People
Incorporating environmental, social, and governance principles into business investments
Sustainable Growth Coalition member Allianz Life hosted a panel discussion between current and former CEOs on the past, present, and future of sustainability in the financial services industry.
Winding down 2021 with our five most-read posts
As Environmental Initiative’s communications team winds down 2021, we’ve taken some time to reflect on the past twelve months as well as revisit our measures of success (including our data and analytics). Happily, the content you found most interesting and…
A local leadership climate change conversation
Climate change policy in 2021 has been punctuated by the United Nation’s International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report raising alarm bells and the newly reached global climate agreement at COP26. While the deal reached in Glasgow includes several important developments, many say leaders have failed to meet the urgency…
Leadership in the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership
A different kind of farming is growing in Central Minnesota, thanks to the work of leaders from agriculture, conservation, finance, engineering, and research involved in the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership (HASP). Formed, in 2018 as a way to incubate…
Northside Safety NET interns begin putting learning into action
Nine interns joined me and Jaycie Thomsen in November to form the 2021-22 cohort of Northside Safety NET. The year-long Environmental Justice Internship is led by Environmental Initiative. During the school year we meet after school and on…
Allianz Life: A local leader shares insights for global impact
The Sustainable Growth Coalition Best Practices & Learning Lab series event hosted by member organization Allianz Life offered great insights to other members who are not part of the financial services industry. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in…
Introducing non-Native people to an Indigenous Worldview
Two Paths to One: Next Steps to Integrate an Indigenous Understanding into Environmental Work, offered in partnership with Bemidji State…
Dreaming and being thankful with Hope Flanagan
I was so inspired by Hope Flanagan’s words and wisdom when I first met her in spring 2021. Her enthusiasm for the natural world is contagious. Add to that her passion for gardening, cooking, and storytelling and it is almost…
Better Futures: A workforce and environmental solution
The Better Futures-Becker County pilot program was recognized in May 2021 for the innovative workforce approach used when diverting useful goods and materials from the landfill. With the building renovation boom still strong, I wondered how things were going…
“What are you willing to give up?”: Reflections on 25 years as Executive Director
I was blessed many years ago to be asked a powerful question by someone I had only just met. We were talking about Environmental Initiative’s emerging focus on social equity and racial justice, and she surprised me by asking, “What…
