Reputation Dynamics: On the Move

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

2020 is out the gate on the front lines of sustainability, collaborating and convening action to address our planet’s challenging social and environmental problems. 

Earth’s climate is going through unprecedented changes in the history of modern civilization as a result of human behavior. Without adaptation and mitigation strategies, substantial damages to the U.S. economy, environment, human health and well-being will continue to increase over the coming decades.  These include increasing greenhouse gas emissions, higher temperature extremes, heavy precipitation, flooding and wildfires. This is influencing the movement of humans, marine and wildlife species to find better places to live and survive in and outside of cities.

This weeks announcement by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and commitment of $10 billion of his own fortune to help fight climate change has further emphasized ‘the need to work alongside others both to amplify and explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share."

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in March, 2020 is also an important year for the fulfillment of women’s economic empowerment and gender equality.

Since I founded Reputation Dynamics in 2005, we have seen transformative change, progression in the corporate social responsibility movement, now transitioning to corporate social innovation commanding greater budgets, attention from the C-suite, filtering into corporate brand identities, into supply chains and increasingly critical for long-term customer loyalty.

We are excited to represent clients, mingle with peers and present at the following events in the next couple of months. 

I look forward to connecting with peers in 2020 and working together to make the world a better place.

Harambee, Sam Taylor

Events Schedule:

March 5: International Women’s Day Forum: Marking A Milestone: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 10th Annual International Women’s Day Forum. Continuing the Momentum will showcase the change makers, doers, leaders, and visionaries who are paving the way for a better future for all.

March 6: United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day 2020: I am Generation Equality. Realizing Women’s Rights. General Assembly Hall from 10.00 am to 1:00 pm. 

March 12: 2020 Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum (WEPs): Hosted by UN Global Compact and UN Office for Partnerships, will align with UN Women's new multigenerational global flagship campaign, Generation Equality, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), recognized as the most progressive roadmap for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere.

March 17-18: Responsible Business Summit: New York: I will be representing American Forests, the oldest conservation organization in the U.S., among 950+ leaders from across the globe who will share strategies and insights into how they are helping build regenerative and resilient strategies that deliver market-level change on key climate risks and opportunities – protecting and preserving our forests is fundamental to resilient communities.  

April 15: Luxury Daily: Women in Luxury Conference: Theme: Next Level Leadership: I am excited to join senior executives from luxury Fortune 500 brands for the day and present a keynote on ‘Embracing the Circular Economy’.

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics 

Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has been committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD mobilizes corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches and develop inclusive partnerships.

Contact: sam@reputation-dynamics.com

Conscious Commerce Predictions: Accelerating Transition to a Circular Economy

Our turbulent political climate, world disasters and unprecedented events is fueling businesses, individuals to collaborate on tackling key challenges facing the planet and threats to humanity.  

By 2050 there will be 9.7 billion people on the planet, half of them will be in water-stressed regions, requiring 50 percent more energy. 

While progress has been made in support of the Sustainability Development (SDG’s) goals, gaps ensue mitigating climate change’s disruptions on peoples lives and economies, the circular economy, a $4.5 trillion opportunity, according to Accenture, is the new driver for innovation across industries, product lifecycles and global supply chains.

While attention on plastic waste, including bans on plastic bags and straws, is advocating sustainability, more effective programs are needed to address resource scarcity and climate threats, respond to societal pressure to preserve our planet for future generations. 

This transition requires companies, retailers, and consumers to adopt a systemic approach to developing new models that use less natural resources, tackle climate change, generate more economic growth and influence buying patterns. 

With escalating concerns about pollution, habitat loss and exploitation of natural resources, businesses are under pressure from investors, civil society and consumers to tackle these challenges.

A recap of the top realities we face:

Oceans: Nearly half of the ocean’s marine populations have declined over the last 45 years. About 13 million tones of plastic leak into our oceans every year, harming biodiversity, economies and health.  By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish if we keep producing (and failing to properly dispose of) plastics at predicted rates, plastics in the ocean will outweigh fish pound for pound in 2050, according to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and World Economic Forum. 

Wildlife Species:  In just 20 years African elephants could be gone.  Despite the ivory ban in 1989, elephants continue to be slaughtered with only half the number of elephants left. Approximately 100 African elephants are killed each day by poachers seeking ivory leaving only 430,000 remaining. Elephants are a critical species as they create and maintain the ecosystems in which they live and for other plant and animal species to also survive.

Waste: Businesses are the largest producers of hardware waste and recyclables, with a study finding that £40 billion worth of hardware materials are in the bin. Consumers are discarding usable devices to get the latest new gadget or technology. The amount of annual waste is expected to increase globally to 51 million tons a year due to the digital economy. 

Forests: Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are driving forests northward, to higher elevation. Changing forest health and range has implications far beyond what types of trees will succeed. Trees are a major backbone of ecosystems that birds and other wildlife rely on for survival. If there is such an abrupt change in the natural landscape, the wildlife, the human systems, and the economies that rely on those systems will be challenged to keep pace with the rate of change.

Global Warming:  Global emissions are reaching record levels and show no sign of peaking. The last four years were the four hottest on record, and winter temperatures in the Arctic have risen by 3°C since 1990. Sea levels are rising, coral reefs are dying, and we are starting to see the life-threatening impact of climate change on health, through air pollution, heat waves and risks to food security. 

Reputation Dynamics Predictions:

What will be key to success for a circular economy for the long-term will be ‘inclusiveness’ towards devising holistic approaches to embrace key social and environmental trends:  

Growth of Consumer Power and Activism:  Recent research by consultancy firm Deloitte revealed over 80 percent of Millennials across Australia, Canada, China, India, the UK and the US find it important for companies to behave ethically and take steps to diminish their environmental impact. Consumers aged 25-35 are projected to spend 150 billion US dollars on sustainable goods by 2021.

Disaster Relief and Recovery: With the increasing number of natural disasters, corporations, emergence of mission-critical foundations and nonprofits are re-thinking approaches to disaster relief and recovery efforts. While many organizations will continue to provide immediate relief to victims of natural disasters through cash grants and product donations, companies are taking a more pro-active approach to restoring and building resilient communities for the long-term, such as affordable housing, trees and parks, mass transport and urban infrastructure; and resilience for the urban poor.

Growth of Sustainability Incentives: As corporations determine metrics, suppliers are incentivized to be more sustainable. For example Project Gigaton is a Walmart initiative to avoid one billion metric tons (a gigaton) of greenhouse gases from the global value chain by 2030. Suppliers can take their sustainability efforts to the next level through goal setting and receive credits. 

Urbanization: Nearly 70 percent of the world’s population (6.7 billion), are projected to live in urban areas. This calls for new innovative designs for cities and living spaces to include water resource protection, renewable energy, food is grown locally, supporting diverse cultures, population migration patterns and carbon-neutral infrastructures. 

Plant a Tree: Urban forests are dynamic ecosystems that provide critical benefits to people and wildlife. Urban forests help to filter air and water, control storm water, conserve energy, and provide shade. By reducing noise and providing places to recreate, urban forests strengthen social cohesion, spur community revitalization, and add economic value to our communities. American Forests, the oldest conservation organization in the US, is dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy forest ecosystems with a goal to plant a further 3 million trees.

Conclusion: A strong business case is a priority for companies looking to adopt effective circular economy practices. With financial incentives for businesses to shift to 100% renewable energy, adopting the circular model represents environmental conservation as an economic opportunity while restoring and building resilient communities for the long-term. 

It will transform our relationships as consumers, our buying habits, selection of clothes, food, utilities and choice of materials. 

However, what is fundamental to success is to treat our materials as precious resources, convene more alliances, work across multiple industry sectors, break down silos, and enforce action on a united front.   

It’s that Simple. Plant a Tree Today: www.americanforests.org

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics 

Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has been committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD mobilizes corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches and develop inclusive partnerships.

I look forward to connecting with peers who are making the world a better place, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Please contact me at:  

sam@reputation-dynamics.com

Sustainable Brands 2019 Detroit:

We are excited to be participating at this year’s conference and theme - Transforming Brands Through Sustainable Innovation - in Detroit on June 3-6, 2019.

Within a landscape of economic and political volatility, many of the world’s largest businesses are being cast as irrelevant, insincere. Disruptors and D to C brands are redefining the marketplace while established brands are struggling to maintain growth. 

According to research conducted by both Sustainable Brands and Harris Poll, consumers are shifting away from the pursuit of money, status and personal achievement, focusing instead on balance, simplicity, along with greater connection to family, community and the environment as a foundation of a Good Life. Consumers are looking to brands to bring those elements into their daily lives and 80% of them say they will financially support brands who help them live a Good Life.

We will be among peers from the corporate, NGO and academic sectors on the front lines of transformative change and devising long-term sustainability strategies for our planet, people and precious resources for future generations.

Client Spotlight: American Forests

This year, in addition to hosting the Detroit Sustainability Tour with DTE Energy Foundation, American Forests booth #426 will be in the Sustainable Brands Expo Hall.  We hope you will stop by to learn more about how American Forests is making sure healthy and resilient forests can deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. Drop your business card and we will plant a tree on your behalf in the ecosystem of your choosing to help offset your carbon footprint at the conference!

For more information about American Forests - www.americanforests.org

For more information about Sustainable Brands Detroit - https://events.sustainablebrands.com/sb19det/

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics

Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has been committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD mobiizes corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches and develop inclusive partnerships.

I look forward to connecting with peers who are making the world a better place, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Please contact me at:  

sam@reputation-dynamics.com

***

Reputation Dynamics and #GivingTuesday

Reputation Dynamics (RD) is proud to support #GivingTuesday by forming inclusive partnerships, mobilizing collective action between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. 

We are committed to building resilient communities, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) citing no poverty, gender equality, life on land and partnerships among top priorities.  

Public-private sector partnerships will continue to be essential for devising solutions for complex global issues associated with climate change threats. A recent IPCC report has underscored we only have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe and urgent need to cut risk of extreme heat, drought, floods and poverty. 

As we celebrate our national day of giving, it is important to work together collectively to address our pressing world issues. 

Example initiatives to support for the holidays:

American Forests: www.americanforests.org

American Forests inspires and advances the conservation of forests, which are essential to life.  American Forests has been restoring forests for more than 140 years. And, while we may be the oldest national conservation organization, our work today is more important than ever. Since 1990 alone, we have planted nearly 60 million trees in forest restoration projects in all 50 states.  

Help American Forests reach their goal to plant 3 million trees in 2018, expand tree canopy and improve the quality of life for residents in cities. 

Donation: https://www.americanforests.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/

Protect the Endangered Elephant Species - Elephant Art - by Samantha Taylor.

More than 50 elephants die every day from poaching, hunting and other conflicts with people. Purchase a custom designed T-shirt, greetings cards or painting with proceeds benefiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Link: https://www.reputation-dynamics.com/elephantartshop/

We remain an integral member of a global economy and challenges need to be addressed on a united front, continuing to learn from other cultures, political environments and devising new approaches for improving the livelihoods of low-income communities.  

Reputation Dynamics welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your #GivingTuesday initiatives, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities to collaborate.

With gratitude,

Samantha Taylor, Founder and President of Reputation Dynamics

Image Credit: WANAWAKE WATATU - Three Women

Watercolor painting by Samantha Taylor

Enquiries and Inventory: sam@reputation-dynamics.com

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Reputation Dynamics and #GivingTuesday

Reputation Dynamics is proud to support #GivingTuesday by forming inclusive partnerships and mobilizing collective action between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. We are committed to building resilient communities and focus areas include forest and wildlife protection, women’s economic security and youth education.

Reputation Dynamics is excited to highlight the following client initiatives:

American Forests: Protecting and restoring threatened forest ecosystems.

http://www.americanforests.org 

Women’s Funding Network: Mobilizing the financial power and collective action of more than 100 foundations on the front lines of gender equality.

http://www.womensfundingnetwork.org

TCU’s Discovering Global Citizenship Program: African Rhino Community Centre (ARCC) for enhanced rhino protection and human development in South Africa.

https://planetrhino.tcu.edu

Reputation Dynamics - Elephant Art Shop:  Protection of the endangered African elephant species.

https://www.facebook.com/ElephantArtShop/

As we celebrate our national day of giving in support of nonprofit organizations, it is important to work together collectively to address our pressing world issues. Reputation Dynamics welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your #GivingTuesday initiatives, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities to collaborate.

We look forward to hearing from you and providing information about how to support these terrific initiatives.

Harambee.

Sam Taylor, Founder of Reputation Dynamics

#ReputationDynam

#GivingTuesday

Client Spotlight: American Forests and Eddie Bauer

To commemorate Earth Day and celebrate 20 years of partnership with American Forests, Eddie Bauer has made a commitment to honor the planet by setting a goal to plant 500,000 trees in 2015. And for all you outdoor enthusiasts, Eddie Bauer is making it easy to get what you need for yourself, family and friends while also helping preserve the landscapes you care about. 

From today until Earth Day — April 22 — Eddie Bauer is making its “Add a Dollar, Plant a Tree” option available to both online and in-store customers. In addition, on April 21 and 22, Eddie Bauer will plant a tree for every transaction, whether online, in store, or by phone. Our 20-year partnership has resulted in the planting of more than 6.5 million trees in 150 ecosystems in the U.S. and Canada. Over the course of two decades, these trees have contributed to $100 million worth of improved air quality, $16 million in sequestered carbon and $20 million in enhanced water quality.

Please help us continue to restore and protect our forests by supporting our work through Eddie Bauer.

***

Sam Taylor

Reputation Dynamics and #GivingTuesday

Reputation Dynamics is proud to support #GivingTuesday by building awareness, forming inclusive partnerships and mobilizing action between the for- and nonprofit sectors to protect the planet and improve livelihoods.  Specific focus areas include forest and wildlife protection, youth education and empowering women’s owned businesses. Reputation Dynamics is excited to highlight the following initiatives:

American Forests: Restore forests, create wildlife habitat and improve the health of the planet – www.americanforests.org.

Indego Africa:  A leadership Academy in Kigali, Rwanda to provide artisan partners with free advanced business training, equip these talented women with the tools they need to succeed as independent businesswomen and drive sustainable change in their communities – www.indegoafrica.org

As we celebrate our national day of giving in support of nonprofit organizations, it is important to work together collectively to address our pressing world issues. Reputation Dynamics welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your #GivingTuesday initiatives, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities to collaborate.

We look forward to hearing from you and providing information about how to support these terrific initiatives.

Harambee.

Sam Taylor, Founder of Reputation Dynamics

#ReputationDynam