Finally, Some Practical Advice!
Recycling should be easier. How do we better recover the value still inherent in so many used goods, like those rubber kitchen mats often used in restaurants? Posed with this question recently, here are 3 steps applicable to a range of items: Continue reading »
Sustainability Leader of the Week: Jane Madden, ERM
Jane is a global corporate sustainability and CSR expert with over 20 years of experience in developing and implementing sustainability strategies for globally leading companies.
A member of Foresight’s NEXT Steering Committee, Jane chats with us about her career path in the public and private sectors, leadership, and making strides in sustainability.
FDI: How has your career evolved into the field of sustainability and what were your motivations for working in this space? Has it proven to be rewarding?
JM: My interest in corporate sustainability stems from my experience in sustainable development. As a World Bank official, I advised governments in emerging markets on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues and policies. I saw the critical role the private sector plays in economic development. But, I also saw when corporations didn’t manage and measure their social, environmental and economic impact there were negative consequences for both the corporation and for society. Working at Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and helping corporations develop sustainable business practices makes my work especially rewarding. One of the reasons I joined ERM is our sole focus is on sustainable business and because we “walk the talk.” We measure and manage our own environmental and social sustainability such as Continue reading »
Toward Amazing Feats of Daring
Inspiration can originate in unusual places. Last weekend, I attended a Cirque du Soleil show, the high concept reinvention of the traditional 3-ring circus. The experience was highly entertaining and unexpectedly motivating. The combination of physical prowess, technological sophistication, and aesthetic impact are elements from which those of us striving to foster greater sustainability could learn. For instance, being able to do a great trick once is one thing, but to do it multiple times with incredibly consistent results is accomplishment built on years of disciplined practiced. In contrast, sustainable innovation is in its infancy. Whether it will grow into a more mature field with a body of professionals skilled in the intricate maneuvers that such transformation requires, depends on many Continue reading »
A great opportunity to explore what has become one of my favorite areas of Chicago. If you’ve never visited the Calumet area, our friends at the Southeast Environmental Task Force are great guides. Why would we ever want to dump more trash, or put a gun range here? Go, and then you be the judge. Info
Joanna Racho: Equity in Sustainability
Foresight Immersion 2011 Fellow
Currently: Energy Operations Associate at CNT Energy
Career Path: University of Wisconsin – Madison (B.S., Human Development and Family Studies) > AmeriCorps (Volunteer Coordinator/Team Leader) > The Campus Kitchen at Northwestern University, an anti- hunger organization (Program Coordinator) > Foresight Immersion 2011 Fellow > CNT Energy, Center for Neighborhood Technology (Energy Operations Associate)
Next Step: Right now, I’m focusing on learning as much as I can in my new position as an Energy Operations Associate and then eventually I’d like to work Continue reading »
Innovating The Illusion Of Progress
It’s an issue of perspective. Invested in developing holistic and resilient solutions, I am increasingly convinced that there are two primary sectors of influence in this regard: policy and economics. Both of them can be difficult to shift. Any sustainability initiative not keeping these two areas in mind is merely projecting the illusion of progress. An evolution of vision is fundamental to influencing either. Lasting change, whether with a company, city or country, begins with altering mindsets. Initiating such a profound evolution can require a multitude of Continue reading »
Money Back For A Better Backyard?
The City of Chicago’s Sustainable Backyards Program is offering residents up to 50% back on local purchases of trees (up to $100 rebate), native plants (up to $60 rebate), rain barrels (up to $40 rebate) and compost bins (up to$50 rebate). Info, workshops and rebate forms: www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel.
Impact Engine Fuels Up With New Leader
I was thrilled to learn recently that my sustainability co-conspirator, Chuck Templeton, will be leading the Chicago Impact Engine, a new social venture accelerator. A successful tech entrepreneur, (he founded OpenTable), with a vested interested in fostering the local sharing economy (via OhSoWe.com), Chuck understands the need to shift the economy from a single to triple bottom line. Read about it via the Crain’s Chicago Business blog.
Charting (Sustainable) Innovation
Success breeds stasis. Ten years ago, I had nothing to lose. With no reputation to fortify, and only a modicum of sustainability-related activity in Chicago compared to now, everything was possible. Foresight operated at the intersection of impulse and opportunity and, for the first few years, shifted as they did. Continue reading »
Articles of the Week: Depends Where You Plug It In
This NYTimes article provides an insightful overview of this recent Union of Concerned Scientists report. While electric cars have been positioned as a potential panacea to Global Warming, we need to be conscious of to what power source we’re plugging them in. I-GO’s solar canopies have the right idea.