Social – Page 15 – Trillium Asset Management

Producer Responsibility for Packaging – Proctor & Gamble (2012)

May 23, 2012

WHEREAS product packaging is a significant consumer of natural resources and energy, and a major source of waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. More than half of U.S. product packaging –37 million tons – is discarded in landfills or burned rather than recycled. Packaging debris migrates to oceans where it damages fisheries, tourism and marine life. Paper and packaging comprise 43% of U.S. landfill waste. Nestle Waters North America says plastic bottles are the largest contributor to its carbon foot print; Coca-Cola Co. reports packaging is the largest part of the carbon footprint of several products. A recent analysis of …

Report on BPA Use – Coca-Cola Company (2012)

January 11, 2012

WHEREAS:The value of Coca-Cola’s brand is based on consumer trust. Coca-Cola’s canned beverages use linings containing Bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially hazardous chemical. BPA can leach out of the epoxy lining of canned foods and beverages resulting in human exposures. BPA can mimic estrogen in the body; a number of animal studies link BPA, even at very low doses, to potential changes in brain structure, immune system, male and female reproductive systems, and to tissue associated with increased rates of breast cancer. Experts are particularly concerned about exposure to BPA by the very young and pregnant women. A study …

Report On Safer Flame Retardants – Newell Rubbermaid (2012)

January 11, 2012

Whereas: Over the past decade, there has been growing scientific, regulatory, and public concern about the exposures of pregnant women, infants, and children to various chemicals of concern. These include, for example, halogenated flame retardants, polyvinyl chloride, phthalates, cadmium, and Bisphenol A. A study of children’s car seats in August 2011 described hazardous flame retardants and chemical additives in over half of the car seats tested. Child car seats produced by Newell Rubbermaid subsidiary Graco, the Snugride 35 in Edgemont Red/Black and SnugRide 30 in Asprey, were among the most toxic seats tested. A second study, published in Environmental Science …

Report on Bisphenol A in Thermal Receipt Paper- Panera Bread Company (2012)

January 11, 2012

WHEREAS: The value of Panera Bread Company’s brand is based in part on customer trust. We believe that if the company’s cash register thermal receipt paper contain bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially hazardous chemical, that trust could be put at risk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated “Some receipts made of thermal paper may now contain as much as 10 mg. of BPA, which could pose a risk for human exposure, as well as account for substantial environmental releases of BPA.” http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/projects/bpa/index.htm BPA reportedly mimics estrogen in the body; a number of animal studies link BPA, even …

Network Neutrality On Wireless Networks – Verizon (2012)

January 11, 2012

WHEREAS: The open (non-discriminatory) architecture of the Internet is critical to the prosperity of our economy and society. Non-discrimination principles are commonly referred to as “network neutrality” and seek to ensure equal access and non-discriminatory treatment for all content. As President Obama and Federal Communication Commission Chairman Genachowski have pointed out, an open Internet plays a pivotal role in solving critical national problems such as healthcare, education, energy, and public safety and is necessary “to preserve the freedom and openness that have allowed the Internet to become a transformative and powerful platform for speech and expression.” Network neutrality rules are …

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) – Home Depot (2012)

January 11, 2012

WHEREAS: Equal employment opportunity (EEO) is a fair employment practice and an investment issue. We believe that companies with a good EEO record have a competitive advantage in recruiting/retaining employees. We believe Home Depot customers are increasingly diverse; therefore a similarly diverse work force is more likely to anticipate and respond effectively to consumer demand. EEO reporting has economic relevance. Home Depot shareholder votes in favor of a Diversity Report surpassed 23%, 26%, 22%, and 25% in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 respectively – sending a consistent signal to management that shareowners desire increased accountability. The Company annually files an EEO-1 …

Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Policy – ExxonMobil (2012)

January 11, 2012

Whereas: ExxonMobil does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in its written employment policy; Over 89% of the Fortune 500 companies have adopted written nondiscrimination policies prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, as have more than 95% of Fortune 100 companies, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Nearly 70% of the Fortune 100 and 43% of the Fortune 500 now prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or expression; We believe that corporations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity have a competitive advantage in recruiting and …

Report on Domestic Partner Benefits for Senior Executives – Aflac (2012)

December 19, 2011

WHEREAS: Costs associated with senior executive turnover are significant and far-reaching. Replacement costs to a company can reach up to 250% of an executive’s annual salary. The proponents believe that companies who choose not to discriminate in the extension of benefits gain a competitive edge in executive recruitment and retention. The equal provision of benefits sends a message of respect and inclusion, and conveys a tangible commitment to the principle that equal work deserves equal pay. If Aflac extends domestic partner benefits to its executives (or employees), this policy is not publicly accessible. Companies in the insurance industry that do …

Network Neutrality On Wireless Networks – AT&T (2012)

December 19, 2011

Whereas: The open (non-discriminatory) architecture of the Internet is critical to the prosperity of our economy and society. Non-discrimination principles are commonly referred to as “network neutrality” and seek to ensure equal access and non-discriminatory treatment for all content. As President Obama and Federal Communication Commission Chairman Genachowski have pointed out, an open Internet plays a pivotal role in solving critical national problems such as healthcare, education, energy, and public safety and is necessary “to preserve the freedom and openness that have allowed the Internet to become a transformative and powerful platform for speech and expression.” Network neutrality rules are …

FedEx – Develop & Adopt Human Rights Policies (2012)

July 19, 2011

WHEREAS Expectations of the global community are growing, such that companies must have policies to promote and protect human rights within their areas of activity and sphere of influence to help promote and protect a company’s reputation as a good corporate citizen. Corporations operating in countries with civil conflict, weak rule of law, endemic corruption, poor labor and environmental standards face serious risks to reputation and shareholder value when they are seen as responsible for, or complicit in, human rights violations. FedEx, in its Annual Report 2010, states: “…our company is built around a singular vision: to make it possible …

Producer Responsibility for Packaging – Proctor & Gamble (2012)

Report on Bisphenol A in Thermal Receipt Paper- Panera Bread Company (2012)

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