How the Market Can Drive Water Conservation in Rivers

Is it possible to please two groups who are traditionally at odds with each other- conservationists and people who use the land and rivers for their income?  Rob Harmon, an expert on energy and natural resources policy, explained in a video on Ted Talks how the market can drive conservation and create a win-win situation for folks in the agricultural community who hold senior water rights to degraded streams and rivers in the United States, as well as for the companies who use the natural resources to create products.  It's a solution that is good for the environment, good for the agricultural community, and good for companies.

Watch Rob Harmon's video on Ted Talks here. 

What We're Reading: Sustainability Software, Agriculture Supply Chains, and Distribution Networks

Every once in awhile, we review and clean out our "saved articles" inbox--a place that we regularly save articles of interest for later access. Today, we thought we'd share with you some of the most interesting tidbits that we've rediscovered: 

Approaches to EHS & Sustainability Data -- a 48-page report that examines the primary tools environment, health and safety (EHS), and sustainability leaders use to ensure regulatory compliance, increase efficiency and support public disclosure of sustainability achievements. This year’s report is a snapshot of how companies are using management information systems to track progress, improve performance and facilitate external communication.

Case Studies in Carbon-Efficient Logistics: Ocean Spray - Leveraging Distribution Network Redesign -- In this case study, the authors present two Ocean Spray initiatives -- distribution network redesign and intermodal shift from road to rail -- that in combination led to a 20% reduction in transportation CO2 emissions, while achieving comparable cost savings across the transportation network.

Sustainable Sourcing of Agricultural Raw Materials: a Practitioner’s Guide -- Now that your company has decided to source its raw materials from sustainable agricultural sources, you can read this guide to help you develop and implement a sustainable sourcing strategy for your company.  

Readers, tell us! What articles, reports, and case studies are you catching up on? Let us know in the comments, or tell us on Twitter (@jenniferwoofter). 

Seven Principles of Sustainable Food for the Holidays and Every Day

Strategic Sustainability Consulting is off for the Holidays! 

But before we go … here are a few quick thoughts that we wanted to share during the holidays since we typically like to include food in the festivities:  Think of these seven principles from Sustain Web as you celebrate today and every day!

Use local, seasonally available ingredients as standard, to minimize energy used in food production, transport and storage.

Specify food from farming systems that minimize harm to the environment, such as certified organic produce.

Limit foods of animal origin (meat, dairy products and eggs) served, as livestock farming is one of the most significant contributors to climate change, and promote meals rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains and nuts. Ensure that meat, dairy products and eggs are produced to high environmental and animal welfare standards.

Exclude fish species identified as most 'at risk' by the Marine Conservation Society, and choose fish only from sustainable sources - such as those accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Choose Fairtrade-certified products for foods and drinks imported from poorer countries, to ensure a fair deal for disadvantaged producers.

Avoid bottled water and instead serve plain or filtered tap water in reusable jugs or bottles, to minimize transport and packaging waste.

Promote health and well-being by cooking with generous portions of vegetables, fruit and starchy staples like whole grains, cutting down on salt, fats and oils, and cutting out artificial additives.

Sustain Web also offers some great suggestions for event organizers, a consumer guide to sustainable food, and insight into the importance of “eating the seasons.” Enjoy!