Jeremy Bradley's blogshttp://www.justmeans.com/editorials/sustainable-finance-and-responsible-investment/241.htmlFri, 25 May 2012 00:46:28 GMThttp://www.justmeans.com en hourly 1http://www.justmeans.com/Wal-Mart-and-Sustainability--A-Good-Match/48808.htmlSat, 30 Apr 2011 05:53:24 GMTJeremy Bradley Wal-Mart is one of the world's largest big-box stores. The company has long been known and/or criticized for its low prices, its questionable employee relations practices, and its source of products (particularly those coming from Asian countries). However, many people fail to consider Wal-Mart's sustainability practices. Wal-Mart, like other major corporations, is placing focus on going green and maintaining financially responsible sustainability practices.According to Wal-Mart's website, the c Read Full Article ]]> Wal-Mart is one of the world's largest big-box stores. The company has long been known and/or criticized for its low prices, its questionable employee relations practices, and its source of products (particularly those coming from Asian countries). However, many people fail to consider Wal-Mart's sustainability practices. Wal-Mart, like other major corporations, is placing focus on going green and maintaining financially responsible sustainability practices.According to Wal-Mart's website, the company has three broad environmental goals that all directly relate to sustainable finance:To be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy;To create zero waste;To sell products that sustain people and the environment.Wal-Mart evidently believes that "being an efficient and profitable business and being a good steward of the environment are goals that can work together." This should be the motto of every major international corporation - that if you're smart about it, profit and sustainability don't have to be mutually exclusive. Wal-Mart's broad environmental goals are "simple and straightforward" yet speak volumes about the company's commitment to the future of our planet.Photo credit: Eurofruit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Solar-Stocks-Plunge/48523.htmlTue, 19 Apr 2011 09:55:30 GMTJeremy Bradley First Solar (FSLR) is one of the tried and true solar stocks. But the stock fell 2% this week as the Bureau of Land Management released its final environmental impact statement on the company's proposed Desert Sunlight project. Analysts for the project, well-reported in the media, are cautious of First Solar stock. They are reportedly weary of extended margin pressure and project development risks.Further complicating matters, analysts say there is high potential for legal action to block the De Read Full Article ]]> First Solar (FSLR) is one of the tried and true solar stocks. But the stock fell 2% this week as the Bureau of Land Management released its final environmental impact statement on the company's proposed Desert Sunlight project. Analysts for the project, well-reported in the media, are cautious of First Solar stock. They are reportedly weary of extended margin pressure and project development risks.Further complicating matters, analysts say there is high potential for legal action to block the Desert Sunlight project. This, coupled with the plunging shares of Evergreen Solar (ESLR), may be to blame for the decrease in First Solar stock. Citigroup, holder of Evergreen Solar, says that the company faces capacity issues and may be meet its efficiency and effectiveness targets.Because First Solar is considered the leader in solar stocks, others on the index fell as well - Trina Solar (TSL) is down 6%; ReneSola (SOL) and JinkoSolar Holding (JKS) are both down 4%; LDK Solar Company (LDK) fell 4% as well.If you're interested in tracking the Solar Stocks Index, visit tickerspy.com.Photo Credit: Apollo1981]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Energy-Stocks-Soar/48353.htmlMon, 11 Apr 2011 08:06:26 GMTJeremy Bradley Oil is nearly $100 a barrel; social unrest continues to unfold in the Middle East; natural disasters are hitting Japan. Even as the world faces these crises, those following the green energy market can rejoice. Sustainable energy stocks are soaring and we may have the aforementioned crises to thank. As new concerns with energy and oil emerge along with the continued shift in weather patterns world-wide, investors are looking to green energy as an alternative.According to the World Economic Forum Read Full Article ]]> Oil is nearly $100 a barrel; social unrest continues to unfold in the Middle East; natural disasters are hitting Japan. Even as the world faces these crises, those following the green energy market can rejoice. Sustainable energy stocks are soaring and we may have the aforementioned crises to thank. As new concerns with energy and oil emerge along with the continued shift in weather patterns world-wide, investors are looking to green energy as an alternative.According to the World Economic Forum, investments in sustainability and renewable energy reached $243 billion in 2010, a 30% rise from 2009. Investment across Europe, the Middle East and Africa rose to $94.4 billion, while North and South America saw an increase of $17 billion. Pacific nations saw an increase of$83 billion. Overall, the renewable energy sector has seen a 630% growth since 2004. And despite the lack of federal climate and energy legislation in the United States and elsewhere, economists predict that the rising costs of energy will further increase the demand for renewable energy options, making investments in the sector extremely lucrative.Photo credit: Marie Swartz]]>http://www.justmeans.com/China-Reduces-Its-Target-Growth--Aims-for-More-Green/48152.htmlSun, 03 Apr 2011 12:40:05 GMTJeremy Bradley China reduced its targeted economic growth rate for the calendar year 2011. A surprise to some, given the booming Asian marketplace, China is aiming to achieve more envrionmentally-friendly expansion. The growth rate was reduced by half a percentage point to 7%. Producing a low-carbon-based economy is top priority for Chinese development, members of the government's climate and economic offices said on Wednesday. With this decreased carbon output is a plan for delivering one billion people from Read Full Article ]]> China reduced its targeted economic growth rate for the calendar year 2011. A surprise to some, given the booming Asian marketplace, China is aiming to achieve more envrionmentally-friendly expansion. The growth rate was reduced by half a percentage point to 7%. Producing a low-carbon-based economy is top priority for Chinese development, members of the government's climate and economic offices said on Wednesday. With this decreased carbon output is a plan for delivering one billion people from poverty. As the world's second largest economy, China hopes to reduce its energy intensity - its consumption per unit of GDP - by 16%. The government there also wants to cut carbon intensity by 17%. Xie Zhenhua, President Hu Jintao's special representative on climate change, says that achieving these targets will require businesses and consumers in China to utilize a full-range of financial, investment, and technical skills -- skills that will enable the government to provide tax and financing incentives to those that save energy and reduce carbon emissions.Speaking at a recent climate change forum in Canberra, Australian Climate Change Minister Greg Combet noted: "China is rapidly positioning itself to take advantage of the opportunities presented by a low carbon world and leads the world in uptake of renewable power."Photo credit: Grumpy.Editor / Flickr]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Green-Investing-Teams-Up-With-Historic-Preservation/47516.htmlWed, 23 Mar 2011 04:34:18 GMTJeremy Bradley The green movement in America is rapidly moving forward. Advice on investing in sustainable development comes at us from every angle, but one sector of the green market that isn't often discussed is historic preservation. It goes without saying that most historic architecture wasn't focused on sustainability or the environment, but that doesn't mean that going green plays no part in the future of historic preservation.The question that some historic preservationists are asking now is this: why b Read Full Article ]]> The green movement in America is rapidly moving forward. Advice on investing in sustainable development comes at us from every angle, but one sector of the green market that isn't often discussed is historic preservation. It goes without saying that most historic architecture wasn't focused on sustainability or the environment, but that doesn't mean that going green plays no part in the future of historic preservation.The question that some historic preservationists are asking now is this: why build new green structures of copper, glass and other reusable materials when we could simply reuse old buildings instead? The National Trust for Historic Preservation evidently asked themselves this question and answered it for us: "the greenest building is the one already built." And now, the Trust is reminding consumers that many historic structures are prime candidates for LEED certification.The National Parks Service is also considering renovating many historic sights as cost-effective green buildings. Officials at Ft. Sumter in South Carolina, for instance, are evaluating the feasibility of solar panels and backup fuel cell generators. The officials say that would install the solar panels on the roof as to not disturb the historic feel of Ft. Sumter, proving that sustainability can be seamlessly integrated with classic architecture.A major consideration for other government departments and independent contractors considering green-ing historic structures is the balance between the costs and benefits associated with new construction, the refurbishment to LEED standards of old structures, and the methods of traditional preservation and restoration. Nonetheless, historic preservationists are increasingly supporting the sustainable regeneration of original structures, an idea that makes buildings green but allows us to appreciate history.Photo credit: Jeremy C Bradley]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Tips-for-Investing-in-Solar-Energy/47234.htmlFri, 18 Mar 2011 11:24:45 GMTJeremy Bradley In this day and age, consumers are looking for ways to save as much money as possible. Investing in solar energy is an attractive option for consumers who want to reduce their energy bills and who want to help make headway in sustainable energy options. Here are some tips for investing in solar energy:1. Make sure solar energy is right for your situation. There is substantial up-front costs associated with solar power. If your energy bill is already affordable, the costs might be worth the ROI. Read Full Article ]]> In this day and age, consumers are looking for ways to save as much money as possible. Investing in solar energy is an attractive option for consumers who want to reduce their energy bills and who want to help make headway in sustainable energy options. Here are some tips for investing in solar energy:1. Make sure solar energy is right for your situation. There is substantial up-front costs associated with solar power. If your energy bill is already affordable, the costs might be worth the ROI. The Better Business Bureau recommends investing in solar power for consumers with energy bills of more than $100 per month.2. After the initial costs associated with converting to solar energy, there are costs linked with maintenance. Perform a cost-benefit analysis to weigh the long-term investment.3. Some cities and states offer tax incentives and refunds for investments in solar energy. Check your local incentive programs by doing a quick web search or by visiting your state's Department of Energy.4. Most importantly, understand how solar energy works. Read up on the topic before you decide to invest. Once you have all the facts, you'll be able to take full advantage of the benefits of solar energy.Photo credit: Brian Kusler]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Housing-Market-Still-Suffering/47113.htmlWed, 16 Mar 2011 09:33:12 GMTJeremy Bradley Investments in new housing projects saw their biggest decline in 27 years and building permits dropped to their lowest level ever in February. So while the financial sector may be re-bounding, there is no evidence to suggest that the real estate market is. As for groundbreaking on new construction, the annual rate stands at 479,000 units - that's a 22.5 percent drop in February, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department today. Economists had predicted a drop to 570,000 units, do Read Full Article ]]> Investments in new housing projects saw their biggest decline in 27 years and building permits dropped to their lowest level ever in February. So while the financial sector may be re-bounding, there is no evidence to suggest that the real estate market is. As for groundbreaking on new construction, the annual rate stands at 479,000 units - that's a 22.5 percent drop in February, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department today. Economists had predicted a drop to 570,000 units, down from 618,000 units in January. The report indicates that the real estate and construction markets are failing despite interest rates at near record lows. Similarly, approvals for building permits fell to a record low of 517,000 units in February, a 20 percent decrease from 2010. These startling statistics force us to ask how much the economy is really rebounding given that housing was at the center of the financial crisis. We are reminded, however, of the vast amount of unsold property in the housing market. Investors are often still reluctant to head-into large financial commitments. This fear is clearly affecting the market and call to question the effectiveness of green-building campaigns. Can we afford to push green initiatives in a failing market or is that the perfect time to introduce a potentially game-changing plan?Photo credit: Jeremy C Bradley]]>http://www.justmeans.com/United-Nations-to-the-World--Go-Green-/46884.htmlSat, 12 Mar 2011 13:31:29 GMTJeremy Bradley The United Nations has issued a blueprint for green investment over the next forty years. Calling for a complete change in direction for the market forces that affect the environment, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests that 2 percent of global gross domestic product (about $1.3 trillion) be funneled towards low-carbon, resource-efficent investments.An investment of this magnitude would dramatically alter green initiatives. The report, Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable De Read Full Article ]]> The United Nations has issued a blueprint for green investment over the next forty years. Calling for a complete change in direction for the market forces that affect the environment, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) suggests that 2 percent of global gross domestic product (about $1.3 trillion) be funneled towards low-carbon, resource-efficent investments.An investment of this magnitude would dramatically alter green initiatives. The report, Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication, notes that too many resources have been invested in the "wrong" sectors: "During the last two decades, much capital was poured into property, fossil fuels and structured financial assets with embedded derivatives, but relatively little in comparison was invested in renewable energy, energy efficiency, public transportation, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem and biodiversity protection, and land and water conservation."The United Nations is asking countries around the world to initiate legislation that channels funds towards green initiatives: "Unfettered markets are not meant to solve social problems, so there is a need for better public policies, including pricing and regulatory measures to change the perverse market incentives that drive this capital misallocation."The UNEP report notes that agriculture, public transportation, and the fisheries sector are key areas of concern (and places for substantial growth) in the green market. While the United Nations has no way of tracking exactly how much individual nations invest in sustainable markets, this report paves the way for broad reforms in governmental spending over the next several years.Photo credit: Jared and Corin]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Investments-in-Green-Energy-on-the-Rise/46727.htmlWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:40:30 GMTJeremy Bradley Making the decision to invest in green companies can be intimidating. There's a lot of information in cyberspace - some of it encouraging investment and some of it weary of the ROI on sustainable investments. I've offered some do's and don't's for would-be green investors and in this post, we'll take a look at the factors that make green investing a wise decision in 2011.The Think-Tank CSR Asia announced yesterday that, despite the recession in 2010, investments in green energy reached nearly $2 Read Full Article ]]> Making the decision to invest in green companies can be intimidating. There's a lot of information in cyberspace - some of it encouraging investment and some of it weary of the ROI on sustainable investments. I've offered some do's and don't's for would-be green investors and in this post, we'll take a look at the factors that make green investing a wise decision in 2011.The Think-Tank CSR Asia announced yesterday that, despite the recession in 2010, investments in green energy reached nearly $200 billion, up from $162 billion in 2009. Most of the new investors are coming from places outside the United States. Brazil, China, and India have the most number of new green investors. CSR Asia notes that these non-OECD countries have recognized the climate change threat and are investing in green energy in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.These investors are not alone. The UNEP report on sustainability and green investment notes: "the green economy is expected to generate as much growth and employment - or more- compared to the current business as usual scenario and it outperforms economic projections in the medium and long term, while yielding significantly more environmental and social benefits." Green investing, therefore, makes sense not only environmentally but also economically.Investors deciding to jump into the green sector are obviously coming off the heels of the recession. They understand that there are deep rooted problems in the global financial system. Nonetheless, the sheer number of new investors in the green sector reminds us that a changing climate, the loss of biodiversity, and the threat of global warming are all reasons to invest in responsible green initiatives.As CSR Asia points out: "the potential and the mechanisms within the green economy ... make it a success ..."Read more about the basics of green investing.Photo credit: Sebastian Bergmann]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Is-Green-Investing-a-Smart-Decision/46647.htmlTue, 08 Mar 2011 08:07:33 GMTJeremy Bradley In the third part of a series on the basics of green investing, we look at some do's and don't's for sustainable investment.While the official recession may be over, the long-term effects of a dismal marketplace are still evident. Investors are sometimes weary of green companies and mutual funds. This is especially true of new-comers to green investing who may be anxious at the ROI of sustainability.Everywhere we look the signs of a sustainable future abound. Barack Obama has promised to encoura Read Full Article ]]> In the third part of a series on the basics of green investing, we look at some do's and don't's for sustainable investment.While the official recession may be over, the long-term effects of a dismal marketplace are still evident. Investors are sometimes weary of green companies and mutual funds. This is especially true of new-comers to green investing who may be anxious at the ROI of sustainability.Everywhere we look the signs of a sustainable future abound. Barack Obama has promised to encourage industries that are environmentally-friendly. The federal government is creating green technology. More people are driving hybrid vehicles as the price of gasoline stays steadily high. If these aren't reason enough to predict the long-term ROI on green investments, we understand your hesitation.The value of shares in renewable energy fall dramatically at the end of 2008. That's nearly three years ago but memories are long and the negative connotations associated with green investing don't stop there. The hugely popular WilderHill Clean Energy Index, a conglomerate of 51 green companies, began 2009 down 70% (the Dow Jones Industrial ended down 34%). So what's changed since then?A huge obstacle to any form of new business is the capital needed for start-up. Green companies often are under-funded and many of them found it hard to survive the economic meltdown. Now that things are beginning to look up, investing in wind and solar projects, for instance, can be a valuable long-term plan. Venture capitalists are now backing green companies that have developed fully-thought out projects. Investors interested in sustainable development can follow suit.So how does an investor choose which green stocks, bonds, and mutual funds to invest in?Rule number one: Do your homework. The old rules still apply: don't invest money you can't afford to live without and don't put all your money into just one sector of the green marketplace. The sustainable industry is huge and there are many investments options to choose from.Photo credit: Seth Anderson]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Food-Prices-Up--No-Crisis-Yet/46379.htmlFri, 04 Mar 2011 13:20:22 GMTJeremy Bradley For some folks, eating organically grown food is a no-brainer. They do it because the farmers who grew those foods focus on sustainability and because those foods are generally considered healthier options. While the prices of organically-grown foods in America is typically a bit more expensive than traditionally-grown foods, they price difference hasn't deterred most. That may change.In February, the price of food rose 2.2% worldwide. That's a record. The United Nations is warning that unrest i Read Full Article ]]> For some folks, eating organically grown food is a no-brainer. They do it because the farmers who grew those foods focus on sustainability and because those foods are generally considered healthier options. While the prices of organically-grown foods in America is typically a bit more expensive than traditionally-grown foods, they price difference hasn't deterred most. That may change.In February, the price of food rose 2.2% worldwide. That's a record. The United Nations is warning that unrest in Libya and the Middle East could push prices even higher. That's bad news for Americans who already have seen a month-on-month increase in food prices over the last several reportable periods; and even worse news for the sustainable foods market.The world isn't facing a food crisis yet and there's certainly no reason to stock-up on canned goods before the market sky-rockets, but the rising price of foods does leave one to wonder why organically-grown foods cost so much more in the States, especially given the fact that the price of traditionally-grown foods is in many ways linked to the sale of oil.Not everyone in the world knows what it likes to pay more for organic food. In central Europe, most organic foods are priced evenly (and sometimes less expensively) than traditionally-grown foods. All products sold in grocery stores are biologically-approved, meaning they go through strict standards that ensure safety and compliance with environmental standards. Europeans don't pay extra for these assurance, as Americans do.But Americans shouldn't get upset just yet - food-price inflation is being blamed as one cause for the unrest in the Middle East. All food commodities are hitting higher than expected inflation rates and the economic backlash for countries that export foodstuffs has lead to government crackdowns and stricter import-export rules in those nations.Our advice: keep an eye on your supermarket. Shop for environmentally-friendly foods at decent prices. Don't be afraid to shop around to get the best deals on foods that are sustainably-produced yet also keep your wallet fat.Photo credit: Hari Prasad Nadig]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Dollar-Centricity-May-Soon-Be-Over/46280.htmlThu, 03 Mar 2011 04:39:06 GMTJeremy Bradley When a wine distributor from South Korea wants to import a cabernet from Chile he uses U.S. dollars to pay the Chilean. In fact, less than 20% of the merchandise trade of both South Korea and Chile is within the United States, but the dollar is almost the exclusive currency of foreign transaction.In an article in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, Barry Eichengreen notes that the most astonishing thing about today's volatile economic climate is the fact that the U.S. dollar is still at the ce Read Full Article ]]> When a wine distributor from South Korea wants to import a cabernet from Chile he uses U.S. dollars to pay the Chilean. In fact, less than 20% of the merchandise trade of both South Korea and Chile is within the United States, but the dollar is almost the exclusive currency of foreign transaction.In an article in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, Barry Eichengreen notes that the most astonishing thing about today's volatile economic climate is the fact that the U.S. dollar is still at the center of it.The dollar is not just America's currency - it's the world's. 85% of foreign-exchange transactions are for U.S. dollars. The dollar is also the currency of 50% of all international debt securities. But many economists are predicting that the dollar's reign as the global currency is coming to an end. Here's why:1. The dollar's worth is being eroded by changes in technology. Comparing the exchange rates between currencies was, for decades, a difficult task, so it made more sense for importers and bond issuers to quote and invoice in dollars. These days, most people have access to the internet and can check exchange rates in real time. There is now room for other currencies to thrive if they offer better rates. The Euro comes to mind as a rising example.2. The Euro is big business. While many Americans tend to see the Euro as an unstable currency, Europeans countries have not abandoned its use. They will continue with long-term deficit reduction and will begin to issue bonds backed by the full faith and credit of the eurozone. This will mean big competition for U.S. markets.3. The dollar is no longer secure. Foreign investors and businesses deal in U.S. dollars because that currency is considered secure. But now, U.S. debt is approaching 75% of gross domestic product and the U.S. is finding it harder to maintain the value of its currency.Eichgreen predicts that "the dollar will have to fall by roughly 20%." When this happens, the price of imported goods in the U.S. will rise (are there goods that aren't imported?). The living standards of most Americans will decrease to accommodate this shift. Meanwhile, economists suggest that Europeans will thrive off the dollar's demise, as the Euro flourishes and becomes a stronger international monetary unit.Photo credit: Jeremy C Bradley]]>http://www.justmeans.com/New-Roles-for-the-Old-Financial-Bosses/46185.htmlTue, 01 Mar 2011 08:26:08 GMTJeremy Bradley Chief Financial Officers at organizations of all sizes have seen their roles expand over the last three years. In light of the recession, the heads of finance and investment decisions at everywhere from Fortune 500 companies to small non-profits are now more engaged with sustainable business strategy.Once the keepers of financial books, CFOs now help organizations decide where to invest capital and they manage projects in departments not traditionally associated with finance. Some CFOs, for inst Read Full Article ]]> Chief Financial Officers at organizations of all sizes have seen their roles expand over the last three years. In light of the recession, the heads of finance and investment decisions at everywhere from Fortune 500 companies to small non-profits are now more engaged with sustainable business strategy.Once the keepers of financial books, CFOs now help organizations decide where to invest capital and they manage projects in departments not traditionally associated with finance. Some CFOs, for instance, are responsible for technology and human resource decisions now, especially as larger companies downsize to save resources.While these changes in financial management are quite literally the result of the recession, business theorists also point out that a focus on sustainability is the natural course business management is taking in the twenty-first century. Companies are concerned increasingly with controlling cots and investing in projects that their consumers and partners view as green-friendly.Paul Reilly, the CFO at Arrow Electronics, notes:"I think this greater influence has a lot to do with the fact that CFOs have a deep understanding of the business, and they have a pretty good feel about whether the business is going in the right direction, both long and short term." The Chief Financial Officer, then, can be seen as the backbone of the organization's sustainable infrastructure. In other words, CFOs help CEOs develop strategies for investing in initiatives that not only reward in dividends, but are also environmentally-conscious. Reilly continues:"So what you've seen is the role expand beyond the traditional scope of finance and go into strategy, technical execution, and acting as advisor on how to create value in the long term ..."Are you the CFO at a large or small organization? How has your role changed?Photo credit: Jenene Chesbrough]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Green-Ketchup--Heinz-Makes-Sustainability-a-Priority/45671.htmlThu, 24 Feb 2011 04:32:15 GMTJeremy Bradley Say goodbye to the plastic ketchup bottles of your childhood. Say hello to new "green" bottles. H.J. Heinz Company, makers of the famous ketchup, is revamping its production model to make the iconic condiment bottles more environmentally-friendly.On Wednesday, officials at Heinz announced that they will begin using Coca-Cola's technology in making bottles. The Coca-Cola technology creates plastic bottles from plant-based materials. Coca-Cola has been a forerunner in introducing plant-based techn Read Full Article ]]> Say goodbye to the plastic ketchup bottles of your childhood. Say hello to new "green" bottles. H.J. Heinz Company, makers of the famous ketchup, is revamping its production model to make the iconic condiment bottles more environmentally-friendly.On Wednesday, officials at Heinz announced that they will begin using Coca-Cola's technology in making bottles. The Coca-Cola technology creates plastic bottles from plant-based materials. Coca-Cola has been a forerunner in introducing plant-based technology in other parts of the food industry. Since 2009, Coca-Cola has used this technology to bottle its soft drinks. The bottles are made by mixing traditional plastics with up to 30 percent plant-based materials.Both Heinz and Coca-Cola hope to eventually stop using traditional plastics. Oil is a major component of such plastics. The move to plant-based technology signals that both companies are moving towards sustainability as a priority. The move also signifies a partnership between the two major companies and while details of their licensing agreement are not yet known, Heinz representatives did say that using Coca-Cola's new technology will not increase the price of ketchup to Heinz customers.Representatives from Coca-Cola notes that this could be the first of several agreements with Heinz. Possible agreements include work on distribution, purchasing, health-related concerns, and supply chain management.Photo credit: Matthias Klappenbach]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Up--Up-and-Away--Making-Wise-Green-Investing-Decisions/45408.htmlMon, 21 Feb 2011 05:16:56 GMTJeremy Bradley In this, the second part of a series on green investing, we'll focus on financial sustainability as it relates to the individual investor. We're all aware that investors come in many shapes and sizes - some like to take risks, play the market and hope for good returns; others play it safe, cautiously investing where returns are all but guaranteed. Whatever your individual style, investing in green initiatives can be rewarding. Here are some simple steps to get you started:1. Do your research! Th Read Full Article ]]> In this, the second part of a series on green investing, we'll focus on financial sustainability as it relates to the individual investor. We're all aware that investors come in many shapes and sizes - some like to take risks, play the market and hope for good returns; others play it safe, cautiously investing where returns are all but guaranteed. Whatever your individual style, investing in green initiatives can be rewarding. Here are some simple steps to get you started:1. Do your research! This should always be the first thing you consider when deciding which combination of mutual funds, exchange traded funds, and/or individual stocks you'll invest in. There are financial advisors that specialize in sustainability and green investing, or you can select your own stocks and bonds.2. Most experts agree that green investing is a long-term goal. You won't net much in any green investment shorter than five years. While most individuals won't invest their entire portfolio in green initiatives, it is a big task to decide what percentage you'll funnel towards sustainability, keeping in mind that longer investments will likely yield great results.3. If you're new to financial sustainability, begin by investing in companies that have proven track records. New Alternative Funds, Winslow Green Growth, and Domini Social Equity are a few of the more respectable firms. Google others or consult your financial advisor. 4. Diversify! This is probably the key to any investment strategy, but is even more important in green investing. If you're looking to earn money fast and easy, stay away from sustainability initiatives that haven't yet caught on. Global warming wasn't a hot topic ten years ago, but it is now. Likewise, many areas of green investing are futures-waves. In other words, it will likely take some years before those initiatives are profitable. Be prepared to ride the future wave if necessary.Following these steps will put you on a path towards investing wisely in green initiatives. Never be afraid to ask questions or to seek the advice of professionals in the sustainability market. Its your money and investing it shouldn't be a fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants decision.Please note: the opinions in this article are solely those of the author and are not intended as financial or legal advice. Consult the appropriate professionals before you make any financial or investment decision. Photo credit: Bark Bud]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Green-Investing-101/45214.htmlSat, 19 Feb 2011 15:59:12 GMTJeremy Bradley There's a lot of buzz over going green, sustainability, and responsible investing these days. The age of "it's all about me" is over and both companies and individuals are looking for ways to smart economic decisions that yield positive results for the environment, their longevity, and their posterity. The truth is, even with the entire buzz, very few of us actually understand why "green investing" really is. So, this is the start of a series on arguably the fastest growing financial investment Read Full Article ]]> There's a lot of buzz over going green, sustainability, and responsible investing these days. The age of "it's all about me" is over and both companies and individuals are looking for ways to smart economic decisions that yield positive results for the environment, their longevity, and their posterity. The truth is, even with the entire buzz, very few of us actually understand why "green investing" really is. So, this is the start of a series on arguably the fastest growing financial investment subject - fiscal sustainability.Fiscal sustainability is, in its simplest form, the responsibility corporations, organizations and individuals have in making wise investment decisions. By wise investment decisions, I mean that those making the investment decisions must be mindful of the effects such decisions have on others - from impacts on the climate to changes in carbon footprints.That being said, green investing is about more than throwing money at solar electricity initiatives or planting a few trees in the rainforest. According to The Free Dictionary, green investing is "the choosing of investments of companies that have a positive environment record. Green investing is a special category of social investing." Fiscal sustainability, therefore, involves a particular focus on preventing unjust hiring and inhumane employment practices, avoiding the use of products that harm human health and/or nature, and generally viewing each decision as one that will have impacts on generations to come.In coming news posts, I'll investigate and share with you the means necessary to make fiscally responsible decisions that have their roots in sustainability. Photo credit: Flickr/photosteve101]]>http://www.justmeans.com/A-New-Microfinance-Concept-for-Entrepreneurs/44999.htmlWed, 16 Feb 2011 11:02:54 GMTJeremy Bradley Many people dream of entrepreneurship. But the chance to own one's own business remains a dream for those who can't find investors or financing through a private lender. Unfortunately, that's all too common these days - with most of the world still coming out of recession mode, potential owners must seek out other ways to fund their start-ups.Crowdfunding is new term that refers to an age-old idea: have your community or network of acquaintances fund your business idea. Instead of submitting you Read Full Article ]]> Many people dream of entrepreneurship. But the chance to own one's own business remains a dream for those who can't find investors or financing through a private lender. Unfortunately, that's all too common these days - with most of the world still coming out of recession mode, potential owners must seek out other ways to fund their start-ups.Crowdfunding is new term that refers to an age-old idea: have your community or network of acquaintances fund your business idea. Instead of submitting your plan to save the planet to a financial institution, join a crowdfunding online community. Here's how it works:Crowdfunding communities allow you to post a project (a business start-up idea, a product, or service). If the network of members "like" your idea, they will donate funds to help you get the project off the ground - all without interest or collateral. Around $80 million has been channeled through crowdfunding websites to enable entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams.So you've got a great new idea for a new wind mill generator? Here's how you can leverage crowdfunding, step-by-step.1.Find a crowdfunding website to join. A simple Google search will reveal a number of them, but do your research. Not all websites are created equal - think of it like shopping for stock-holders.2.Post your project. Make the description as eloquent and appealing as possible. Let the passion you have for the idea be clearly communicated in your posting.3.Sit back and let potential funders find you.Have you successfully funded the start-up of a business through crowdfunding? Do you have tips or suggestions on how to best go about it? Share your thoughts by commenting below.Photo credit: Flickr]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Price-Tags-and-Protests--Responsible-Business-101/44467.htmlSat, 12 Feb 2011 11:07:16 GMTJeremy Bradley Have you been to a grocery store in Michigan recently? If you're from a different state in America, you'd be surprised to find that all the products in Michigan grocers, from baby food jars to bags of frozen vegetables, have price tags attached to them. It's the result of a ten-year-old law that requires retailers to place 3/8-inch-by-3/4 inch stickers on every item in the store.The Michigan law applies not only to grocery stores, but to retail stores of every kind. "If you have a big-box lumber Read Full Article ]]> Have you been to a grocery store in Michigan recently? If you're from a different state in America, you'd be surprised to find that all the products in Michigan grocers, from baby food jars to bags of frozen vegetables, have price tags attached to them. It's the result of a ten-year-old law that requires retailers to place 3/8-inch-by-3/4 inch stickers on every item in the store.The Michigan law applies not only to grocery stores, but to retail stores of every kind. "If you have a big-box lumber company, by law, they should be individually price-marketing every [lumber] board," says the president of the Michigan Grocers Association Linda Gobler. Now, after a decade of lobbying, a group of retailers may be close to winning a repeal of the Item Pricing Law.With a new governor in place, Michigan retailers are hoping that bar codes and computerized inventory procedures will all together replace the price tags. As newly-inaugurated Governor Rick Synder put it: "Its an undue burden on retailers and consumers."Beyond the cost of implementing the Item Pricing Law (estimated at $2.2 billion per year), many economists in the state and business leaders are concerned about the long-term effects on sustainability if the law is allowed to stay on the books. While "going green" may seem clich, Michigan businesses often must employ additional employees, use unneeded amounts of ink and paper, and spend money they could otherwise invest elsewhere, to comply with the Item Pricing Law.Furthermore, the law doesn't seem to make much sense from a legal perspective either. According to FAQs provided on the state attorney general's website, the law includes "bonuses" and other legal solutions for consumers whose products scan at a different price than that listed on the sticker. Shoppers are allowed, for instance, to sue the retailer for upwards of $250 in damages plus court costs.The law is likely to be scrapped in this legislative season - Michigan's new governor has spoken widely against its continuation and a bill was introduced in the state congress in January that would repeal it. While Michigan's law is certainly the broadest such policy in the United States, local ordinances like this exist in other parts of the nation. Massachusetts is the only other state with an all-encompassing item pricing law.Photo credit: Christopher Matson]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Starting-Their-Own-Firms--Asian-Executives-Defect-from-American-Companies/44357.htmlThu, 10 Feb 2011 05:41:47 GMTJeremy Bradley Bureaucracy and red tape have always, it seems, been a part of the American way of business. But in Eastern countries, such as China, these processes are much less stringent and because of that several Chinese executives are defecting from American-run companies to start their own firms. Mary Ma, an executive at TPG Capital, is the latest executive to do just that.Ms. Ma is the former chief financial officer of Lenovo and joined TPG's Asian team in 2007 as partner and managing director. Ma is on Read Full Article ]]> Bureaucracy and red tape have always, it seems, been a part of the American way of business. But in Eastern countries, such as China, these processes are much less stringent and because of that several Chinese executives are defecting from American-run companies to start their own firms. Mary Ma, an executive at TPG Capital, is the latest executive to do just that.Ms. Ma is the former chief financial officer of Lenovo and joined TPG's Asian team in 2007 as partner and managing director. Ma is one of only a handful of high-profiled women, much-less Asian women, in the buy-out business. Ma will run her own firm with Louis Cheung who is leaving his post as president of Ping An Group in March.Mary Ma's departure signifies something deep about the way Asian business-people view American corporations. Ma's move is just the latest in a series of departures - Asian executives leaving western firms to start or work for Chinese-focuses buy-out funds. Most of them cite the heavy bureaucracy in American business as their main reason for exploring their options in Asia. "Besides," says one of the defectors, "it is fun to build to new business."Interestingly, the defections are coming at a time when private equity in growing in China. The demand for local experts is high and Asians are generally thought to be more welcoming of other Asians, as opposed to Western influences.As interesting is that Mary Ma, and a handful of other defectors from TPG, are leaving the firm just after many of them took home millions in 2010 as their share of profits sky-rocketed. TPG's sale of its stake in Shenzhen Development Bank was a highly successful and profitable deal. Some wonder if this increased take-home pay has enabled those like Ma to venture out on their own.Photo credit: Clemson/Flickr]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Funding-for-Socially-Responsible-Asian-Businesses/44121.htmlTue, 08 Feb 2011 07:39:42 GMTJeremy Bradley As concerns over China's economy grow, Generation Investment Management LLP is looking to start a $500 million fund in Asia. The investment firm, founded by former Vice President Al Gore, buys shares in companies that are socially responsible.People familiar with the work of Generation Investment Management say that fund may start in July of this year. The fund will buy shares in Asian companies that focus on "economic, social and environmental" sustainability. China and India will be on the lis Read Full Article ]]> As concerns over China's economy grow, Generation Investment Management LLP is looking to start a $500 million fund in Asia. The investment firm, founded by former Vice President Al Gore, buys shares in companies that are socially responsible.People familiar with the work of Generation Investment Management say that fund may start in July of this year. The fund will buy shares in Asian companies that focus on "economic, social and environmental" sustainability. China and India will be on the list of nations that Generation Investment will target.Generation Investment Management also runs a venture-capital business that provides funding for renewable energy projects. The proposed Asian fund will separate itself from the larger venture-capital business.In 2009, Generation Investment's earnings quardrupled to 31.5 million pounds. Most of the company's profits are eligible for distribution to its 10 partners, including Gore, however, five percent of the earnings are funneled to Generation Foundation, a U.K.-based non-profit that research sustainable development.Critics of the proposed Asian fund worry about the longevity of some of the Asian markets, including China. At the end of 2010, Chinese GDP growth was at 10.3% and inflation jumped to 4.6%. Both of those results were well ahead of even the Chinese governments own predictions. Some economists are asking if the government can calm rising economic indicators without intimidating long-term growth patterns.Photo credit: Jeff McNeill]]>