2Sustain

For a decade now, consumers have been calling on chocolate companies to take more responsibility for transparency in the cocoa bean supply chain.  Late last month, the Hershey Company announced that it is doing just that, as it assumes a leadership role in this area and extends its commitment to drive the long-term change that’s needed.

As previously pledged, Hershey has begun to reinforce its cocoa sustainability efforts by accelerating farmer and family development in West Africa, where 70 percent of the world’s cocoa is grown.

In a press release, the company outlined its plans to: (more…)

In our “always on” digitally-connected society, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are offering telecommuting as a regular option for employees. But how do employees feel about working outside of the traditional office?

In a recent survey conducted by global research company Ipsos, more than 11,000 online connected employees from 24 countries were questioned on the pros and cons of telecommuting and its further potential growth as a global business practice.

The data revealed several interesting trends. For example, Ipsos found that:

• One in five (17 percent) employees who can be connected online to their workplace now ‘telecommute’ on a ‘frequent basis.’ Seven percent said they work every day from home, while another 10 percent said they do so ‘on a very consistent and constant basis like evenings and weekends.’

• Telecommuting is most popular in emerging markets. Those working in the Middle East and Africa (27 percent), Latin America (25 percent) and Asia-Pacific (24 percent) are considerably more likely than those in North America (9 percent) and Europe (9 percent) to telecommute ‘on a frequent basis.’
• Educated (25 percent), under the age of 35 (20 percent) and those with a high household income (20 percent) are more likely to telecommute on a frequent basis.
• And, men are more likely than women to telecommute.

In addition, (more…)

Once again, Apple’s supply chain is making headlines –for all the wrong reasons.

Last week, a coalition of 36 of China’s leading environmental groups released a new report claiming the company’s manufacturing processes are degrading the environment and poisoning workers.

The coalition, called the Green Choice Initiative, examined the environmental impact of 29 major IT firms that manufacture products in China. Apple finished tied for last place.

In a statement, the Green Choice Initiative said: (more…)

Supply chains for automotive parts and components are now global, interconnected, and incredibly complex. So, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for automakers to keep current with prevailing local laws and stay true to their corporate responsibility goals.

Fortunately, help is on the way.
(more…)