levels of business and appoint them to boards tend to perform better than those companies that do not.”

What is the role of shareholder action on gender equity?

Active shareholders file shareholder resolutions at companies seeking transparency and practices to close the gender gap between male and female employees across race and ethnicity. The 30 Percent Coalition, including asset owners and asset manager among others, is dedicated to having 30% of corporate board seats held by women, including women of color. This proxy season, Arjuna Capital, for example, has filed 13 resolutions on the need for median gender/racial pay equity disclosure. If you own company stock – be sure to check your proxy ballots and vote your values!

Is investing with a gender lens financially competitive?

Yes! While there are no guarantees with the stock market, funds with a gender lens have performed competitively over time. For example, the Pax Elevate Global Women’s Leadership Fund has outperformed the MSCI World Index, its benchmark, from its inception in 2014 to 2019.

Impax Asset Management, the advisor to Pax World Funds states: “Increasingly, analysts in both finance and academia are examining the relationship between financial performance and gender diversity, and there is abundant evidence that having more gender-diverse leadership is connected to better financial outcomes.” Gender Diversity Delivered: Results from 5 Years of Investing in Women explains the financial performance of the Pax Elevate Global Women’s Leadership Fund in detail.

What products and service providers can help me with gender lens investing?

For financial planners, products, and services dedicated to social and environmentally responsible visit GreenPages.org for members of Green America’s Green Business Network. Many of these options will include a focus on gender lens.

For example:

Mutual Funds: Domini, Green Century, Pax, Parnassus, and Calvert

Community Development Investments: Calvert Impact Capital’s Women Investing in Women initiative, Community Capital Management, and Shared Interest

Asset Managers/Larger Accounts: Miller/Howard, NorthStar Asset Management, Trillium Asset Management, Veris Wealth Partners

In closing, we need investors and investment professionals to continue to work for the day when all investing is socially and environmentally responsible -- and there is no longer any need for a gender lens. That will be a great announcement on an upcoming International Women’s Day!

The global shift — albeit, a slow shift — to renewable energy sources is starting to pay off. According to a new report, last year, CO2 power sector emissions dropped by 2 percent. This is the greatest reduction we've seen in about three decades, and it's largely thanks to a few key regions using more renewables and less coal in 2019.

The report was conducted by Ember (formerly known as Sandbag), an independent climate think tank. Ember has been reviewing Europe's power sector for years, but this report is its first review of the global power sector. For the report, researchers took into account data from 85 percent of the world, and made estimates for the remaining 15 percent.

According to the report, last year, as we saw coal use decreasing in the U.S. and the EU, coal-fired electricity generation dropped by 3 percent. This led to that 2 percent drop in CO2 power sector emissions. 

This fall was the biggest we've seen since 1990, which is when the International Energy Agency first reported on these trends.

How did we manage to do this? Well, instead of relying so much on coal, both the U.S. and the EU both increased their reliance on renewable energy as well as natural gas. Unfortunately, natural gas emits about half as much carbon as coal does, according to Green America. The various kinds of renewable energy produce significantly lower carbon than that, though the specific amounts vary greatly, as per Carbon Brief. Switching to renewable energy is much more effective in curbing emissions than switching to natural gas.

Even though the U.S. and the EU managed to cut back on coal last year, China's coal use actually increased for the first time, and China was responsible for half of the world's coal generation.

The report also noted that in 2019, global wind and solar energy increased by 15 percent, accounting for about 8 percent of global electricity. As Ember notes, to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, the planet needs a compound growth rate of 15 percent every year — which we achieved in 2019. If we want to maintain that rate and hold onto hope that we will keep the global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, the whole world will have to work together to continue scaling up renewable energy so that it becomes more affordable, according to Ember. 

But despite all that, global coal generation still grew by 2 percent in 2019, Ember found. That's because the rise in clean energy was "not enough to meet electricity demand growth." Basically, even though we are replacing more and more coal with clean energy, humans are requiring more electricity every year (this likely has to do with our ever-growing global population).

“The global decline of coal and power sector emissions is good news for the climate but governments have to dramatically accelerate the electricity transition so that global coal generation collapses throughout the 2020s," Dave Jones, Electricity Analyst for Ember, said in a statement. "To switch from coal into gas is just swapping one fossil fuel for another. The cheapest and quickest way to end coal generation is through a rapid roll-out of wind and solar."

As Jones said — and as many climate activists have been saying for years — transitioning away from coal (and natural gas) and towards clean energy is key in fighting the climate crisis. As more nations continue to implement energy forms such as wind, solar, and hydro, the closer we may get to maintaining the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Green businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices that improve the quality of life for its customers, employees, communities, and planet. But just because a business claims it is “green” doesn’t mean it upholds the standards of social responsibility and sustainability. So how can you determine what is in fact a sustainable business, or how can your business achieve that high standard?

That’s where third-party certifications come in. A third-party certification serves to verify a business’s claims against their independently developed criterion. Such certifications reduce conflicts of interest and provide accountability to a business’s claims. Studies show that customers look for such things from businesses and are willing to pay more for high-quality products with safety and sustainability standards.

Green America's Green Business Certification is the leading trust mark for true green business practices. Our program recognizes businesses that excel in social and environmental responsibility, and the businesses found in our Green Pages directory have met or exceeded our certification standards to become leaders in the green economy.

The Green Business Network at Green America recommends businesses consider both environmental and social justice issues when making decisions. To earn our certification, businesses must meet both standards of social and environmental responsibility. If you are interested in becoming a green business, we’ve highlighted a few important steps—and if you’ve reached these steps, check out the full requirements of our Body and Personal Care standard. You may be ready to apply.

Environmental Responsibility 

"Green" or sustainable businesses make planet health a core part of their mission. The following steps are ways your personal care business can account for environmental responsibility in its operations.

Use clean ingredients.

No matter what your specialty, all body and personal care businesses must use the best possible ingredients in your products and services. This means we require your business to refrain from the following: chemicals containing “sulfate” or “sulfosuccinate,” parabens or paraben preservatives, petroleum variations, synthetic alcohols, fragrances, or dyes, and phthalates. If your business sells sunscreen, we prefer mineral ingredients. Bonus points if it is certified reef-safe. See a more detailed list of chemicals we do not accept at our Body and Personal Care standard.

Additionally, we do not accept businesses that use nanotechnology (particles below 100 nanometers) in their products. There is not enough research on nanotechnology to demonstrate their safety, therefore we use the Precautionary Principle—the principle that a product with disputed or unknown effects should be resisted—until further research is complete.

Treat animals safely and humanely.

If animals are in your supply chain, they must be treated humanely, and your business must be transparent with this treatment. Many of our certified members use vegan ingredients and while we prefer this, we will not refuse a business that uses animal-derived ingredients—such as lanolin, honey, milk, and beeswax—if you can prove these animals were treated humanely. We require all businesses to refrain from animal testing. Acquiring the Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification is another way to demonstrate your commitment to humane animal treatment.

Operate a green facility.

Not only do we analyze the steps in your supply chain, we are also interested in your business’s operational and administrative fronts. Our definition of a green office or facility includes reusing resources, recyclability, and maximum water and energy efficiency. We require this from body and personal care businesses.

Additionally, we love to see businesses maximize recycling and recyclable packaging as well as opportunities for refills or reusing containers.

Social Responsibility

Triple bottom line businesses are not only kind to the planet, but kind to people—hence, social responsibility. The following points are a handful of ways your business can be an ethical one.

Friendly to sensitive skin and different skin types.

Body and personal care businesses must be attuned to the variations in skin, hair, and body types and sensitivities. Since these can be so wide-ranging, we only require businesses to refrain from chlorine bleaching, scent with only natural essential oils and use organic cotton balls, swabs, and tampons.

Uphold transparency.

While we value integrity at all points in the supply chain, transparency in your ingredients promotes trust between you and your customers. We expect a full list of ingredients on your products. This includes where they are sold and online marketplaces.

We love to see businesses source their ingredients locally whenever possible. However, if your ingredients must be shipped from elsewhere—such as shea butter, olive oil, sugar, and certain essential oils—we prefer to see a Fair Trade label. While this is not a requirement, it helps demonstrate to the certification board and to your customers that you are dedicated to social responsibility.

Why Certify?

In a sea of businesses claiming to be “conscious" or "natural," it’s hard for the average consumer to weed out the green from the greenwashed. Third-party certifications demonstrate that your business has withstood the vetting of an outside body and come out as a truly socially and environmentally responsible business. With certification, your customers will know your business has the credentials to back up claims of environmental and social responsibility.

While these requirements are comprehensive, they are not definite. We love seeing businesses exceed these standards and take steps beyond certification to be even greener. In addition, our certification analyzes business practices and not individual products. We believe a sustainable future is also an ethical one and ensure the businesses that earn our certification reflect that.

If you have met these criteria, you can view the full requirements for personal care businesses at our Body and Personal Care certification standard and begin the process of becoming a member and official sustainable business.
 

By: Ken Roseboro, The Organic Non-GMO Report 

Many Midwest farms are struggling with low grain prices and the trade war with China, among other challenges. But a small farm in Nebraska offers farmers hope that a focus on soil health can help their farms prosper, while delivering a range of environmental benefits and even a solution to climate change.

Scott Gonnerman’s farm in Waco, Nebraska has been in his family since 1918 when his great grandfather bought it. It is small by Midwest standards, just 160 acres. Gonnerman rents two other parcels, giving him a total of 250 acres.

He grows non-GMO corn, soybeans, and small grains such as wheat.

“We’re awfully small in today’s scale, but we seem to be able to make a living farming,” he says.

Switched to no-till and cover crops

Gonnerman’s journey as a regenerative farmer began in 2008 when he switched to no-till farming, which leaves the soil undisturbed.

“We went to a couple no-till meetings and decided that was what we needed to do,” he says.

A year later he started planting a cover crop after realizing the importance of crop diversity. He initially planted an annual ryegrass to improve soil health. In 2010, he planted multi-species cover crops.

Today, Gonnerman plants 14 to 17 different varieties of cover crops. These include hemp, crimson clover, Austrian winter peas, hairy vetch, pearl millet, sorghum sudangrass, oats, radishes, and others.

The cover crops perform different functions to build soil health. Oats build biomass to protect the soil, sorghum sudangrass promotes the growth of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, tillage radish helps break up compacted soil, and Austrian winter peas add nitrogen, an essential nutrient.

Planting cover crops has delivered many benefits to Gonnerman’s farm. They prevent soil erosion, increase water infiltration, suppress weeds, and reduce the need for chemical inputs. Gonnerman has eliminated the use of insecticides and fungicides.

He still uses an herbicide to “burn down” a cover crop in the spring but has been trying to use a roller crimper to mow them down instead.

Gonnerman has also reduced his use of nitrogen fertilizer to 50% of the recommended amount for corn.

“They say it takes a pound of nitrogen to raise a bushel of corn, but our best year was 2.75 bushels of corn per pound of nitrogen applied. I’m raising 200 bushels of corn on 80 to 100 pounds of nitrogen,” he says.

Because of his success reducing chemical inputs, Gonnerman plans to take the next step, which is transitioning to organic production.

“This spring, I’m going to planting alfalfa and keep it for three to four years, then that ground will be organic. That’ll give me three to four years to figure out an (organic) crop rotation.”

The alfalfa will help control weeds and provide nitrogen for corn.

Better water infiltration

One of the biggest benefits Gonnerman has seen from cover crops is the ability of his soil to absorb water. In 2008, water was absorbed into his soil at a rate of one-half inch per hour. By 2019, that rate improved to two inches in less than two minutes. His soil soaks up water like a sponge.

Even with the heavy rains that Nebraska saw last year, Gonnerman’s farm was able to absorb it.

“We’ve had no runoff on our farm. I can soak it up,” he says.

Better water absorption also reduces the need for irrigation, which is common in Nebraska.

“With our water infiltration rates, our cover crops, and keeping the ground covered, we’ve basically eliminated a majority of our irrigation needs.”

Gonnerman grows only non-GMO corn and soybeans. “In 2013, we became 100% non-GMO with no insecticide, no fungicide, and no seed treatments.”

He grows non-GMO soybeans for a seed company and food-grade soybeans for Gavilon Grain, which are sold to the Japanese market. This year he will also grow non-GMO white corn for Gavilon.

A legacy of soil health

Gonnerman slashes his costs by buying non-GMO corn and soybean seed.

“I pay $85 a bag for corn. If you buy a Pioneer fully traited (GMO) corn, it’s probably $300 or more per bag.”

Soil health as the bottom line

By reducing seed and other input costs for pesticides and fertilizers, Gonnerman’s farm is profitable, unlike many other farms in the Midwest.

“My wife and I are pretty much making a living off of our farm,” he says. “Our input costs are down considerably. Our profitability per acre is up.”

But the bottom line for Gonnerman is soil health.

“Everything on our farm is based on what it will do for our soil. Will it benefit it, keep it the same, or degrade it? For all our farming decisions, soil health comes first,” he says.

Gonnerman’s soil health focus was recognized in 2018 when he received the Master Conservationist Award from the Omaha World-Herald.

He wants to leave a legacy of soil health to his future generations.

“I’m 59 years old, and my goal is to have my soils functioning the way they were when my great-grandfather bought the farm back in 1918. I’m trying to make it so that, some year down the road, my grandsons can make a living off my 160 acres.”

“Our philosophy is that a healthy, living soil produces healthy plants that are resilient to pest and disease.  We use the principles of permaculture and biodynamic agriculture, but we aren’t really about the labels, just growing the healthiest food possible without sacrificing our environment”.        

ECO City Farms is a nonprofit farm located in Prince Georges County Maryland, that is devoted to educating the youths and adults in the community about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition habits. In addition, ECO City seeks to enhance food security, safety and access amplifying community engagement to reinvigorate the Chesapeake foodshed with sustainable ways of making food and money while preserving ecological diversity.

Edmonston farm, is considered the heart of the ECO City Farms where they have on-site bee keeping and use various farming practices for growing organic produce. ECO City Farms focus on organic farming without the use of any chemical such as pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides as they hold the status as a Certified Naturally Grown farm.

There are four on-site hoop houses that allows ECO City Farms to produce mass amounts of vegetables year-round. Hoop houses are low-cost renewable energy system similar to greenhouses but is covered by greenhouse plastic. In addition, composting and vermiculture practice incorporated into ECO City Farm’s foundation for farming. Composting and vermiculture converts organic substance from waste to produce a more fertilized soil. Edmonston farms also have a Microgreens project funded by Maryland Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant. ECO City Farms produce and sell buckwheat shoots, pea shoots, radish and cress microgreens at Riverdale Park farmers market. Edmonston farm also offers their own guidelines and practices for their customers to grow microgreens themselves. Another feature about the Edmonston farm is that they have developed an on-farm kitchen. The foodshed was built in a shipping container where cooking classes are taught and produce is stored.

Bladensburg Farm shares their 3.5 acres of land with three low-income multifamily apartment buildings.  ECO City Farms provides healthy produce for the residents at the apartment complex and the community.

ECO City Farms provides extensive outreach programs to educate youths and adults within the community.

Programs include:

• Farm-to-School
• Nutrition Education
• Tours/Field trips to the farm
• Summer Program - Seed to Feed.
• Growing Urban Farms and Farmers

What makes ECO City Farms so special is that they open their farm to the community for volunteer work. ECO City encourages their community to be involved in creating a sustainable environment and healthy lifestyle habits.

The future of farming is key to an environmentally sound future. You can help through volunteering and supporting the work of ECO City Farms and Green America, like the Soil Carbon Initiative's new 2022 Go-to-Market Pilots.

Green America is pleased to announce that at our first board meeting of 2020 in April we will welcome five newly elected board members: Bama Athreya, Eleanor Greene, Julie Lineberger, Carolyn Parrs, and Brady Quirk-Garvan. Green America’s board of directors draws representatives from each of our stakeholder groups—individual members, green business members, and our staff worker members—to help oversee and guide our economic action plans. 

Bama Athreya, based in Washington, DC, elected by our individual members, is a Fellow at Open Society Foundations. She has worked in the past with USAID with a focus on gender and social inclusion and with the International Labor Rights Forum during which she worked with Green America on the Ending Child Labor in Cocoa Campaign. Bama shared: “I’ve cared about ethical trade throughout my career and have long valued my affiliations with Green America going back about 20 years! I look forward to supporting Green America’s efforts to organize and build a grassroots movement for change.” 

Eleanor Greene, based in Washington, DC, elected by Green America’s worker member staff, joined the staff in 2016 and serves as Green America’s editor in chief. Prior to that, she worked in social media and communications at organizations focusing on sustainable innovation, regenerative agriculture, education, and the arts. She served as the editor in chief of AWOL Magazine at American University, where she also studied journalism. Eleanor states: "I've learned a lot about Green America in the past four years I've worked here and I'm excited to learn about the organization from a different perspective as a board member. I'm honored to serve the staff as a worker-member representative and be part of shaping Green America's future." 

Julie Lineberger, based in Vermont, was re-elected by Green America’s Worker member staff, and runs two green companies, Linesync Architecture and Wheelpad. Julie has served on Green America’s board as chair and is a long-standing member of Green America’s Green Business Network. Julie affirmed: “I am delighted to be re-elected to the Green America board, especially at this crucial time in our country when Green America’s commitments to clean energy, safe food, responsible finance and fair labor have never been more important.” 

Carolyn Parrs, based in Washington State, was elected by members of Green America’s Green Business Network. Carolyn leads Mind Over Markets which provides marketing and branding expertise for sustainable businesses, as well as Women of Green, an online community that “turns up the volume” on the feminine voice in the green movement. Carolyn has conducted webinars for Green Business Network members over the years to strengthen their public presentation. “We are entering a new era of sustainability (the global market for sustainability products hit $2.65 trillion) and it’s more important than ever for all of us to be as engaged as possible. Our time is now,” stated Carolyn.  

Brady Quirk-Garvan, based in South Carolina, was elected by worker member staff. He works with Natural Investments/Money with a Mission, a firm dedicated to socially and environmentally responsible investing. Brady is a member of Green America and of our Green Business Network. He was recognized last fall in Charleston Business’ 2019 Best & Brightest 35 and Under and expresses his commitment to serving on Green America’s board: “In these turbulent times, when larger institutions are failing to lead on the environment and social justice, it is up to us consumers, investors, businesses, and activists to push forward. I am honored to join Green America’s board.” 

Green America extends special thanks to outgoing board members Jeff Marcous (board chair), Scott Kitson, Adam Ortiz, and Meredith Sheperd. 

Horizon Organic, the largest USDA certified organic dairy brand in the world, today announced a commitment to become carbon positive by 2025. Horizon Organic’s goal is to be the first national dairy brand to become carbon positive across its full supply chain. The company plans to achieve carbon neutrality, and then go further to remove, reduce, and offset additional emissions from entering the atmosphere, becoming carbon positive.

The Horizon Organic path to carbon positive will start with its new Growing Years whole milk half gallons, which will be the brand’s first certified carbon neutral product by the end of 2021. Horizon Organic will continue to advance product certifications in direct partnership with family farms through 2025.  The brand has already begun the certification process with The Carbon Trust² and is working alongside many other friends on the journey, including The Organic Trade Association and Green America’s Center for Sustainability Solutions.

The brand is finalizing its full life-cycle assessment and a panel of independent experts will validate the results. The life-cycle assessment will guide specific milestones toward the carbon positive achievement. Goals include:

• To become carbon positive, Horizon Organic will also work collaboratively with its more than 600 direct farmer partners to ensure a farmable future for all.
• Horizon Organic’s on-farm actions will include energy efficiency, soil regeneration, and cow feed and diet management. These issues are all inter-connected and play a key role in the brand’s carbon positive commitment. A five-year partnership with EcoPractices is already in place to conduct in-depth sustainability and soil health analysis, helping track and inform our soil health efforts.
• The brand is investing in optimized transportation and distribution, renewables, emission reductions for its manufacturing facilities, and packaging improvements. 100% of Horizon Organic’s beverage cartons will be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council by the end of 2020.

To complement a full-scope carbon reduction strategy, the brand will co-create new projects that generate carbon offsets and removals, largely around US-based agriculture. Examples of these projects include restoring prairie lands and forestlands. The options available in the future to reduce, offset, and reverse emissions will likely look different than the options of today. Horizon Organic will evaluate and pursue new technology and partnerships on an ongoing basis across the environmental, scientific and financial space to understand innovation and break-through opportunities that could make a difference.

On February 25, 2020, JPMorgan Chase, the world’s largest bank funder of fossil fuels by a 29% margin, announced new restrictions on its financing of coal and Arctic oil and gas as well as new investment in clean energy and other environmentally sustainable projects. The announcement followed mobilizations around the world pressuring the bank to halt investment in fossil fuel expansion, phase out fossil fuel investment in line with the Paris Agreement, respect human rights and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and support renewable energy.

In addition, just days before the announcement, a document was leaked from the bank affirming that the climate crisis has dire consequences for life on Earth.

As the largest financier of the climate crisis, the bank’s steps to address climate can play a major role in transitioning the financial sector as a whole away from fossil fuels and towards a clean energy economy.

Green America has generated over 10,000 emails to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, urging the bank to halt support for fossil fuels and to demonstrate leadership on the climate emergency. Because more is needed to reverse the climate crisis, the bank’s latest steps must be viewed as initial progress, not an end. Its steps should clearly signal to the financial sector that there’s no future in fossil fuel investment.

It’s officially been one year since Verizon issued a $1 billion green bond to, in part, help the company reach its goal of 50 percent clean energy by 2025. In 2019, its major competitors announced new clean energy projects, shifting their networks further from reliance on fossil fuels. But Verizon did not announce any new clean energy contracts – until now.

Verizon recently announced that $133 million of the green bond is allocated to a purchase agreement for up to 130 megawatts of capacity from a new wind energy facility that will begin operation at the end of 2020. This is a step in the right direction, but Verizon still has a long way to go to reach its goal. Its competitors have made impressive progress, with T-Mobile reporting 95 percent of its energy use is now renewables and AT&T announced it now uses 1.5 gigawatts of clean energy. Verizon will need to allocate more funds from its green bond to increase its use of clean energy rapidly in order to meet its goal.

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint all made strong progress on renewable energy in the past two years, with $1 billion raised specifically for green initiatives, why isn’t Verizon moving faster?

What is Verizon's Green Bond?

A bond is an instrument for a company or government borrowing money from investors in the market with a commitment to repay in a certain timeline. A green bond means the money is lent in exchange for a commitment to repay on a fixed timeline and to use the funds for environmental initiatives in renewable energy, clean transportation, pollution prevention, water management, etc. On the business side, green bonds also provide tax incentives like exemption and credits.

Green bonds are rapidly growing worldwide, reaching an estimated $500 billion in value, but this is still just one percent of the larger global market. And their growth in North American markets is slower than in other regions. It was estimated that Verizon’s announcement would lead other US companies to follow suit, but that shift remains to be seen. In the past, there have been transparency issues in cases of green bonds around the world, such as the funding of "clean coal" projects in China. There are efforts underway to implement universal standards and expand the green bond market, but transparency from recipients of these funds remains a critical issue. 

In his State of the Union address on February 4, President Trump presented a rosy picture of energy in the US, touting America’s energy independence and the expansion of national gas. 

“Thanks to our bold regulatory reduction campaign,” Trump said. “The United States has become the number one producer of oil and natural gas anywhere ay in the world, by far.”

While President Trump correctly identifies that his administration has cut regulations, he should probably be more cautious about bragging about energy deregulation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has tracked hundreds of gas pipeline explosions and leakage incidents during his administration. Over just three years, at least 13 people were killed, and dozens injured, all while millions of gallons of oil and natural gas spilled into our environment.

If we attempted to list every incident from 2017 to 2019, this article would probably be longer than the State of the Union itself, and even the most comprehensive lists don’t include incidents that resulted in smaller spills. In early 2017, Green America highlighted some of the most damaging incidents of the past few years, but pipeline accidents have continued to occur unimpeded.

From February 2017 to December 2019, these incidents stood out as some of the most impactful:

2017

May 25: A pipeline explosion in residential Mead, Colorado killed one maintenance worker and injured three. Mead is surrounded by gas pipelines and some homes are within 200 feet of the initial explosion.

October 18: In the largest spill off the Louisiana coast since the BP Oil Spill in 2010, 672,000 gallons of oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico for five days after a pipeline ruptured. The Coast Guard reported that 672,000 gallons had spilled after the company which owned the pipeline, LLOG Exploration, claimed that only 300,000 gallons had spilled.

November 16: The controversial Keystone Pipeline partially ruptured in South Dakota, leaking over 400,000 gallons of crude oil. The spill contaminated huge areas of land surrounding the spill, destroying the crops in the area’s farmland.

November 16: Near Denver, Colorado, a gas pipeline caught fire, killing one worker and injuring two others.

December 5: Two North Carolina farmers, a father and son trying to free their stuck tractor, were killed when a gas pipeline exploded under the tractor. 

2018

June 19: Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a natural gas pipeline cracked, spilling over 33,000 gallons of natural gas liquid into a creek. Sunoco, which owned the pipeline, did not stop the leak or inform residents for more than a week after initial reports came in.

July 10: After a contractor failed to properly mark the location of a damaged natural gas pipeline, the pipeline exploded in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, killing a firefighter and destroying several buildings.

September 7: A pipeline cracked in Decatur, Indiana, releasing 8,195 gallons of jet fuel into the St. Mary’s river, making the river unsafe for swimming and boating. 

December 13: In Las Cruces, New Mexico, a gas pipeline exploded, spilling over 300,000 gallons of gas, over 50,000 gallons of which reached an irrigation ditch with direct contact with groundwater.

2019

March 4: A natural gas pipeline explosion killed two workers in Martin County, Texas, after gas pressure built up in the pipe. 

August 1: In a residential community in Stanford, Kentucky, a gas pipeline explosion killed one person, destroyed five homes, and damaged four other homes. Some residents told reporters that they’d been afraid of living by the pipeline for years. 

October 3: A brand-new pipeline in Miller Grove, Texas ruptured, spilling around 500,000 gallons of diesel directly into Turkey Creek, contaminating over a mile of the creek.

October 29: The Keystone Pipeline began leaking yet again, this time spilling 383,000 gallons into North Dakota.

Activists fought for years against the construction of massive pipelines like Keystone XL and the Dakota Access Pipeline, and these incidents have proven them right time and time again. The dangers of pipelines date back years, and fatal and environmentally disastrous accidents continue to happen at a steady pace. So, as President Trump boasts about our energy independence, don’t forget the people threatened by this shift, particularly the Native Americans whose land and safety are put at risk by high-profile pipelines and the people who may lose their lives and their families. 

When you're on Amazon, you can accomplish in a few clicks what it might take hours, days or weeks to find elsewhere. But its convenience comes at a high cost. Amazon continues to struggle with worker rights, clean energy, and a market monopoly that harms small businesses.

Green America launched our “Build a Cleaner Cloud” campaign in 2014 to pressure Amazon to use clean energy to power its servers for Amazon Web Services (AWS), a major branch of its business. In 2018, we amended our campaign to call it “Build a Cleaner and Fairer Cloud” as we push Amazon to treat its workers with dignity and pay them fairly.

Amazon has a lot of customers—the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) reports that about $1 out of every $2 spent on the internet is spent on Amazon. 105 million households have Amazon Prime memberships. Amazon’s platform is maximized to encourage the easiest and quickest shopping experience: one-click shopping, impulse buys, and easy returns are the direct enemies of the “buy less” and circular economies.

There’s a lot Amazon doesn’t want its customers to consider: like how sometimes, processing returns is too costly—so retailers may opt to trash those returns instead. Return logistics company Optoro reported that five billion pounds of returned items end up in landfills every year. Amazon makes a practice of incinerating its unsold merchandise as well, according to an undercover reporter in the UK.

Here’s why we should quit Amazon:

Worker Rights

Most companies push their employees to be as productive as possible. At the minimum, Amazon workers are being pushed too far, but at worst, the company violates its workers’ human rights.

In its warehouses, Amazon’s “pickers” reach high and squat low to grab orders from bins. Their speeds are tracked by wearable technology. Pickers often report repetitive stress injuries from squatting and lifting, but dizziness, vomiting, and heart attacks have also been reported by Amazon warehouse employees.

Some employees get fired for not meeting quotas when they get injured, or at best, leave with some workers’ compensation benefits. But others aren’t so lucky — 13 Amazon warehouse workers have died on the job in the last six years.

A report by the Center for Investigative Reporting showed that the injury rate in 23 of Amazon’s 110 warehouses is more than double the national average for the industry. Nearly 10 out of every hundred workers at Amazon’s warehouses sustained injuries in 2018, compared with a warehousing industry average of four per hundred.

Warehouse conditions aside, worker rights suffer in all parts of Amazon’s supply chains. Leaked documents from Foxconn, Amazon’s Chinese supplier of smart speakers and other tech items, show that more than 1,000 schoolchildren have been recruited to their factories as “interns.” The documents show these children have been required to work nights and overtime, going against Chinese labor laws.

A Wall Street Journal investigation from October 2019 showed that Amazon is still working with dangerous factories in Bangladesh that other apparel companies have agreed to not work with as part of 2013’s Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety.

“Amazon seemingly undermines workers’ safety and well-being at every opportunity. It isn’t a coincidence that Amazon sources products from countries with weak labor laws—they are able to get the lowest price and make the highest profit, at the expense of health and safety,” says Charlotte Tate, labor justice campaigns manager at Green America. “We can’t sit by while this corporation exploits people to increase profits.”

Clean Energy

Amazon’s AWS makes up a large portion of the energy Amazon uses— and it uses a lot throughout its supply chain: 44.4 MtCo2E (a measurement of greenhouse gas emissions), compared to 16 MtCO2E used by Microsoft and 1.5 MtCO2E by Google, the other top cloud computing companies, according to a 2020 report by Greenpeace.

Since 2014, Green America has pushed Amazon to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2020 and end the construction of new data centers that rely on fossil fuel or nuclear power. Amazon’s fossil fuel energy demands are comparable in size to a large power company, according to Bruno Sarda, president of the Carbon Disclosure Project. Before our campaign, Amazon was using zero percent renewable energy to power those operations.

Since then, Amazon has contracted construction of 66 renewable energy projects. By the end of 2020, those sites will have the capacity to deliver 3.9 million MWh of energy annually.

In September 2019, Amazon announced it would reach 100 percent renewables by 2030. Its peers Apple and Google have already reached 100 percent renewable energy as of 2014 and 2017, respectively.

In February 2020, Bezos committed $10 billion to fight climate change through a new fund. While we do need big investments in climate solutions, that money will eventually run out. When it does, if Amazon has not addressed its harmful impacts, people and the planet will continue to pay the price.

Monopolizing the Economy

Headlines are most likely to cover Amazon’s growth promises or its labor abuses. But there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that has scholars and legislators concerned.

In 2017 and 2018 Amazon sought bids for HQ2, its much-anticipated $5 billion high-tech hub. It promised 50,000 jobs to the chosen city and suggested cities should compete to give the best counteroffer to the company. Most cities offered free land and tax breaks despite the fact that Amazon paid $0 in taxes on its $10 billion income in 2018 and even collected $129 million back from the government, according to filings from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Amazon chose the suburbs of Washington, DC, for HQ2, perhaps due to its proximity to Capitol Hill. The company spent $14.2 million on lobbying in 2018, employing 28 in-house lobbyists and using 13 external lobbying firms, according to Bloomberg.

Stacy Mitchell, co-director of ILSR and Amazon expert, testified in July 2019 before the House Judiciary Committee on the monopoly power of dominant tech platforms.

“Amazon is a dangerous kind of monopoly. It doesn’t just dominate markets, it dominates the basic infrastructure for the economy,” says Mitchell.

Amazon is a monopoly because of the way it eliminates competitors and dictates prices. Amazon collects and analyzes data on its sellers. When it sees a seller has a popular product, it creates a similar product, and sells the product at a lower price even it’s at a loss to Amazon. Then, when the seller gives up and goes out of business, Amazon is free to reset its price.

What does lobbying have to do with beating the competition? In the 1970s, business regulations that had addressed monopolies were “redefined to focus on consumer welfare, which is to say, price,” according to New York Times reports. Since then, US regulators have ignored the growing power of Amazon as the European Union has moved to investigate and fine it for violating antitrust laws.

“What we’re moving to is a situation where we don’t really have a market anymore or any semblance of an open market where buyers and sellers can exchange goods on a fair playing field with rules that are set by democratic government,” says Mitchell. “More and more of our transactions are happening in an arena where there’s a kind of private government that controls things. And that private government is Amazon.”

The Bottom Line

Amazon takes away much of the work of shopping with delivery and easy-to-find low prices. But as it undercuts competitors, it eventually will raise its own prices and leave customers no other choices. 

In addition to skimping on worker rights, Amazon also slacks on climate progress—it could afford to make changes on all those fronts as it currently enriches its CEO, Jeff Bezos, to the tune of $215 million every day, estimated Business Insider in 2018. The median Amazon employee makes $28,000 per year. It’s easy for shoppers to ignore the problems with Amazon, but as Amazon enters homes through mailboxes, smart speakers, security cameras, and televisions, customer concern is rising.

The movement pushing back against Amazon is gaining momentum. From labor organizers to racial justice organizations and environmental nonprofits like Green America, we’re pushing back and working together as part of the Athena Coalition. Athena’s goal is to stop “Amazon’s growing, powerful grip over our society and economy.” The alliance aims to address community and environmental health, worker safety, surveillance, and threats to democracy that Amazon poses.

Kipchoge Spencer is the founder of Threshold, another nonprofit in Athena. Threshold’s CancelPrime.com educates people on the problems with Amazon and offers alternatives. The campaign aims to get one million people to pledge to stop using Amazon once the threshold is met, in order to have the power of the collective voice to negotiate demands with Amazon.

“Amazon needs us more than we need it and that gives us great power. We think 10-20 million people would be willing to quit Amazon today if they thought it would make a difference,” says Spencer. “Until now, there hasn’t been a way to turn that kind of potential consumer energy into real leverage.”

Take action to rein in Amazon’s greed at GreenAmerica.org, CancelPrime.com, and AthenaForAll.org. We can make progress pushing corporations, but only when we act together.

Specialized, the cycling company, likes to position itself as a green company, but there is nothing green about the fact that workers who make Specialized clothing are being cheated out of wages.