The American Sustainable Business Network's monthly newsletter highlighting news on policy, business, capital, and more. 


** MAKING AN IMPACT
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ASBN is committed to working with and alongside our network to develop and elevate the policy solutions needed for inclusive and long-lasting systems change -- thank you all for your part in advancing our mission.
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Registration is now open for our first ASBN Live Event of 2024: “Business Leaders’ Guide to Promoting Civic Engagement in 2024 and Beyond” at 1:00 p.m. ET on January 17. This interactive webinar will equip business leaders to mobilize employees and other stakeholders to participate in the democratic process, foster a culture of civic responsibility, and contribute to the broader democratic discourse. Register HERE ([link removed]) .

ASBN was featured in Senior Executive ([link removed]) magazine's list of “20 Sustainability Associations to Join.”

ASBN leaders participated in White House Tribal Nations Summit, where Interior Secretary Deb Haaland recognized ASBN’s work supporting community-based economic development in Tribal Nations, as well as our USDA Climate Smart Commodities initiative on bison restoration and regeneratively grazed cattle in Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Business & Partnerships Coordinator Terrius Harris (center) attends the White House Tribal Summit in December, where ASBN was recognized for supporting community-based economic development in Tribal Nations.

After a campaign by ASBN affiliate NY Sustainable Business Council ([link removed]) , the New York state legislature passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act ([link removed]) , a first-in-the-nation bill that will limit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides that pollute our water and kill pollinators and other wildlife.

In late 2023, ASBN called ([link removed]) on Pennsylvania lawmakers to permanently fund a statewide soil health program. In response, several state legislators have asked ASBN to assist them in developing draft legislation to meet the state’s soil and water health goals.

Longtime ASBN member Patagonia was recognized in Inc. Magazine ([link removed]) for providing staff with a week of paid vacation between Christmas and New Year’s, noting that “when you stick to your values … you come out ahead every time.”

Business for Conservation and Climate Action member Deenaalee Hodgdon of Smokehouse Collective and On the Land Media was highlighted in High Country News ([link removed]) , which described her work as “reinvigorating ancient Indigenous trade practices as a means to redistribute wealth, return land and water in Alaska to Indigenous stewardship, and show that a healthy economy and clean environment can coexist."

ASBN member Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association was awarded $700,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce carbon emissions in their fleet by converting fishing vessels to hybrid and electric power. Learn more about ALFA’s commitment to low-emission fishing HERE ([link removed]) .

HAVE AN UPDATE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE ASBN COMMUNITY?
CONTACT SHANTI HOLLOWAY (mailto:[email protected]?subject=NEW%20MEMBERSHIP&body=null) , DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES, TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER.

Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Policy Program: ABSN's Business for Conservation and Climate Action (BCCA) campaign is accepting applications for the Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Public Policy Program for Indigenous young adults aged 18-30. This 13-week program will empower participants to drive policy change, and includes a trip to Washington, D.C. Apply HERE ([link removed]) by Jan. 19. Contact BCCA Indigenous Business & Partnerships Coordinator Terrius Harris (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Interested%20in%20the%20Indigenous%20Youth%20Climate%20Resiliency%20Through%20Policy%20Program&body=null) with questions.

EPA seeks input on public involvement: The EPA recently released a draft policy, Achieving Health & Environmental Protection Through EPA’s Meaningful Involvement Policy ([link removed]) , that outlines how the agency will provide meaningful public involvement in its programs and regions. The public can ask questions during an informational webinar on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 6-7 p.m. ET (Register HERE ([link removed]) ). ASBN members and partners are encouraged to submit comments on the draft HERE ([link removed]) .

American Climate Core Listening Sessions: In September, Pres. Biden launched the American Climate Corps (ACC), a workforce training and service initiative that will prepare thousands of young people for good jobs in the clean economy. ASBN members are invited to join a series of listening sessions for prospective ACC applicants and implementing partners on the following dates: Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. ET; Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. ET., and Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. ET. Learn more and register HERE ([link removed]) .

2024 Achieving Climate Resilience Through Water Symposium: On March 20, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia will host a daylong conference for businesses and other professionals working in green stormwater infrastructure, water management, quality, equity, and climate resilience. Attendees will learn how to effectively implement stormwater management practices, identify new approaches to green stormwater infrastructure, and understand the regulatory and financial frameworks that support nature-based solutions. Register HERE ([link removed]) .

ASBN has been recognized for our work in building a just and sustainable economy through several recent awards and grants:
* A general support grant for our Businesses for Conservation & Climate Action ([link removed]) initiative from Building Equity and Alignment for Environmental Justice, a fund that seeks to empower grassroots groups to lead and inform environmental movements.
* A renewal grant from Heinz Endowments to support the ongoing development of the Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network and coalition to build an Appalachian Sustainable Business Network.
* A new grant to activate our network to defend against threats to responsible business from The Sunrise Project, whose mission is to scale social movements to drive the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

ASBN’s Working Groups and Task Forces provide members with an opportunity to shape and engage in policy work that is organized around major issue areas and specific campaigns.

To learn more about working groups and other benefits of ASBN membership, contact Shanti Holloway (mailto:[email protected]) , ASBN Director of Membership Success

Working Group: Democracy

Believes that a strong democracy is essential for a vibrant entrepreneurial economy.

Business for Democracy Collaboratives have been established in eight states to raise the voice of small businesses to protect democracy; we are working to establish a chapter in the Maryland/DC area. If you live in that region, please contact Frank Knapp (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20would%20like%20more%20information%20on%20the%20Democracy%20Working%20Group&body=) to get involved.

Working Group: Circular Economy

Emphasizes recycling, re-use, sharing, repair, and remanufacturing, and the reduction of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions throughout the economy. This month we will discuss our priorities for 2024. Contact David Levine (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20would%20like%20more%20information%20on%20the%20Circular%20Economy%20Working%20Group&body=null) to get involved.

Working Group: Safer Chemicals

Promotes policies for more robust chemical safety in workplaces, homes, communities, and the natural environment. Contact David Levine (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20would%20like%20more%20information%20on%20the%20Safer%20Chemicals%20Working%20Group&body=null) to get involved.

Working Group: Climate and Energy
Identifies key problems, solutions, and strategies to address the climate and energy crisis facing our planet. This month we will hear reports from last month’s U.N. Climate Conference (COP 28) and discuss how international climate negotiations may move forward. Contact Abby Maxwell (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20would%20like%20more%20information%20on%20the%20Climate%20and%20Energy%20Working%20Group&body=null) to get involved.

Working Group: Regenerative Agriculture and Justice

Working in cooperation with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders, we advocate for sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and support for underserved and BIPOC farmers. ASBN is asking ([link removed]) federal agencies to make our food systems more secure by investing their enormous purchasing power into local food systems instead of dangerous monopolies. To get involved, please contact ASBN’s Manager of Regenerative Agriculture and Clean Water, Liza LaManna (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20would%20like%20more%20information%20on%20the%20Regen%20Ag%20and%20Justice%20Working%20Group&body=null) .

Seeking Impactful Ventures - Apply to Present

Since 1987, Investors Circle (IC) has invested nearly $300 million into more than 350 early-stage businesses working to solve major social and environmental problems. IC welcomes seed-stage startups focused on making social and/or environmental impact. Apply here ([link removed]) to present to our group of impact investors.

Investors Circle’s next meeting is February 15 from 12:00-2:00 pm ET. If you are an investor and would like to join a meeting, please contact ASBN Interim Executive Director Nancy Green (mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20am%20interested%20in%20Investors%20Circle&body=) to be included.

Are you a current active ASBN Member and receiving this email?

If so, please contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Update%20member%20email) so we can move your email address to receive our new members-only newsletter.
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