As You Sow

100 million Americans have $10 trillion in retirement savings, which gets voted on by asset managers who often ignore your values. My Money My Vote ensures your shares reflect your priorities. Help us give more investors this power—donate today at asyousow.org/donate. 

In bittersweet news, many of our favorite chocolates are laced with heavy metals like lead and cadmium. As You Sow has tested chocolate for heavy metals for almost a decade and continues to push the chocolate industry to rethink supply chains. It’s time confectioners start to implement known solutions or face a growing backlash with lawsuits like the one facing Lindt. https://lnkd.in/eifU5ebk

Our own Elizabeth Levy recently noted that “in this larger culture of anti-ESG,” the Big 3 asset managers are reluctant to talk about the obvious impacts of #biodiversity on the #economy. Truth is, whatever they may say or not say publicly, biodiversity and #climate will continue to be a growing material risk for shareholders. https://lnkd.in/eqThJr29

Check this out: New Morgan Stanley survey of 900 institutional investors shows 79% of asset managers believe #sustainability is a key differentiator to unlocking growth and meeting investor demand. Some key takeaways: – More data, less greenwashing…8 out of 10 asset managers and asset owners see sustainable assets growing in the next 2 yrs, though lack of data and greenwashing continue to be challenges – Show, don’t tell…80% of global asset owners require asset managers to demonstrate a sustainable investing policy or strategy – Thank you, next…75% of asset owners say that sustainable investing offerings are a key factor in selecting or retaining asset managers https://lnkd.in/egUPNf38

Good article from David Hood at Bloomberg who spoke to our President & Chief Counsel @DanielleFugere about the expected decrease in proxy power. She said, “Attacks on shareholder rights are of significant concern. What’s being proposed, and what we’ve seen out there is going to be highly detrimental to the shareholder market—to transparency, to expectations” https://lnkd.in/eBS4d5Nn

The market for #environmental, #social, and #governance data continues to grow and is projected to reach approximately $2 billion USD in 2024. How do we use this data to align VALUE with VALUES? By understanding and utilizing the right metrics needed to move the needle. By using trusted data that reflects real-world impacts and stakeholder needs. At As You Know, we are your ally in sustainable investment and reporting. Our mission is to simplify access to high-quality, comprehensive material risk data—empowering organizations to make informed decisions and optimize human capital. --> Visit our website (https://bit.ly/asyouknow) for more information and request a demo (https://lnkd.in/eye8kjqi) to learn how our data can help enhance your impact. #sustainableinvesting #sustainability #ESGdata

Our corporate engagements are delivering real change – because of you. Together we move mountains. Use your voice, call for corporate responsibility to create a livable future. Let’s meet the moment and carry change over into the new year at asyousow.org/donate.  #GivingTuesday 

A good post from Trellis Group on how fossil fuel-funded politicians have distorted the conversation around #ESG. Time to ignore the political theater and get back to the fundamentals of informed investing. https://lnkd.in/e9nmJPpr

Fossil fuel emissions are the largest driver of global warming, yet many of us endorse the biggest corporate offenders with a piece of our paycheck, at least indirectly, when saving and investing for retirement. @tarasiegelbernard shows us how to change all that https://lnkd.in/gEtcZW3q

Google set a powerful example by replacing an underperforming fund in its 401(k) lineup with a fossil-free alternative. The change wasn’t about making a political statement or “going green” — it was a decision driven purely by fiduciary responsibility and sound financial analysis. As Alex Wright-Gladstein, CEO of Sphere, noted in the blog post below: “The Google benefits team has demonstrated that it knows you don’t have to trade off returns to offer climate-safe investments.” For too long, there’s been a myth that sustainable investing means compromising financial performance. False! Google’s approach proves you can uphold fiduciary duty, ensure competitive returns, and still contribute to a livable planet. It’s a win-win-win strategy that we expect more companies to adopt moving forward. #SustainableInvesting #FossilFreeFunds #401k #ESG