Ford Aims To Raise $5 Million For Reforestation, Preservation Efforts (mediapost.com)

Outdoor brands wasted no time blasting President Donald Trump’s new executive order about America’s national monuments. Patagonia called the move hypocritical and challenged his authority regarding public lands. And the Outdoor Industry Association, in a letter signed by more than 100 outdoor companies -- including Columbia Sportswear, REI, New Balance, Woolrich and the North Face -- says it is “deeply concerned” about the order, which could potentially lead to rescinding and resizing national monuments, as well as opening them up for mining and drilling. Patagonia has been girding its loins for Trump for some time. Last fall, it spent a reported $1 million running full-page ads urging people to “Vote for the Planet.” And it has been deeply involved in the controversy around the Bears Ears Monument in Utah -- 1.35 million acres designated by former President Obama late last year. When Utah passed a resolution asking Trump to remove that designation in February, Patagonia pulled out of Outdoor Retailer, the OIA’s major trade show, protesting Utah’s “hostile” approach to the environment. And last week, the company unveiled an ad about Bears Ears to run on PBS, as well as an extensive video and virtual reality film about the area, detailing its cultural significance, sport opportunities, with easy links to contact Ryan Zinke, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, to protest. click Read More below for more of the story

In our increasingly environmentally conscious world, it’s common for companies to tout their green initiatives and environmentally friendly practices, and that’s just good business. But all too often, companies claim benefits – like the environmental superiority of “recyclable plastic” packaging or “going green” by switching from paper to electronic communications — as a way to cloak poor environmental performance or mask cost-cutting efforts. With no sound scientific evidence to back them up, these types of claims are textbook greenwashing. Some of the consequences of greenwashing are obvious. Clearly, unsubstantiated environmental claims mislead consumers, often causing them to take actions they would not otherwise consider. Greenwashing claims can also cause reputational harm, not only damaging the credibility of companies that make such claims, but also casting doubt over the valid claims of companies that are contributing to real environmental progress. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s “Green Guides” provide very specific guidance related to environmental claims, stating that “claims must be truthful, not misleading and supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence.” Unfortunately, this guidance is often ignored.

Print buyers from Ann Inc., REI and Starbucks will tell print suppliers where and why sustainability figures into print buying decisions during the Brands Talking Sustainability luncheon at the 2017 SGIA Expo (New Orleans, Oct. 10-12). The luncheon takes place Tuesday, Oct. 10, 12:00-2:00 p.m., and features speakers Libra Balian, senior director, marketing operations, Ann Inc., Suzanna Eversole, manager, print production, REI and Stephen White, print production manager, Starbucks Coffee Company. “In a retail setting, marketing materials very often can’t be reused or recycled. That matters to a growing number of brands like Ann Inc., REI and Starbucks. They’re looking for print providers who understand the importance of the sustainable journey,” says Marci Kinter, VP, Government & Business Affairs, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA). “This luncheon will explore how print suppliers can help retailers meet their sustainability objectives.” Click Read More below for more of the story.