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What I’m Talking About: Sustainable Content
Written on byI established Clarifying Complex Ideas to help organizations with thorny strategic problems — many of which are grounded in communications challenges. I provide content strategy and help them develop and articulate an often-nascent sustainability strategy in a way that resonates and engages their key stakeholders. As a consulting agency, clients typically hire me to create: […]
No More Handwritten Notes
Written on byThose who know me know that I love handwritten notes. Given the chance, I’ll always send a handwritten thank-you, birthday card, or holiday card, especially when I can do something that’s been letterpress printed. They’ve always been a way for me to differentiate myself, stay connected, and indulge my love of paper, pens, and decorative […]
We Are Not Ok
Written on byThe International Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report yesterday. If you have sustainability people in your life — and I include anyone focused on the environment, social justice, or any form of public health under that umbrella — you might have noticed that most of us spent the day curled up […]
Friendship and Grief
Written on byI lost a longtime friend last month. It sounds absurd to say “lost,” as if he he’s been misplaced like a thank-you note in the dark depths of the postal system. But I mean it in the truest sense of the word. This is a huge loss—not just for me, but for the world. It’s […]
Follow the Money
Written on byIf you want to understand where we’re heading, follow the money. No, not the shady Watergate-style corruption money. I’m talking about the ways in which large corporations are raising money in terms of bonds and loans. Sustainability Bonds Companies are issuing sustainability bonds — money that will help them finance projects with environmental or social […]
Imperfect Sustainability
Written on byAs I mentioned in my last post, sustainability is an imperfect practice. We need more individuals and organizations doing things imperfectly than a handful doing it perfectly. Let’s talk about how imperfect sustainability can be part of your world. How can you be an imperfect sustainability ally? At home, we’re doing what we can, where […]
Living In the Climate Collapse
Written on byClimate change is real, y’all. We’ve pushed everything to its limits for too long, and now we’re watching the climate collapse. There is no way to live in the smoke-filled western part of the United States — or any part of Australia, as we saw earlier this year — and not realize this. The question […]
Imposter Syndrome
Written on byThere’s a certain level of imposter syndrome that goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Things are fine within the industry; I’ve found colleagues to be welcoming and supportive. But there tends to be a lot of gatekeeping when you meet someone on the outside. It’s like that meme: “Oh, you like sustainability? Name three of their albums.” […]
Why Sustainability Reporting?
Written on byClients often ask, “Why would we want to do sustainability reporting?” Money and reputation are certainly two big factors. But for many companies, doing better business helps them to improve their bottom lines. Proving business resilience If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s the importance of business resilience. Think of sustainability reporting like financial disclosures […]
Sustainability & Careers
Written on byOur careers will look a lot different after COVID. People are talking about the light at the end of the tunnel; I don’t think we’ve even entered the tunnel yet. How can we position ourselves for job security in the midst of a pandemic? I see three primary ways to build a sustainable career. More […]