Sustainable Business in the News

There have been a slew of great articles covering sustainable business lately in the major media – in Barron’s, Fortune, Business Week, the Wall Street Journal and the NY Times. The article, “Good Vibes: Socially Responsible Investing is Gaining Fans and Clout,” appeared in Barron’s Mutual Fund Quarterly Report. Robin Blumenthal, the author, points to the silver lining of the “tidal wave of disclosures about wrongdoing in Corporate America’s executive suites and boardrooms.” It has put a surprising amount of cash and clout in the socially responsible investment (SRI) proponents’ corner, she says. In 2002, SRI mutual funds grew by $1.5 billion, while conventional U.S. equity funds shrunk by $10.5 billion. Mainstream asset managers including Vanguard, State Street and Gabelli now offer SRI investment options and 14 indexes world-wide track SRI investments. As SRI proponents have claimed for many years, their independent research and emphasis on company transparency helps them invest in companies with higher quality management and avoid some of the red-flag problems like asbestos liability, or Enron-style management. The title of the June 4 Fortune Small Business Special Report says it all: “The Green Business Revolution, The Next Big Thing.”The article confirms what we all know: the titans […]

Read More