The Convergence of Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Media

Photo via: Just Means Future of Sustainability Communications & Practice
 
This Friday, March 19, I’ll be networking with global peers at the Just Means Social Media and CSR conference in London. The conference is an opportunity to share stories and best practices as participants begin to fully grasp the power of the converging forces of social media and corporate social responsibility, which are totally in line with our “Better World” values here at Herman Miller.

In an era where anyone can be a global reporter, businesses have moved to increase their level of corporate transparency; the days of making a statement and hiding behind press releases are long gone. That this idea is catching on in the mainstream is reflected in the speaker roster: representatives from Unilever, Dell, Royal Dutch Shell, software giant SAP, and The Guardian newspaper. Others are on the agenda and participants include representatives ranging from corporate giants like Coca-Cola and Arcelor Mittal, to media agencies such as BSkyB, and international development organizations such as Care International UK.

For more information on the conference visit the Just Means website. And if you want to follow me at the event, I plan to tweet live from the event at @HermanMiller. Watch for hashtag #BetterWorld.

Holland to Google: “We Need Speed”

The faster the network connections, the better people can work at home and on the move. Google thinks more speed for more people is the answer. It’s planning to test a network that will deliver the Internet over 1 gigabit per second fiber connections “in one or more trial locations across the country.”

Holland, Michigan, where our Design Yard facility is located, is one of the communities vying to be chosen. From now until March 26, residents can nominate the city and make the case for why it should be chosen. All you need is a Gmail account. Here’s hoping that Holland will be chosen (and that you’ll help by nominating the city).

Mindful Energy Management without a Second Thought

I grew up in a frugal household long before frugality was trendy. My father’s favorite sayings were, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” “Shut off that light if you’re not using it,” and “Shut the door, I’m not paying to air condition the county.”

My father would have thought Herman Miller’s new Energy Manager is a great idea.
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Celebrating the Spirit of Sustainability

Business Review West Michigan has chosen Herman Miller as a Green Champion in its inaugural Green Awards. We’re one of nearly 100 nominations—including businesses and individuals—that exemplify the spirit of sustainability by pushing the boundaries of green business.
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It’s Summertime and the Biking is Easy

One of the reasons I like living in Holland, Michigan, is that it’s a balanced mix of city, country, and beach resort. Complemented by the beauty of four seasons, we have a lot of variety all year ‘round. In the summertime, there’s nothing like a commute to work by bicycle, especially with a network of bike paths to keep you safe and free to enjoy the ride.
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Water, Water, Everywhere?

The next time you brush your teeth and leave the water running, think about some of these facts that point to a worldwide water shortage.
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How Gardens Are Like Healthy Companies

Not everyone gets to step out from their workplace and pinch off some fresh dill to top their leftover salmon at lunchtime. Or bring tomatoes home from work for dinner. Unless you work at our Design Yard facility in Holland, Michigan, where a group of employees have nurtured a garden full of veggies, herbs, and perennials for all employees to enjoy.
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Shipping Containers Redux

Photo credit: Captain Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps (ret.)

Steel shipping containers with their rust-colored, world-weary patina have become ubiquitous symbols of the global economy. Millions are in circulation worldwide. And, they keep coming, especially from East to West.
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Greening Up Your Act

Photo credit: iStockphoto.com/Falconiaz

One of the best things coming out of the push toward sustainability is the increasing awareness that with a little effort, we can do a lot of good. Energy use in commercial buildings and manufacturing plants accounts for nearly half of energy consumption nationwide, so the workplace is a low-hanging fruit, in a way, even if your company doesn’t have any programs or policies in place. Here’s what you personally can do, starting today.
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From the Heart of the People

How could such a nice group of people irk the CEO? The short answer is, get feisty with him about the company’s stance on the environment.
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