WSBC June Newsletter

June 2019

Greetings!

Summer vacation is upon us and that means schedules have gone amuck. It's also time to get that much needed Vitamin D we have been lacking by enjoying the outdoors as much as possible,

Have you heard of the One Nature Challenge? Originated from author and environmental activist David Suzuki, it's a challenge to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days in a row. The point being to reconnect to nature for your health and mental well-being, ideally forming a life long habit!

I first was introduced to the concept when I moved back to Wisconsin and heard about USGBC- WI (then called WI Green Building Alliance) kicking off their first 30 x 30 Nature Challenge. I was all in and brought the concept to my employer, Outpost Natural Foods, and together we created a list of ideas and a calendar to help you stay accountable and track your progress. You can find the list and calendar here!

I invite you to join in the fun, spending as much time as you can outside this month! And, if you are willing, share your pictures with us by tagging us on Instagram or Facebook and using hashtag #WisconsinSustainableBusinessCouncil (yes, I know it's long!) or, #WisconsinSustainability (if you prefer!).

The Green Masters Program is a FREE resource available to all Wisconsin businesses that apply before September!

The program:

Helps build a strong foundation for your sustainability programming
Is a comprehensive list of what you could be weaving into your sustainability strategies
Gives you credentials that certify your business as taking sustainability actions
Provides recognition for your efforts

Learn More

Apply Now

Upcoming Events:

21st Century Pathways - Integrating Sustainability into Decision Making

Information Session

June 19 | 2 pm - 3 pm | Waukesha

WMEP and WSBC have partnered to develop 21st Century Pathways, a program about integrating sustainability into decision making for businesses. Regardless of where your company is today, Pathways will elevate your business.

This five session, four-month program is designed to build a detailed road map and custom three-year plan (with ROIs) to get the most value out of sustainability for your business.

Join us for an information session to learn more about the program details and if it's a right fit for your company. * If you are not able to join in person, a virtual option is available.

Learn More

Uprooted, Plants in a Changing Climate

James Watrous Gallery | Madison

On Display through June 23

For Uprooted, five Wisconsin artists have created new work focused on the diverse plant communities under threat in Wisconsin.

All the work created for Uprooted has been informed by direct observation in the field as well as consultation with naturalists and scientists who are tracking the impact of climate change.

The goal is that this exhibition will raise awareness about the serious threats facing our region's fragile plant communities, as well as the wildlife that depends on these plants for food and habitat.

Learn More

The Energy Fair

Learn. Connect. Empower.

June 21 - 23 | Custer, WI

Celebrate the summer solstice at The 30th Anniversary Energy Fair on June 21-23, 2019! Organized by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association , The Energy Fair is the nation’s longest-running event of its kind and brings over 10,000 attendees together to learn about sustainability and clean energy, connect with others, and take action toward a sustainable future.

Learn More

Women In Sustainability (WIS)

Investment Conversation

July 16 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Milwaukee

Women tend to be underinvested and not as aggressive when it comes to their security. This is the first in a series about investments and understanding the depth of the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) world and how it relates to us on an individual level.

The conversation will be focused on understanding how you can take charge of your future and independence and debunking the myth that investments are complicated or should be left to experts.

This is a foundation topic for the series, future conversations will take a deeper dive into ESG and how we can make an impact with our investments.

AWS Foundations & Training Program

Foundations of Water Stewardship 9/10/19

Advanced Training 9/11/19

Specialist Training 9/12/19

Whether you are located in the Great Lakes region, middle-America or the Pacific Northwest water risks surround you.

A first step in gaining awareness of your particular water risks is to understand how different types of water risks are material to your operations.

Are you looking to mitigate water-related risks at your sites or even within your supply chain? Do you need a strategic framework to help identify water risks and opportunities and then put an action plan into place to address those risks and opportunities? If so, then WMEP can help your organization through AWS training. After the training, you will be equipped to advocate for water stewardship and implement the International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) at sites within your organization (industrial, agricultural or municipal).

Learn More

Motivation Corner

The Power of Transformative Collaboration

Climate change is a global issue and action must come from every aspect of society to yield the needed change. How can corporations make a difference without losing profit? Keith Weed argues that sustainability and economic growth can go hand-in-hand.

Watch Now

The Plastic That Washes Up on Hawaii’s Beaches Affects Me. Personally.

I have been tasked with establishing a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lab in Hawaii to monitor, quantify and characterize plastic pollution to answer important questions about its sources and impacts. My obsession with clearing plastic from the beach is part of what drives me to learn exactly what the debris is and where it’s coming from...

In the News

Global Sustainability Summit convened to help solve the equation of economic growth and environmental sustainability. Here is a recap.

Source: McKinsey

REPORT :

How the geography of climate damage could make the politics less polarizing.

Source: Brookings

Global Plastics Summit talked about what their companies were doing in response to the world's crisis in plastics waste.

Source: Inside Climate News