Covia

WESCO International

WK Kellogg Company

Covia Innovation Center: Where Minerals Power What’s Next

Wesco 2025 Sustainability Report: Supporting Employee Health and Wellbeing

WK Kellogg Co Launches New K-12 Innovations to Support Student Nutrition and Wellbeing

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<figcaption>Weatherization Demonstration</figcaption>
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In 2024, <a href="https://eco-act.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action)</a> received a two-year<a href="https://www.drawdownga.org/grants-announced/?page=1&amp;category=58" target="_blank"> Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions and Equity Grant</a> to engage community members from low-income, previously disinvested communities in Atlanta to access and participate in climate mitigation strategies to reduce energy burdens, optimize food waste diversion strategies and enhance their quality of life with ecological awareness, education and benefits.&nbsp;

Over the past two years, the grant has enabled ECO-Action to collaborate with residents and leaders in Peoplestown (South Atlanta), Intrenchment Creek (Southeast Atlanta) and Proctor Creek (Northwest Atlanta) to offer monthly community-wide training on issues where climate change and health intersect.
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<figcaption>ECO-Action Grantees and Funders</figcaption>
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They've partnered with community garden leaders to collect food scraps and establish free neighborhood-based composting programs in multiple neighborhoods across Atlanta. They've trained young adults and other community members on weatherization techniques to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy burdens in aging housing stock, and they've educated residents on issues and vulnerabilities at the intersection of climate and environmental justice.

Through monthly gatherings in their own communities, ECO-Action is empowering Atlanta residents to recognize issues and take action. Some of the activities residents have engaged in include planting trees where urban deforestation has occurred, reducing food waste sent to area landfills, and gaining insight into mitigating heat island effects.

A multigenerational approach has been successful for the ECO-Action team as they've trained young adults from the local communities to weatherize the homes of seniors and others in the community that they might not otherwise interact with. They're not just sharing knowledge and improved thermal comfort; they're forging lasting relationships.
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<figcaption>Buckets from the free composting program</figcaption>
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The ECO-Action staff and volunteers recently took funders on a tour of multiple locations in their targeted neighborhoods, exemplifying the grant in action. Some examples included:

Grove Park Community Gardens - This garden included raised beds and fruit trees maintained by community members. The site is equipped with a shed, gardening tools and a central compost collection area where residents can take their food scraps. They’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing feedstock for compost that is processed locally at Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. Finished compost is provided back to the community garden and to highly engaged residents who regularly contribute their kitchen scraps.

Parather-Williams Home in Collier Heights - Ms. Catherine Parather-Williams is a member of the ECO-Action Weatherization Team, and she participates in the household composting program. She has also been the recipient of some weatherization work at her own home. Weatherization interns demonstrated the weatherization upgrades that were made there, sealing cracks and ductwork, installing new dryer vents, replacing filters, and adding insulation.

When asked if she noticed a difference, Ms. Parather-Williams said, “I sleep a lot better at night, it’s more comfortable.” The compost she receives from ECO-Action is used in her front porch container garden where she grows peppers, collards, tomatoes, okra, and herbs.

Rick McDevitt Youth Center in Peoplestown - This is the hub for composting efforts in the neighborhoods of the Intrenchment Creek Watershed, and a portion of the grant was used to make weatherization upgrades to the Center.

The funders had a chance to hear from Donna Stephens, program manager for the Proctor Creek neighborhoods. Ms. Stephens reported that the Proctor Creek team continues to run educational sessions on composting, as well as supporting a cohort of youth ambassadors to recruit community members to participate in the weatherization and composting programs. Between March and August of 2025, neighbors in the Proctor Creek Watershed collected roughly 1,500 lbs of compostable materials.
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<figcaption>Grantees and Funders</figcaption>
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George Epps, program manager for the Drawdown Georgia efforts in the Peoplestown and Intrenchment Creek neighborhoods also reported great success with the program. Mr. Epps is responsible for picking-up the food scraps at a central point, delivering them to Truly Living Well, and redistributing the collection buckets. Between March and August, Intrenchment Creek residents collected roughly 4,500 lbs of compostable materials, thereby diverting them from landfill, and helping avert the associated methane emissions.&nbsp;

Neighbors in the Intrenchment Creek community are also focused on developing intergenerational learning via spring and fall break workshops on weatherization, composting, and urban gardening. The community has also partnered with Pike Nurseries and Trees Atlanta to plant fruit trees in the Peoplestown and the Intrenchment Creek watershed to help address heat island effects from previous urban deforestation.&nbsp;
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<figcaption>Community Garden in Grove Park</figcaption>
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The weatherization interns presented on their ongoing work after the tour. They participated in training at <a href="http://www.southface.org" target="_blank">Southface Institute</a>, learning how to patch and apply mastic and foam to seal gaps, and how to safely construct scaffolding in attics to support insulation work. The Rick McDevitt Youth Center, Little Five Points Community Center, and 12 residents’ homes received a variety of weatherization improvements during the summer.

About the Funders:&nbsp;

ECO-Action’s 2024-25 Drawdown Georgia Climate Solutions &amp; Equity Grant was supported by a funding cohort that included Atticus Fund, the R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation and its Dobbs Fund, Ghanta Family Foundation, The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, Reilly Family Fund, Tull Charitable Foundation and The Wilbur &amp; Hilda Glenn Family Foundation.

About ECO-Action:

Environmental Community Action, Inc. (ECO-Action) helps communities organize to confront environmental health threats, and to strengthen &amp; facilitate participation of communities in preventing and resolving such threats. ECO-Action serves the general population, with special focus on assisting residents of vulnerable communities – most often rural residents, people with limited formal education, those with few resources, women, and people of color. &nbsp;ECO-Action’s work is based on the intersection of three things – threats to human health, environmental degradation and social injustice.

ECO-Action Is Reducing Energy Burdens and Optimizing Food Waste Diversion in Atlanta

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By Jason Hartke, Ph.D.

With over a decade of experience in the smart buildings industry, Kashif Mughees, who leads commercial and partnerships at <a href="https://www.wellstat.io/" target="_blank">WellStat</a>, has built a career on turning complex energy and environmental challenges into opportunities for organizations to embrace solutions that yield powerful economic benefits. An engineer by training, Kashif’s work stands at the intersection of technology, data and human impact, partnering with leaders from across the public and private sectors to apply innovative solutions that advance energy security, environmental performance and healthier indoor spaces.

At its core, WellStat is helping reshape what it means to manage building performance, leveraging intelligent energy solutions and building analytics to help businesses achieve healthier, smarter and more sustainable spaces. The company’s approach combines industry knowledge with real-time insights and IoT analytics, improving operational performance while helping organizations optimize for health.

Kashif has been at the heart of this work, driven by a passion for sustainable energy management, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven innovation. We sat down with him to learn more about the work WellStat is leading and how the company is addressing today’s most pressing challenges and empowering market leaders to champion health, sustainability, and long-term business resilience.
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Q: How do you see the relationship between energy efficiency and indoor air quality evolving and what kind of synergies should the industry be driving to advance both? 
For too long, energy efficiency and indoor air quality have been treated as trade-offs: save energy or improve comfort. Today, we have the tools and intelligence to achieve both.

In my experience, fine-tuning building systems through real-time insights can reduce waste and maintain healthy air at the same time. For example, in one project, simply adjusting HVAC start times cut energy use without affecting comfort. In another, tracking indoor air quality helped uncover efficiencies that, once fixed, improved both ventilation and performance. Demand Control Ventilation is a great example of this synergy in action, using live occupancy and air quality data to optimize airflow, reduce energy consumption, and maintain healthier environments.

It’s important to stop treating health and efficiency as separate goals and start measuring how they work together to improve overall building performance.
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Q: From your perspective, what is the business case for investing in buildings that prioritize health, well-being and sustainability? How do you communicate that to organizations you work with? 
The value is clear. Healthier buildings are higher performing assets. They attract and retain talent, reduce operational risk and strengthen long-term value.

I often say, if you can measure it, you can prove it, and if you can prove it, you can scale it. That is where data comes in. When leaders see tangible results such as improved air quality, reduced energy costs and greater occupant satisfaction, the conversation shifts from compliance to commercial advantage.

Even in residential developments, we are seeing growing interest in WELL-aligned design and monitoring. Healthier air, balanced humidity and thermal comfort reduce risks associated with damp and mould, while improving overall indoor quality and occupant well-being. These improvements do not just make homes healthier; they protect asset value, reduce maintenance costs and strengthen community trust.

Ultimately, prioritizing health delivers value for occupants while supporting long-term financial performance.

Q: Many organizations face difficulties in implementing these building strategies, such as cost constraints or new technology adoption. What are some of the biggest challenges you see in the field today and how are you working with stakeholders to overcome them? 
The challenge is usually not the technology. It’s getting different teams aligned. Facilities, sustainability and finance teams often have different success metrics. Our job is to connect those dots through shared outcomes.

We typically start small with a pilot project that proves measurable impact. Once the data speaks for itself, adoption accelerates across the portfolio. For example, demonstrating how small operational changes can lead to both lower energy costs and better IAQ helps shift the mindset from “new cost” to “new value.”

By focusing on visibility, evidence and shared success metrics, we help organisations move from good intentions to scalable results.

Q: As the demand for healthy buildings continues to grow, how is WellStat helping demonstrate the value proposition and where do you see the strongest market drivers helping build momentum? 
WellStat is helping organisations quantify what matters most, the measurable link between healthier spaces, operational performance and financial outcomes.

Our analytics platform captures real-time data on air quality, energy and environmental performance, turning it into clear, actionable insights. That enables leaders to demonstrate, not just declare, that their spaces are healthier and more efficient.

Momentum is building across sectors:

• Corporate real estate leaders are investing to attract and retain talent. 
• Developers and owners see WELL as a differentiator in competitive markets. 
• Investors are demanding transparency and data-backed proof of impact.

We are moving into an era where sustainability, health and performance are one conversation, and the organisations that understand that will lead the market.

View original content <a href="https://resources.wellcertified.com/articles/iwbi-signature-interview-series-leveraging-analytics-to-propel-healthy-building-practices/" target="_blank">here</a>.

IWBI Signature Interview Series: Leveraging Analytics to Propel Healthy Building Practices

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<a href="https://www.path.org/" target="_blank">PATH</a> has launched a groundbreaking initiative to address the rising burden of hemoglobinopathies—particularly Thalassemia—in India, with the support of a grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMS Foundation). The program aims to strengthen local health systems and expand access to early screening, diagnosis, and treatment in high-prevalence areas.

India accounts for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37947120/#:~:text=The%20thalassemic%20burden%20in%20India,the%20global%20%CE%B2%2Dthalassemia%20burden" target="_blank">nearly 25%</a> of the global β-thalassemia burden, with an estimated 10,000–15,000 children born each year with Thalassemia Major. Despite this, access to quality care remains limited, and treatment pathways are often fragmented.

This initiative marks among the BMS Foundation’s first grants in India to increase access to screening and build capacity to tackle the life-threatening burden of hemoglobinopathies.

The program will be implemented in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on:

Strengthening screening and prevention: Focusing on high-prevalence districts and prioritizing key population groups such as pregnant women, newborns, and families with known genetic risk factors.

Capacity-building and training: Equipping frontline health workers to deliver timely, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive care.

Coordinated care systems: Ensuring linkage to management services, including safe blood transfusion services, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplant facilities, where appropriate.

Strengthening the Centre for Competence (CoC): Enhancing the ambit of existing CoCs for Sickle Cell Disease established by the Government of India under NSCAEM to serve as hubs of excellence for Thalassemia care.

Policy integration and innovation: Supporting alignment of national and state-level actions on integrated Thalassemia management with global guidelines and local realities to inform future efforts to scale up integrated interventions.

“This project is expected to directly impact the population across the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh,” said Neeraj Jain, Country Director, India, PATH. “The project’s goal is to impact over 1.8 million pregnant women, newborns, and families of affected individuals, who will receive integrated screening services during the project period. Enhanced capacity of health care providers and access to better treatment will help improve the quality of life for all individuals diagnosed with Thalassemia.”

Catharine Grimes, President of the BMS Foundation, added, “The BMS Foundation is proud to work with PATH on these critical efforts to close gaps in Thalassemia care in India. Across our global work to address pediatric blood disorders, we are committed to removing barriers and strengthening sustainable systems of care. By implementing evidence-based strategies tailored to local community needs, we aim to deliver a scalable, lasting impact.”

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Awards Grant to PATH to Improve Care for Inherited Blood Disorders in India

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<figcaption>Community Garden Kitchen and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club "Flip the Switch" on Solar!</figcaption>
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MCKINNEY, Texas, October 17, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - Community Garden Kitchen, a nonprofit founded to combat food insecurity in Collin County, is celebrating a major sustainability milestone with a new 34-kilowatt solar array and 20 kWh battery storage system, courtesy of a $118,000 grant from the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club®.

The solar array will support 65% of the restaurant’s energy needs, while the battery storage will maintain food production during weather emergencies or grid disruptions, allowing the nonprofit to remain operational. Energy savings from the sustainability grant are equivalent to serving more than 9,350 additional meals annually, or 180 additional dinners per week.
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<figcaption>The new 34-kilowatt rooftop solar array, funded by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, at Community Garden Kitchen.</figcaption>
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In 2014, Community Garden Kitchen launched with the vision of a restaurant-style kitchen where guests can dine with dignity in a friendly environment. In 2022, a permanent home for the nonprofit was opened in McKinney, where the restaurant operates Monday through Thursday evenings with over 900 volunteers. Community Garden Kitchen is the only facility in Collin County open for dinner to meet the needs of those experiencing food insecurity. Last year alone, the kitchen served more than 40,000 free meals.

“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and $118,000 sustainability grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club,” said Angela Poen, president, Community Garden Kitchen. “The energy savings from the solar array and battery storage will empower us to further our mission of serving nutritious meals and providing a safe space for our community.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Community Garden Kitchen to reduce their environmental footprint and, at the same time, help expand their capacity to serve nutritious meals for those in need,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “By empowering our community with the principles of sustainability, we can ensure future generations remain committed to nurturing our planet.”

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $15 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.

# # #

About Green Mountain Energy Sun Club

Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $16 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Sun Club collaborates with nonprofit organizations on projects that focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship. To learn more about Green Mountain Energy and Sun Club or to apply for a Sun Club grant, visit <a href="https://www.greenmountainenergy.com/en/sun-club" target="_blank">greenmountain.com/sunclub</a>.

Media Contact: 
Jeanie Davey, Green Mountain Energy 
445-544-1670 
<a href="mailto:Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com" target="_blank">Jeanie.davey@greenmountain.com</a>

Angela Poen, Community Garden Kitchen 
214-842-8426 
<a href="mailto:directors@communitygardenkitchen.org" target="_blank">directors@communitygardenkitchen.org</a>

Community Garden Kitchen Goes Solar, Thanks to a $118,000 Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Grant

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<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/key-takeaways-nycw-2025?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq</a>

This year’s <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank">Climate Week NYC</a> events centered on the theme “Power On,” highlighting progress across climate, finance, technology, and more. As the days unfolded, the discussions moved from the strategic significance of sustainability to practical approaches and insights that can help organizations manage complexity and foster resilience.

Through participation in the week’s events, the Nasdaq team tuned in as leaders further explored the evolving role of technology and the importance of aligning sustainability and finance teams to create enduring value, and how an impactful sustainability strategy is designed to address the intricate climate landscape. The following key takeaways illustrate these principles and how they can be put into action:

1. Sustainability is a Strategic Imperative for Investors and CFOs

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have,” it’s a core expectation from investors. CFOs are now deeply involved in both sustainability education and reporting, reflecting the growing demand for transparency and measurable impact across stakeholders. The week’s activity highlighted that resilience in the sustainability landscape isn’t going anywhere, and organizations must be prepared to adapt and thrive amid constant changes.

2. Approach Sustainability with Simplicity Over Complexity

While the world is becoming more complex, organizations should resist the urge to respond with more complicated processes. A successful sustainability strategy is often principle-based, seeking modern, innovative solutions that offer simplicity and reduce unnecessary complexity. For example, Nasdaq’s sustainability vision is built on three pillars: capital access and innovation, disclosure and transparency, and market infrastructure solutions. This vision is underpinned by a commitment to long-term, actionable initiatives and the belief that adaptability and partnership are essential in a dynamic sustainability ecosystem.

3. Alignment Between Sustainability and Finance Can Help Yield High Returns

Securing buy-in for sustainability initiatives can be challenging. It is important to nurture alignment between sustainability and finance teams, starting at the leadership level. Synergy between these business functions is crucial not only for maximizing tax incentives, but also for ensuring that investments in sustainability yield high returns. In the long term, better sustainability practices help drive growth, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, freeing up capital for further investment.

4. The Power of Networks and Collaboration

Leaders shared that involvement in leadership networks helps provide unique opportunities for peer learning and collaboration, all in the effort to advance sustainability goals. Organizations should consider prioritizing collaboration, adaptability, and a forward-looking mindset to build resilience amid complexity.

Driving Lasting Value Through Sustainability and Innovation

Ultimately, sustainability should be a strategic priority for corporate leaders and investors alike. Success in this space requires not just robust reporting, but also a culture of innovation, strong alignment between sustainability and finance, and a relentless focus on resilience. As the sustainability and climate landscape continues to evolve, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/sustainability/report?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq’s approach</a> offers a blueprint for organizations seeking to turn complexity into opportunity and drive lasting value.

Nasdaq’s Sustainability Technology, Innovation, and Resilience

<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sustainability/how-sustainable-company-leaders-leverage-nasdaq-sustainability-solutions?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Technology and innovation</a> are at the heart of Nasdaq’s sustainability journey. We are leveraging AI and cloud solutions to drive efficiency, productivity, and resilience. In addition to in-house innovation efforts, we are focused on building scalable solutions that can adapt to regulatory and market changes to best support its clients. By fostering inclusive growth through innovation and collaboration, Nasdaq and its clients are well positioned to create enduring value, no matter how the landscape shifts.

Moreover, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">Nasdaq Sustainability Solutions</a> empowers organizations to address evolving regulatory demands, unlock investor capital, and accelerate decarbonization with best-in-class technology and trusted advisory expertise. Our tools simplify reporting, enhance data quality, and help teams focus on delivering measurable sustainability outcomes. To learn how we can support your organization throughout its sustainability journey, <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/solutions/sustainability#contact?utm_campaign=CPE-25-10-14-Blog-Key-Takeaways-from-Climate-Week-NYC-2025&amp;utm_medium=ContentSyndication&amp;utm_source=3BLMedia" target="_blank">contact us here</a>.

Key Takeaways From Climate Week NYC 2025

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October 15, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - The UK is setting a global benchmark in sustainability, driven by businesses that increasingly recognise the competitive, reputational, and financial advantages of sustainable practices. However, progress is uneven across sectors, as each industry faces distinct environmental, social, and governance challenges shaped by differing operational, regulatory, and market priorities. Recognising these differences is crucial to developing targeted strategies, prioritising actions, and implementing practices that deliver measurable sustainability outcomes.

To support businesses in strengthening competitiveness and resilience, the UN Global Compact Network UK, in collaboration with University College London, Newcastle University, and Euromonitor, has launched the report ‘<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Trailblazers &amp; Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability</a>’, examining how six high-impact sectors in the UK are performing against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on rigorous data and market insights, the report identifies sector-specific challenges, benchmarks performance, and presents actionable recommendations to support effective sustainability strategies.

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE REPORT</a>

You can now download the full report to:

<ul>
	<li>Gain in-depth analysis of UK business progress on the SDGs;</li>
	<li>Access sector-specific insights to strengthen ESG performance and support the integration of sustainability into strategy and operations;</li>
	<li>Understand cross-sector trends highlighting shared barriers, leadership gaps, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation;</li>
	<li>Inform your company’s sustainability strategy with evidence-based findings and global benchmark comparisons;</li>
	<li>Leverage data-driven insights from UN Global Compact Communication on Progress (CoP) data, World Benchmarking Alliance benchmarks, policy context, and market trends to guide decision-making; and</li>
	<li>Explore policy priorities that can shape the enabling environment to help businesses operate responsibly, compete globally, and unlock sustainable investment at scale.</li>
</ul>

You can find more information about the report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">here</a>, and please share it with your networks.

Media Contact: 
Lily Venables 
Senior Project Manager (Governance and SDGs) 
<a href="mailto:lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk" target="_blank">lily.venables@unglobalcompact.org.uk</a>

<a href="https://www.unglobalcompact.org.uk/trailblazers-transformers-uk-business-sectors-redefining-sustainability/" target="_blank">Read More</a>

New UN Global Compact Network UK Report Launch - Trailblazers & Transformers: UK Business Sectors Redefining Sustainability

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NORTHAMPTON, Mass., November 20, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - From shifting consumer trust to the rise of individual impact, 2025 has been a turning point for sustainability communications. Through bold, data-driven research, 3BL explored how public sentiment, corporate action, and storytelling intersect to shape reputation and real-world outcomes.

Across the four reports released this year, 3BL captured the pulse of the moment. Revealing why staying silent on sustainability is riskier than ever, how personal conviction is driving the next wave of change, and what it takes for brands to earn genuine trust in a skeptical world.

The Big Thing Americans Agree On&nbsp;

The study, conducted in January 2025, sheds light on shifting consumer expectations and the growing role of sustainability in shaping purchasing decisions and brand loyalty.

<ul>
	<li>73% of Americans believe their purchasing decisions can influence corporate behavior on social and environmental issues.</li>
	<li>While 65% of Gen Z and 64% of millennials lead in prioritizing sustainability, the study found that only 5% of Gen X and Baby Boomers consider sustainability completely unimportant.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-02-11/5z1zy3" target="_blank">Download here.</a>

2025 is the Year of the Individual&nbsp;

There is a striking trend shaping the sustainability and social impact landscape in 2025: the growing role of individual action.

<ul>
	<li>Political and Generational Shifts: Republicans (22%) favor business-led impact, while Democrats (25%) lean on government. Gen Z trusts institutions, while Baby Boomers (38%) believe in individual action but show skepticism (26%).</li>
	<li>Business Priorities: Consumers expect action on employee well-being (56%), sustainable packaging (54%), and ecosystem restoration (49%).</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-02-04/5z1csz" target="_blank">Download here.&nbsp;</a>

Say Less, Risk More: Sustainability Silence Is Undermining Trust

This report draws on media analysis and original polling to expose a growing crisis of confidence in corporate sustainability claims. The findings signal a clear warning: greenhushing may feel safe, but it’s undermining public trust and putting market share on the line.

<ul>
	<li>A Decline in Corporate Voice: Media mentions of top U.S. companies tied to sustainability topics dropped nearly 10% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.</li>
	<li>Trust Is Slipping: Nearly a quarter (23%) of consumers now say they “rarely” or “almost never” trust what companies say about their sustainability goals, up from just 15% in December 2023.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-07-30/5zm65b" target="_blank">Download here.&nbsp;</a>

Sustainable Companies Make More Money, But Does Anyone Trust Them?&nbsp;

This research shows that companies recognized among the <a href="https://100best.3blmedia.com/" target="_blank">100 Best Corporate Citizens</a> aren’t just doing good, they’re performing better in the market too. From January 2022 to July 2025, these companies’ annual returns were 2.2% higher than the S&amp;P 500.

Even more impressive, repeat honorees generated a cumulative return of 106%, compared to just 37% for the S&amp;P 500. Excluding outliers, the portfolio still delivered 40% cumulative returns versus the S&amp;P’s 36.6%

<a href="https://go.3bl.com/l/37792/2025-09-12/5zr4zn" target="_blank">Download here.&nbsp;</a>

About 3BL&nbsp; 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

Learn more at <a href="http://3bl.com" target="_blank">3BL.com</a>

From shifting consumer trust to the rise of individual impact, 2025 has been a turning point for sustainability communications. Through bold, data-driven research, 3BL explored how public sentiment, corporate action, and storytelling intersect

2025 Was a Big Year for Sustainability Communications — Here’s What the Research Said.

<img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e322f81-98b9-482e-8625-a032a2f3fba2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/baby-boomers-gen-z-entrepreneurial-vibe_MARY-KAY_111825A.png" width="640" class="align-center" height="1350" loading="lazy">
Originally published on <a href="https://newsroom.marykay.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">newsroom.marykay.com</a>

In 1963, Mary Kay Ash founded her iconic company with one bold goal: to create entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for women everywhere with her never-wavering mission “to enrich women’s lives.” For more than 30 years, <a href="https://marykayglobal.com/leadership/tara-eustace/" target="_blank">Tara Eustace</a>, now Chief Opportunity and Sales Officer at Mary Kay Inc., has carried that vision forward – empowering women across the globe to build their own businesses and shape their own success stories.

Tara champions millions of Independent Beauty Consultants worldwide who are on a journey of self-growth, defining success on their own terms. Just as Mary Kay inspired women of the Baby Boomer generation, the business opportunity resonates today with the Next Gen, who aspire to flexibility and financial independence while caring about social impact, giving back and protecting the planet.

As November celebrates entrepreneurship, encouraging people to start businesses, support local, and recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs worldwide, we met with Tara to discuss why the Mary Kay business opportunity resonates with women entrepreneurs across generations and geographies and presents such a unique fit for Gen Z.

Q: Happy Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Tara! Why is women’s entrepreneurship especially meaningful to Mary Kay?

A: International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day celebrates the power of women turning passion into possibility - and inspiring the next generation to do the same. It’s a reminder that when women thrive as entrepreneurs, communities and economies thrive too. At Mary Kay, we celebrate women entrepreneurs today and every day, honoring the courage to dream big, work hard, and create opportunity for yourself and others.

Q: What are some of the ways that <a href="https://marykayglobal.com/" target="_blank">Mary Kay</a>, as a company, has been able to stay ahead?&nbsp;

A: I’ve had the privilege of helping expand Mary Kay into new markets around the world, creating opportunities for women to build a Mary Kay business that serves their own needs. What’s kept Mary Kay ahead all these years is our ability to evolve while staying true to what matters most – empowering women.

Whether she’s a student, a mom, or building a career, Mary Kay fits into her life on her terms. As the world moves faster and technology reshapes how we connect, we keep innovating while holding on to our timeless purpose: helping women discover their confidence, independence, and success.

Q: How do you remain relevant to your current beauty consultants while attracting this new generation?

A: We focus on giving women at every stage of their business journey the tools, education, and support they need to succeed. Our world-class education helps our Independent Beauty Consultants grow in the ways that work best for them. In addition to flexibility and financial independence, Consultants share that they truly value the entrepreneurial “life lessons” they learn – and self-confidence they gain - from their Mary Kay businesses.

During COVID, for example, many of our more experienced Consultants relied more on face-to-face interactions. Practically overnight, everything shifted to digital — and we were ready. We guided them through it, step by step, providing the training and encouragement they needed. Today, many of those same Consultants have developed thriving online businesses.

On the other hand, some of our younger Consultants from Generation Z who have grown up with the internet and are self-taught entrepreneurs start out immediately online. Through our education programs, we help them see the power of personal, face-to-face connections, too.

It’s all about balance — offering flexible, easy-to-use tools that fit everyone’s style. We stay connected to our sales force around the world through online sessions, training forums, events, and surveys, so we are always learning, listening, and improving together.

Q: How is this next generation of Beauty Consultants and customers different from the previous generations?&nbsp;

A: The one thing that’s always been at the heart of our business – and feels more important than ever – is women supporting women. When you buy a Mary Kay product, you’re not just buying lipstick or skincare; you’re supporting a woman and her local small business.

In the 1960s, many women joined Mary Kay to earn a little extra income. They were also searching for a sense of community and belonging. This need has never been more relevant today. We are facing a loneliness epidemic around the world, and the need for connection is more important than ever. The sense of connection and community has always been part of who we are. And while flexibility was important then, it is even more essential now.

So yes, this new generation might look or sound a little different, but at their core, they share the same values and dreams as the women who came before them. Generation Z and the Mary Kay business opportunity are a perfect fit. The opportunity offers Gen Z a pathway to entrepreneurship, digital flexibility, and the purpose-driven work that fits their lifestyle and values. They want to create their own opportunities and define success on their own terms.

Q: Mary Kay is built on relationships and personal connections. With technology and social media continuing to grow, how do you balance that with online selling opportunities?

A: It all comes down to giving our beauty entrepreneurs the right tools to connect in whatever way works best for them – and for their customers. Some Consultants thrive with in-person relationships, while others build their businesses primarily online.

One of our sales force members said it best: “I meet people online, but I always have my car keys ready to go meet them in person.” That’s the essence of what we teach – a hybrid approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to conduct business.

Our role is to make sure every Consultant has the training, technology, and resources they need to sell and serve confidently, whether that’s face-to-face, online, or a blend of both.

Q: How do you view the competitive landscape, especially with so many direct-to-consumer brands and online selling platforms out there?

A: What truly sets us apart is our Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants. Their genuine knowledge, passion, and love for Mary Kay products empower them to be the ultimate personal beauty advisors—offering tailored recommendations, and one-on-one education you simply can’t find anywhere else. Through their individualized service and deep understanding of each customer’s unique needs, our consultants help women not only look their best but feel their best. It’s that authenticity and personal touch that keeps customers coming back to their Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. We have just ranked #2 on the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-customer-service/" target="_blank">Forbes Best Customer Service Companies 2026 List</a> and this is a testament to our company’s and our beauty consultants’ Golden Rule Service.

Q: How do you successfully translate the Mary Kay brand, mission, and purpose across different regions and cultures?

A: It’s been an incredible journey. Today, Mary Kay is in more than 40 markets, each with its own language, culture, and economy. No matter where we go, our message to women is the same: A Mary Kay opportunity offers an earning opportunity that comes with flexibility, the ability to change the lives of your customers and that of your own!

And success will look different for everyone that runs a Mary Kay business, but what never changes is our commitment to walk alongside them every step of the way.

We often say, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. That promise is timeless, and the trust behind our brand keeps resonating with women all over the world across generations.

Did You Know:

<ul>
	<li>73% of direct sellers in the U.S. are women1.</li>
	<li>In 2024, nearly 30% of new Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants were under the age of 352, and today, 38% of the brand’s social following is made up of Next Gen audiences.</li>
	<li>In 2025, Mary Kay was named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World3 by Euromonitor International for the third consecutive year.</li>
</ul>

Learn more about the Mary Kay Business Opportunity <a href="https://www.marykay.com/en-us/sell-mary-kay?iad=topnav_sellmk" target="_blank">here</a>.

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at <a href="https://marykayglobal.com/" target="_blank">marykayglobal.com</a>. Find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marykayglobal" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marykayglobal/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/marykayglobal/mycompany/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, or follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryKayGlobal" target="_blank">X</a>.

# # # 
&nbsp;

1 U.S. Direct Selling Association

2 Source: Mary Kay Inc., 2024 U.S. data.

3 “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

In 1963, Mary Kay Ash founded her iconic company with one bold goal: to create entrepreneurial and leadership opportunities for women everywhere with her never-wavering mission “to enrich women’s lives.”

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z: Why Every Generation Is Falling for Mary Kay’s Entrepreneurial Vibe

<img alt="&quot;.&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9cd74986-4e81-46cd-8d64-2b6f45cde49d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/recycling-seafood-shells_Sysco_111225.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="555" loading="lazy">
<a href="https://www.sysco.com/njdep-sysco-corp-announce-groundbreaking-partnership-to-significantly-expand-shell-recycling-in-new-jersey" target="_blank">Originally published on November 10, 2025 on Sysco.com</a>

TRENTON, N.J., November 20, 2025&nbsp;/CSRwire/ - The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Sysco Corporation that will create opportunities for a significant expansion of the state’s successful program that uses seafood shells recycled from restaurants for creation of oyster reefs. The reefs can improve the ecological health of coastal waters, reduce waste to landfills, enhance climate resilience and benefit local restaurants.

Through this partnership, Sysco, the world’s largest food distributor, will collect discarded oyster and clam shells from restaurants it serves across the region and provide them to <a href="https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/shell-recycling-program/" target="_blank">NJDEP Fish &amp; Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program</a> for oyster reef enhancement projects that could potentially expand to multiple sites along the state’s coastline.

“Sysco is excited to partner with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to scale a project we have been interested in for several years,” said John Yates, president of Buckhead Meat &amp; Seafood’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “Preserving and restoring oyster reefs is not only important for the shellfish themselves but also to the broader marine ecosystem and our communities that rely on this for critical proteins.”

“I applaud Sysco’s deep commitment in helping us foster a more sustainable and resilient coastal environment,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “This partnership will not only help to bolster local oyster reefs but also inspires the public to value and protect coastal ecosystems. Oysters filter water, improve water quality, and sequester carbon dioxide through the formation of their shells, helping provide a nature-based solution that addresses both climate adaptation and environmental enhancement.”

Sysco’s collection efforts significantly broaden the NJDEP’s Shell Recycling program, making participation accessible to many restaurants and businesses across the state that are currently beyond the program’s reach.

The additional shell will directly result in more planted reefs, which means more available habitat for oyster larvae to settle and grow — leading to greater recruitment, population recovery, and ecosystem benefits. More shell will also allow NJDEP to expand reef enhancement work to other areas, with hopes of creating reef habitat connectivity across the state’s coastal waters.

The Seeds of Partnership

“Oysters are a keystone species in our local estuaries and are essential to our mission to maintain healthy and productive marine ecosystems,” said NJDEP Fish &amp; Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “These reefs offer critical habitat for a wide range of recreational and commercially important marine species. By recycling shells, we reduce waste and support the recovery of ecosystems that benefit both marine life and coastal communities.”

Shell resources, however, are quite limited, presenting a challenge to effectively implementing reef enhancement projects. To address this, NJDEP Fish &amp; Wildlife launched a shell recycling program in 2019 that was centered in Atlantic City, where discarded clam and oyster shells from restaurants were collected and reused to enhance local oyster reefs.

The program began with a single restaurant partner and was initially focused solely on the Atlantic City region. The program grew quickly to involve nearly every major casino and seafood restaurant in Atlantic City within just a few years.

&nbsp;It now serves 32 restaurant partners across Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean counties, significantly increasing shell collection efforts and resulting in more available shell for oyster reef enhancement. Since 2021, more than 45,000 bushels (more than 1,100 tons) of recycled shell along with shell purchased from local processors have been planted onto the reef system.&nbsp;

Program Recognition and Expansion

The success of the program has drawn interest locally as well as nationally. Sysco Corporation learned of this initiative and inquired about partnership opportunities, as the program aligns with the company’s overall mission and sustainability goals.

The NJDEP Fish &amp; Wildlife Shell Recycling Program has received multiple accolades for its work. At its Fall 2024 meeting, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) awarded an Honorable Mention to the program in the Land, Air, &amp; Cross-Media Category of ECOS’ Innovation Awards for a video showcasing the shell recycling process. Earlier this year, NJDEP Fish &amp; Wildlife’s Shell Recycling Program team members were honored at the 2025 State Employee Recognition Day award ceremony as part of Public Service Recognition Week.

The program has also earned highly competitive grants. In 2024, the program gained funding from the <a href="https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/" target="_blank">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Zone Management Program</a>, enabling expansion beyond Atlantic City and development of a robust environmental education program called Project S.H.E.L.L. (Strengthening Habitats through Environmental Learning and Leadership), which provides experiential marine science learning opportunities to students in Atlantic City and surrounding areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Resources

To learn more about the Shell Recycling Program, NJDEP’s partnership with Sysco Corporation and other shell recycling program partners, visit <a href="https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/shell-recycling-program/" target="_blank">https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/shell-recycling-program/</a>.

Sysco’s shell recycling: <a href="https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/marine/shell-recycling-program-sysco-restaurant-registration-survey/" target="_blank">Shell Recycling Program Survey</a>

Sysco: <a href="https://www.buckheadmeat.com/newjersey/" target="_blank">Buckhead New Jersey - Buckhead | Newport Meat &amp; Seafood</a>&nbsp;

Follow NJDEP Fish &amp; Wildlife on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife/" target="_blank">facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife/</a> and on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/newjerseyfishandwildlife/" target="_blank">instagram.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife/</a>.

Contacts:

Lawrence Hajna (DEP) 
713-703-4898

Caryn Shinske (DEP) 
713-703-4898

Ramit Masti (Sysco) 
713-703-4898

View original content <a href="https://www.sysco.com/njdep-sysco-corp-announce-groundbreaking-partnership-to-significantly-expand-shell-recycling-in-new-jersey" target="_blank">here</a>.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Sysco Corporation that will create opportunities for an expansion of the state’s successful program that uses recycled seafood shells recycled for creation of oyster reefs

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