Investors Eye Proxy Efforts on Climate, AI, Diversity in 2025

Bloomberg Law – Dec. 30, 2024

Green Century’s Director of Shareholder Advocacy Annie Sanders is quoted in this article on upcoming issues in the 2025 proxy season, from climate change to artificial intelligence. The article highlights Green Century’s work to reduce plastics, ensure accurate recycling labeling, and engage companies through shareholder resolutions in a “highly charged” 2025 proxy season.

Nature 2025 Outlook: Water and Agriculture Rise up the Agenda

Responsible Investor – Dec. 18, 2024

Biodiversity and nature-related resolutions will likely increase in 2025, especially in relation to tropical forests and forest protections, according to this Responsible Investor article. Annie Sanders, Green Century’s Director of Shareholder Advocacy, said assessments and disclosures on nature-related risks such as biodiversity loss and plastic pollution will be the likely thrust of resolutions in 2025, with target-setting goals a possibility in 2026.

Procter & Gamble to Disclose Wood-pulp Audit Details, Investors Say

Reuters, Dec. 16, 2024

In a movement toward more sustainable sourcing, Proctor & Gamble has agreed to disclose how it procures wood pulp as a result of a Green Century resolution, which is pushing the company away from Canada’s boreal forests.

After 2 years, Coca-Cola’s Promise to Scale Up Reusable Packaging Is Dead 

Grist, Dec. 13, 2024

Coca-Cola is backsliding on an earlier pledge to cut its use of plastics, including virgin plastic, in its packaging and increase its share of beverages sold in reusable containers, according to this Grist article. Green Century’s resolutions in 2020 and 2022 pushed Coca-Cola on these fronts.
“That Coca-Cola has abandoned its refillable commitment is alarming, regrettable, and regressive,” said Frances Fairhead-Stanova, a shareholder advocate for Green Century.

Private Sector Must Use Public Equities for Biodiversity Protection

CleantechiQ – Nov. 29, 2024

Private investors need to lead the way in funding initiatives to slow the pace of biodiversity loss. Green Century’s Annie Sanders, director of shareholder advocacy, is quoted in this piece about the importance of asking companies to conduct biodiversity reporting initially, followed by target setting. As biodiversity and nature have become increasingly important for corporations to protect, advocacy on this front has gained momentum in the last two years.

TD Investors Turn Spotlight on Board as U.S. Penalties Sink In

Bloomberg – Nov. 22, 2024

Green Century recently filed a shareholder resolution requesting a review of TD Bank’s governance processes, including its board nomination processes. This comes in the wake of governance concerns at TD including a money-laundering scandal and lack of progress on its net-zero commitment.

Climate group calls on TD Bank to review board practices, policies

Globe and Mail – Nov. 22, 2024

This article in The Globe and Mail discusses how Green Century and Investors for Paris Compliance called for an independent review of the board of directors at Toronto-Dominion Bank. There have been mounting concerns about the capability of the current leadership team to adequately respond to existing risks and honor its prior commitments, such as its measures to address climate change.

Trump Threatens ESG Investing That Thrived in His First Term

BNN Bloomberg – Nov. 14, 2024

Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds, was mentioned in this BNN Bloomberg article, which discusses the future of ESG investing under the second term of President-elect Donald Trump. The article explores how Republican opposition to ESG, combined with challenging market conditions for green energy companies, has led to concerns surrounding ESG’s status in the coming term. Despite these challenges, Samuelrich remains committed to advocating for sustainability-focused investments and plans to continue to remind investors of their ability to influence change through responsible investing.

Trump Election Complicates Growing Insurance Climate Crisis

Law360 – Nov. 7, 2024

Giovanna Eichner, a Green Century shareholder advocate who focuses on insurance companies, is quoted in this Law 360 article, which explores how President-Elect Donald Trump’s second administration could erode oversight of climate risks in the insurance sector. His administration may also alter efforts on how data is gathered and the risks of how climate change affects coverage. Insurance companies, particularly in high-risk areas, are withdrawing from markets or hiking premiums, and the industry faces growing pressure from climate-focused investors.

Green Century president talks ‘right to repair,’ NextGen investors, election stakes and more

Equities.com – Oct. 11, 2024

Green Century is among the leaders driving change in corporate practices, most recently achieving a significant win with Microsoft’s adoption of a “right to repair” policy, which will help prevent 400 million computers from becoming e-waste. President Leslie Samuelrich will discuss in an upcoming webinar how Green Century’s shareholder advocacy has helped push companies toward more environmentally responsible practices.

ESG shareholder proposal withdrawals fall to 10-year low as support decines

Responsible Investor – Oct. 2, 2024

The withdrawal rate for ESG shareholder proposals has hit a 10-year low, with only 29 percent of proposals filed with U.S. companies in 2024 being rescinded or left without a vote, according to new data from the Sustainable Investments Institute. Annie Sanders, Director of Shareholder Advocacy at Green Century, noted that, “We’ve found that companies are still open and amenable to discussion and to making commitments to policy changes in exchange for the withdrawal of our proposals, though they’re less likely to be vocal about it due to the fraught landscape around ESG in the U.S. over the last couple years.”

ESG-Focused Investors Ask SEC to Block JBS’s Listing in US

Bloomberg – Oct. 2, 2024

Green Century is part of this group of ESG-focused investors that have asked federal regulators to deny JBS SA a pathway to trade shares in New York. The group cites allegations that the Brazilian meat company hasn’t adequately disclosed its environmental impact.

General Mills Investors Reject Bid to Cut Plastic Packaging

Bloomberg Law – Sept. 24, 2024

This article explains the impact of 40 percent of General Mills shareholders voting in favor of a Green Century° proposal that urged the company to cut plastic packaging.  The proposal also pressed General Mills to ensure its recycling labels don’t mislead consumers.

Investor Heavyweights Back Nature-related Resolutions at General Mills

Responsible Investor – Sept. 23, 2024

Annie Sanders, the director of shareholder advocacy, is quoted in this article on a shareholder proposal at General Mills, urging the company to show more progress in how it measures and discloses its plastics use.

These Household Brands Want to Redefine What Counts as “Recyclable”

Pro Publica – Sept. 9, 2024

Many items in your pantry may be consumer goods represented by a trade group lobbying for a looser definition of what constitutes recyclable materials.
Green Century’s work with General Mills on its plastic packaging was noted in this article on how some brands label products as recyclable, while smaller lettering shows their products are capable of being recycled and to check locally.

Investors Warn Chemours Against Future Mining Near Okefenokee

The Current – Sept. 5, 2024

A group of investors re-upped pressure on mining company, Chemours, as Georgia regulators continue to evaluate Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals’ controversial plan to strip mine near the Okefenokee swamp.  A group of 20 investors, representing nearly $700 billion in assets under management, sent a letter to Chemorur Wednesday requesting the company make permanent its commitment not to mine. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge,  largest refuge in the eastern U.S. and home to hundreds of plant and animal species. The peat under the Okefenokee stores massive amounts of carbon, making it important for climate stability.

Investors Push Chemours to Avoid Mining Near the Okefenokee

Bloomberg – Sept. 4, 2024

This article quotes Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century°, as it describes how 20   investors, representing $700 billion assets under management, have urged Chemours to permanently commit not to buying a titanium mine on the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. State regulators are expected to make a decision soon on permits for Twin Pines Minerals LLC. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates the refuge, says the mine will eventually drain the swamp. Groundwater pumped for mining operations imperils the water resources and biodiversity, according to the investors.

How Employers and Employees Can Make Their 401 (k) Plans Climate-Friendly

Fast Company – Aug. 22

Green Century is included in this article, which suggests ways to review retirement plans and avoid investments in fossil fuels or other holdings that contribute to climate change. It was originally published in Yale Climate Connections.

Hotels Curb Single-Use Plastics Amid Investor Demand, State Laws
Bloomberg Law.com – Aug. 16

Annie Sanders, Director of Shareholder Advocacy, is quoted in this Bloomberg Law article, saying single-use guest amenities are an area of “key concern.” The article details how Hilton, Marriott and other hotels are curbing single use shampoo and other small plastic bottles in hotels, and agreed to other measures to reduce and disclose plastic use, partially due to a Green Century shareholder proposal.

Advocates Step Up Efforts to Block White & Case-Guided Stock Listing
Law.com – Aug. 8
Andrew Shalit, a shareholder advocate at Green Century, decries Brazilian meatpacker JBS’ efforts to raise capital on the New York Stock Exchange, citing its business practices that appear to contribute to deforestation and environmental harm.

2024 Proxy Season Brings Some Strong Commitments For Climate Action 
Trellis – July 31
In the 2024 proxy season, Green Century Capital Management secured major climate commitments through shareholder engagement. Companies like 3M, Warner Bros. Discovery, and NPX Semiconductor agreed to greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. This Trellis article quotes Annie Sanders, Director of Shareholder Advocacy at Green Century. “That’s the goal of engagement: to win policy changes at the companies,” she said, highlighting the power of negotiation over voting on resolutions. 

This Proxy Season, Companies’ Success Against Activist Investors Surged 
Inside Climate News – July 5 
This proxy season saw major corporations, like Bank of America, successfully dismissing several climate-related shareholder proposals, with the SEC approving 68% of exclusion requests. “This highlights the hurdles climate investors face,” says Andrew Shalit, Shareholder Advocate, Green Century. “Despite a Biden administration directive, the success rate mirrors the Trump era. These proposals are essential for corporate transparency and climate accountability.” 

Sustainable Finance Influencers: Erin Gray  
Equities.com – July 3
Erin Gray, VP of Business at Green Century, discusses the firm’s mission and impactful shareholder advocacy efforts in this recent Equites article. Gray highlighted Green Century’s initiatives to reduce plastic waste by partnering with hotel chains to implement refillable containers for toiletries. She also shared optimism about the future of sustainable investing and the positive trends observed at the US SIF Forum 2024.  

ESG Turns 20: A Brief History, and Why It’s Not Going Away  
Morningstar – June 21 
ESG celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking its evolution into a crucial component of sustainable investing. Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds, describes ESG as “using ESG data to assess risk and reward,” highlighting its significance in evaluating nonfinancial risks. As climate change and social issues gain priority, ESG’s role in investment strategies is set to grow. 

Holding Companies to Account on Biodiversity  
Corporate Governance Reporting – June 13
Rebecca Sherratt highlights Green Century for being at the forefront of advocating for increased corporate transparency regarding environmental impacts. Andrew Shalit, a shareholder advocate at Green Century is quoted.  

How Lowe’s is Using Supplier Education to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions
Grist – May 13
Lowe’s has doubled the number of suppliers reporting emissions by offering educational webinars and consulting services led by Campbell Weyland. Prompted by Green Century Capital Management, Lowe’s has also published a wood sourcing policy and expanded emissions data on its products, which, as Weyland highlights, “range from tomato plants to lawn mowers.”

Green Century: Taking Action on Nature Via Engagement
Principles for Responsible Investing – May 8
Green Century Capital Management, with over $1 billion in AUM, is actively engaging with companies to address biodiversity risks, recently urging PepsiCo to assess and disclose its environmental impact. Green Century’s mission is to enable investors to achieve significant environmental impact alongside risk-adjusted returns.

Big Asset Managers Silent over ESG Backlash
Investment News – May 2
In the face of record outflows from U.S. sustainable funds, major asset managers have gone quiet amid the ESG backlash, with Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century Funds, stating, “If it’s too hot, let them get out of the kitchen and leave us authentic firms to stand up to the fossil fuel industry.”

Analysis: More Nature-Related Shareholder Proposals Trigger Corporate Resistance
Carbon Pulse – May 2
Investor interest in nature-related shareholder proposals has surged this year despite rising corporate resistance, with Andrew Shalit shareholder advocate of Green Century noting, “Shareholder resolutions are advisory regardless of the number of votes they garner, and every shareholder willing to vote against management is significant.”

Defense Contractors Face Shareholders’ Climate Demands
Morningstar – May 1
Read about investor takes on recycling claims at Kraft Heinz and a PepsiCo proposal filed by Green Century. In a statement, Leslie Samuelrich, Green Century CEO, said, “We hope they hear this clear message from shareholders: the company (PepsiCo) should account for its reliance on nature, it should disclose its impacts, and it should reduce those impacts wherever possible.”

Norway’s Wealth Funds Backs Bid for PepsiCo Biodiversity Risk Assessment
Reuters – April 30
In this Reuters article, Green Century voices concerns about unnecessary risk and excessive CEO pay. “PepsiCo must assess and mitigate activities leading to biodiversity loss in its supply chain or risk becoming uninvestable,” Green Century said.

Leslie Samuelrich
Barrons – April 11
Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds, has been combating criticisms of ESG investing, stressing its data-driven risk evaluation. She states, “A lot of my work has been around educating people about the different pieces of ESG. It’s using data to evaluate risks.” Green Century’s shareholder advocacy resulted in policy changes in 20 companies, including major names like Costco and ExxonMobil.

Kraft Heinz Faces Shareholder Vote On Its ‘Deceptive’ Recycling Labels
Inside Climate News – April 1
This Inside Climate News article highlights one individual investors attempt to force the Kraft Heinz Company, a major U.S.-based prepared food manufacturer, to be more honest about the recycling labels it uses. Green Century is mentioned and Douglass Guernsey, former Green Century shareholder advocate is quoted.

NVIDIA’s AI Boom is only Getting Started. Just Ask CEO Jensen Huang
Fast Company – March 19
Nvidia Corporation is a technology company that designs and manufactures graphics processing units (GPUs). CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang speaks on the impact his company has had on AI evolution. Click the link above to learn more.

Companies Need to Address Existential and Financial Risk of Biodiversity
Proxy Preview – March 14
Green Century’s Director of Shareholder Advocacy, Annie Sanders, writes about finding nature-positive approaches to all aspects of their businesses, from supply chains to manufacturing to distribution. This allows investors to take concrete steps to address the systemic risk of global biodiversity loss. She is quoted, “Since nature is everybody’s business, there’s no company that can stand on the sidelines.”  

What a lawsuit by Exxon Could Mean For Shareholder Resolutions
Investment News – March 13
Exxon Mobil sued two of its own shareholders who were seeking to force proxy votes on climate change issues. There’s uncertainty about whether the case is simply a one-off instance of an oil company fending off activist investors. Leslie Samuelrich, President at Green Century Funds, is quoted. “Engaging with fossil-fuel companies in trying to challenge their core business model has never been fruitful,” she says.  

US Investors: SEC Climate Rule ‘Step in Right Direction’ But More Work Needed
Responsible Investor – March 12
The SEC’s new climate rule has garnered mixed reactions from investors. The rule, which mandates the disclosure of Scope 1 and 2 emissions only if deemed material by large companies, has been described by Green Century Funds president, Leslie Samuelrich, as a “step forward” yet “too little, too late.”  

Are Non-Tropical Forests an Investor Blind Spot?
Responsible Investor – March 7
Andrew Shalit, shareholder advocate at Green Century Funds, is quoted in this Responsible Investor article regarding investor efforts against deforestation. Non-tropical forests are reported as more challenging and overlooked yet remain a key factor in forest degradation. “Many of the frameworks and certifications used by investors have been built around identifying and avoiding this type of deforestation”, says Shalit. 

SEC’s Climate Rule Leaves Questions Over Future
Governance Intelligence – March 7
Amidst the SEC’s recent approval of climate disclosure rule changes, Governance Intelligence highlights ongoing uncertainties and potential challenges. Despite modifications, including the exclusion of Scope 3 emissions disclosures, dissatisfaction persists among stakeholders. Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds says, “we wish the SEC had held fast with its proposal to have companies report Scope 3, or indirect, emissions”. 

Green Groups Decry SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule as Too Weak
Bloomberg – March 7
Bloomberg expands on news of the US Securities and Exchange Commission voted to approve highly anticipated climate disclosure requirements for public companies, which environmental advocates have long pushed for. Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century Funds, says, “It’s a step forward, but we feel it’s too little, too late.” 

US SEC Meets to Vote on Climate Rule
Reuters – March 6
In a Reuters article, Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds, expresses disappointment with recent regulatory decisions. Samuelrich highlights the significance of such data and condemns opposition from trade groups, limiting investors’ access to essential environmental information and hindering progress in corporate sustainability practices. She says, “It’s a step forward, but we feel it’s too little too late.” This article was also circulated in UsNews, Yahoo!News and AOL.com. 

9 Things to Know About the SEC’s New Climate Rule and How It Affects You
Morningstar – March 6
Morningstar reports that the SEC’s new rule will mandate US-listed companies to disclose climate-related risks and adaptation plans. Green Century’s President, Leslie Samuelrich, is quoted. “Institutional investors have been seeking this information”, she says. Despite criticisms of the rule’s delayed implementation, it signifies progress towards transparency in investment decisions.  

SEC climate rule leaves a lot up to companies
Investment News – March 6
Investment News reports on the reaction to the new rule passed by the SEC. Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds says, “smart companies have recognized climate change as a material risk and already are taking steps to address it”. She acknowledges that while the rule is missing important action, guidelines for reporting Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions is a step forward.  

Under pressure from activist investors, big brands agree to report and reduce plastics use
Grist – March 5
Douglass Guernsey, former Green Century shareholder advocate is quoted in this Grist article. The article expands on the importance of shareholder advocacy groups, especially regarding sustainable change in large corporations. Green Century’s business cases for environmental action place pressure on corporate managers to reach agreements. The scale of the problem is “just starting to dawn on corporate managers”, he said.  

Animal Welfare Is on More Proxy Ballots Two Years After Icahn’s Fight
Bloomberg – March 2
The number of shareholder resolutions addressing animal welfare has doubled, reflecting growing investor concerns and recent proposals gaining traction. Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century Funds, is quoted highlighting the financial risks associated with animal abuse in corporate operations, influenced by investors like Carl Icahn.

How BlackRock, JPMorgan and State Street can show they’re committed to climate action
GreenBiz – February 28
GreenBiz highlights the role of asset managers in acting towards sustainable energy. Green Century is mentioned as a greener investment option for 401K investments, due to its negative screening approach, which avoids investing in companies that make use of fossil fuels. 

Biodiversity outlook 2024: Engagement, standards and the metrics debate
Responsible Investor – December 19
Responsible Investor explores engagement on biodiversity that came to the forefront this year. Green Century started filing resolutions at food companies for the 2024 proxy season. Annie Sanders, Director of Shareholder Advocacy at Green Century was quoted in this article. She says, “We’re targeting firms that you could consider leaders.”  

Shareholder resolution aimed at proposed mine near Okefenokee
Albany Herald – December 4
Green Century filed a third shareholder proposal asking The Home Depot to address risks associated with a plan to mine titanium near the Okefenokee Swamp. This Albany Herald article quotes Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds.

COP28: Expectations from around the world
ESG Clarity – November 30
ESG Clarity speaks to industry leaders from across the world to find out what they hope will be the outcome of the COP28 Summit, in Dubai, this November. Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds says she’s hoping for ‘clear directives for investors.’

Deforestation risk think tank Chain Reaction Research winds down
The Current – November 20
Green Century and Felician Sisters of North America have filed similar shareholder proposals with The Chemours Company and Sherwin-Williams asking them to not mine titanium along the Okefenokee swamp. There is more of a focus on Sherwin-Williams because it is described that “most titanium ore is refined into titanium dioxide to impart a durable white color to paint, paper, rubber, wallboard, and plastic.”

A Silent Threat to Investors
ESG Investor – November 10
Douglass Guernsey, shareholder advocate for Green Century, wrote a piece about how supermajority voting challenges asset managers and their fiduciary duty. Guernsey outlines that “The growing number of companies with supermajority voting rights has dramatic implications for financial institutions’ ability to carry out their fiduciary duties. By taking away shareholder’s right to influence, they threaten the entire process of active ownership and engagement, both of which are crucial for investors to remain sound stewards of their beneficiaries’ capital.”

Georgia Today: Story 8
Georgia Public Broadcasting News – November 9
Green Century has filed shareholder petitions with Chemours and Sherwin-Williams urging them against mining titanium dioxide in Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp. It is described that “They oppose a plan by the Alabama company Twin Pines to mine for titanium dioxide on the swamps edge. Neither company has announced plans to obtain the mineral from Twin Pines.”

Green mutual fund files shareholder proposals opposing mine near Okefenokee
Capitol Beat – November 9
Green Century is making an effort to stop companies from mining titanium in the Okefenokee swamps. Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century states that “As we face escalating climate and biodiversity crises, disrupting the Okefenokee’s unique ecosystem with risky and unnecessary titanium mining would not only be irresponsible but potentially catastrophic for the planet… Both Chemours and Sherwin-Williams should commit to permanently protecting the Okefenokee.”

RI survey: Nature Action 100 investor engagement plans
Responsible Investor – October 16
Responsible Investor asked 190 participants in the nature initiative to list how many sectors of companies they hope to target. Annie Sanders, director of shareholder advocacy, states that “because we have a relationship and ongoing dialogue with many of the listed companies on issues inherent in the Nature Action 100 platform, it would be useful to continue those engagements in the broader, emerging context of biodiversity and natural capital.”

P&G Shareholders reject board changes sought by founding families; descendants say they’re ‘not going away’
WCPO9 Cincinnati – October 10
Green Century is mentioned in this WCPO9 article about how low vote results signal clear and dissatisfaction with how P&G’s leadership is doing in preventing forest degradation and deforestation in its supply chains. Annie Sanders, Director of Shareholder Advocacy at Green Century, said that shareholder support below 90% could increase pressure on P&G to revamp its supply chain. 

Procter & Gamble descendants ask shareholders to shake up the board over deforestation
WPCO Cincinnati – October 3
Descendents of Proctor & Gamble Co.’s company founders are demanding environmental reforms. They would like the support of its shareholders to vote against P&G’s 14 board nominees to help make this happen. Annie Sanders, director of shareholder advocacy at Green Century, claims that “The company’s efforts, while positive and in the right direction, in our view have been incomplete and insufficient.”

10 Ways to make your firm’s finances greener
Business of Home – September 20
Business of Home shares ten ways to make your firm’s finances greener, including moving to a green bank, finding a green financial advisor and offering green retirement options. “[Small business owners] have a way to align their environmental values with their investments. It doesn’t even occur to most people that that’s possible,” says Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds.  

JBS relisting plan puts corporate governance on trial
GlobalCapitol – September 20
The world’s largest meat packer, JBS, wants to move its main listing from Brazil to New York, in the process increasing the voting power of the controlling Batista family. Douglass Guernsey, shareholder advocate at Green Century, claims that “JBS is the largest player and with its chequered history is a significant risk. We were tipped off to the [relisting] and realised pretty quickly the governance concerns. The structure of the voting rights for this company was shocking. I haven’t seen a company attempt to [list] with [up to] 90% of votes held by a controlling shareholder.”

Sustainable investing that goes beyond divestment or engagement does most
InvestmentNews – September 19
Research shows that tactics that combine divestment and engagement may attract the attention of large investors and pressure them to make a positive, sustainable impact. Leslie Samuelrich, president at Green Century, shares multiple instances in which a ripple effect can occur when one company makes a sustainable impact. She gave an example of how Green Century pressured Coca-Cola to improve its plastic pollution footprint, so it was not eclipsed by PepsiCo. Leslie stated, that “It matters enormously what their competitors are doing.”

California emissions and climate risk reporting bills ‘bring US in line with global community’
ESG Clarity – September 14
California made headway in sustainability by being the first state in the U.S. to require companies to publicly report greenhouse gas emissions, as well as disclose any climate-related financial risks. Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century and member of the ESG Clarity US Committee, states that “The impacts of climate change have material and financial ramifications,” she continued. “Californian companies will now be better positioned to meet investor expectations by providing clear, comparable and reliable climate-related data.”

Shareholding descendants of P&G founders blast company leadership on forest degradation policy
Cincinnati Business Courier – September 11
Nine shareholders of P&G are shaming the company for deciding to drop a pair of pledges from its corporate policy. One of P&G’s shareholders, Green Century, issues a shareholder proposal that requires the company to clarify its terms in its Forest Practices Update regarding its pledge against suppliers that source from intact forest landscapes.

Quality Control for Shareholder Proposals
ESG Investor – September 6
United States environmental and social shareholder resolutions significantly dropped below 25% in 2023. Andrea Ranger, a Green Century shareholder advocate, is quoted claiming that “We’re not seeing a change in quality, so we try to support most or almost all of the ESG-related proposals we vote on.”

Meatpacker JBS Listing in NYC Would Be an ESG Nightmare
Washington Post/Bloomberg – September 5
The world’s largest meatpacking company, JBS, wants to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. Its use of livestock contributes to large amounts of greenhouse-gas emissions, illegal deforestation and child labor. Douglass Guernsey, a shareholder advocate at Green Century, claims that JBS is “the perfect example of a company you wouldn’t want to invest in if you were interested in responsible investing.”

Inflation Reduction Act ‘has changed where we invest, if not how we invest’
ESG Clarity – August 16
The United States established the Inflation Reduction Act one year ago, and it is aimed to generate more investments in green technology. Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century, discusses how this act is “levelling the playing field,” giving more investors the chance to support renewable energy.

CEO pay falls, but still 271 times higher than median workers
Investment News – August 4
CEO pay has decreased significantly this year, but they are still being paid more than 200 times the median salaries of their employees. “The data shows the opposite of the common perception that CEOs with higher compensation create greater shareholder value. There’s a case to be made that putting more money into making the company sustainable for the long-term rather than overpaying a CEO is the way to increase value for investors,” Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century Funds, said in an email.

Green investors see growing anti-ESG mood in plastics votes
Plastics News – August 4
Plastic pollution shareholder resolutions received less support this past year from major corporations, but plenty of other companies support reusable packaging resolutions. Douglass Guernsey, a shareholder advocate, claims that Coca-Cola set a goal to have 25 percent of its beverages sold in reusable or refillable packaging globally by 2030, and he predicts that more commitments like this will come from other companies in the coming years.

P&G Drops Forest Pledge, Drawing Criticism From Environmental Groups, Investors
Reuters – July 26
Procter & Gamble has announced that they have dropped their commitment to follow a supply chain policy that stops them from buying wood pulp from degraded forests. This announcement poses a huge environmental threat: “In an era where companies are moving forward on climate risk,” the change marks a “step backward,” says Green Century Funds President Leslie Samuelrich.

After years of experience, Amazon looks to cut down on plastic
Business News – July 20
Amazon has finally announced progress in reducing the company’s drastic plastic footprint. The multi-trillion dollar retailer has made strides through phasing out padded plastic mailers and stopping using non-recyclable plastic bags, however, they still have a long way to go. Proposals from Green Century Funds, among other shareholder advocate groups, urge Amazon to cut down on their plastic use and set forth a direct commitment to do so in the near future.

Despite a decade of effort, P&G can’t please activists on deforestation
WCPO 9 News – Cincinnati – July 19
Despite pressure from Green Century Funds and other activist groups, P&G continues to cause deforestation and other environmental damage due to palm oil extraction. To keep up with growing demand, P&G has been converting tropical forests in Malaysia and Indonesia into plantations.

Is The World Headed For An Uninsurable Future?
ESG Investor – July 19
Various insurance agencies are feeling the impact of climate change, causing them to consider exiting risky markets. This poses a threat to the overall balance of the economy and underscores the importance of addressing global warming by pressuring businesses to take action. Andrea Ranger, Green Century shareholder advocate is quoted in the ESG Investor article, as highlighting  “the business risks to [insurance firms such as] The Hartford, Travelers and Chubb that are attributable to enabling more and more carbon pollution into the atmosphere”.

Investors Urge EU Lawmakers to Stay Strong on Plastics as Companies Lobby for Watered down Legislation
ESG Clarity – July 18
Despite multiple attempts from companies to weaken legislation around plastic reduction, investors, such as Green Century Funds, urge Members of the European Parliament and Member State environment ministers to hold their stance and work towards reducing plastic use and the long-term damages it can cause.

Proxy season: Resolutions drive deforestation action
Financial Times – July 12
In this Financial Times article, Andrea Ranger, a shareholder advocate at Green Century discusses the difficulties of changing the global use of antibiotics on animals, specifically with beef and pork. With antibiotic use in animals increasing, life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacteria increase as well.

What You Need to Know Moral Money | Financial Times About the Critical Minerals Race
Financial Times – July 12
In this Financial Times article, Andrea Ranger, shareholder advocate at Green Century discusses the difficulties of changing the global use of antibiotics on animals, specifically with beef and pork. With antibiotic use in animals increasing, life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacteria increase as well.

The Future of Biodiversity at AGM’s
Responsible Investor – July 6
Biodiversity-related issues with investors and companies at AGMs will continue to be a difficult task but is something to look forward to in the future. “Part of the reason these were successful is that we made tailored, laser-focused arguments around why deforestation-related risks, in particular, were material for these specific companies,” says Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds.

Kraft Heinz bows to Green Century deforestation resolution
Environmental Finance – July 4
After a shareholder resolution from Green Century, Kraft Heinz has agreed to the removal of deforestation in its supply chain. Annie Sanders, director of shareholder advocacy, at Green Century, discusses deforestation and nature as a priority. “There are a lot of questions in the private sector around what is the exact definition of nature-positive,” she said. “We aren’t going to get a perfect biodiversity metric, so each company needs to start somewhere now and build-in better metrics as they come.”

At The Holiday Barbecue, Don’t Fight About Politics, Religion — or ESG
Morningstar – June 29
Learn how to avoid the controversies of ESG in this Morningstar article featuring Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds.

Right to Repair Movement Demands Parts, Diagnostics, Access from Manufactures
Eco RI – June 29
Andrea Ranger, Green Century shareholder advocate is quoted in this Eco RI article on the Right to Repair Movement. Green Century Funds filed shareholder proposals in 2021 that nudged Apple and John Deere into making some concessions on giving repair information to customers.

Heinz Recycled PET Sauce Bottles, Tesco PCR Plastic Food Trays, Clover Sonoma Recycled HDPE Milk Jugs
Packaging World – June 20
The Green Century Funds has successfully pushed Keurig Dr Pepper for more sustainable packaging.

Best Water Stocks to Buy
Kiplinger – June 19
“You turn on your tap and expect water, but when it doesn’t work, all of a sudden there’s all this attention on it,” says Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century Funds. This Kiplinger article introduces water investing as a megatrend.

Bottled-up Rage: Bud Light and ESG
Investment News – June 15
It’s problematic that “ESG” has different meanings, varying by context and whom you ask, Green Century Capital Management CEO Leslie Samuelrich  is cited as commenting in this article.

10 Questions for Green Century Capital Management’s Leslie Samuelrich
Morningstar – May 31
Green Century Funds President, Leslie Samuelrich, was featured in this Q&A style interview with Morningstar about the recent proxy season, the perception that the influence of climate-focused activists is waning, and the trend of greenhushing.

Insurers Take Heat from Shareholder Over Oil and Gas Coverage
Investment News – May 22
Green Century Funds President Leslie Samuelrich was quoted in this Investment News article on pushing insurers to disclose plans for their climate goals, saying, “Insurance companies have a critical role to play in steering us toward a low-carbon economy…”

Insurers Told to Up Their Game On Race
Financial Times – May 22
Shareholder Advocate Andrea Ranger commented on this Financial Times piece saying, “shareholders who file climate proposals must be prepared to educate others about the role played by the insurance industry.”

Fossil Fuel Insurance Is Turning Into A Climate Change Fight. What’s At Stake?
Barron’s – May 20
Shareholder Advocate Andrea Ranger was quoted in this article on the role of insurers at the forefront of climate risk and why this is important. Oil and gas projects can be halted if insurers change their underwriting practices.

ESG Investing Goes Quiet After Blistering Republican Attacks
Bloomberg Investor – May 19
Green Century Funds President Leslie Samuelrich was mentioned in this Bloomberg Finance article on the “culture wars” over ESG investing and “greenhushing”.

Mainstream Firms’ ESG Claims Are Not Always What They Seem
ESG Clarity – April 27
Green Century Funds President Leslie Samuerich explains in this guest column how ESG criteria and exclusionary screens are distinct, yet how some firms blur the lines in an attempt to gain a marketing edge.

Keurig Dr Pepper to Increase Reuse and Refill Options
Recycling Today – April 17
Green Century President, Leslie Samuelrich, was quoted in this Recycling Today article on Keurig Dr Pepper. The company will grow its efforts to cut single-use plastic by expanding its reuse and refill options across the country. In exchange for its heightened focus on plastic reduction, Green Century Funds withdrew its shareholder proposal for the company’s 2023 annual meeting that calls for a reduction in total plastic packaging.

Barron’s 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance
Barron’s – April 14
Green Century Funds President Leslie Samuelrich joins the ranks of prominent women including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other notable names in finance. Leslie has been an articulate and powerful voice in promoting environmentally and sustainable investing for the past 10 years at the helm of Green Century Funds. Leslie is one of the few women honored on the list to work in the responsible investing field.

Earth Day 2023: 6 Top-Rated Funds From Sustainable-Investing Pioneers
Morningstar Investor– April 14
It’s Earth Month! This year, Earth Day’s theme is “Invest In Our Planet.” Morningstar Investor dives into accelerating change, investing in our planet and the investment legacy of Earth Day, socially responsible investing (SRI).

SEC Lets Amazon Avoid Proxy Vote on Emission Reporting Plan
Bloomberg Law– April 10
Green Century is attempting to micromanage Amazon.com Inc. through its Scope 3 reporting proposal, which would allow the company to scrap the resolution under Securities and Exchange Commission rules.

Morgan Stanley to Strengthen Deforestation Policies for Clients
ESG Today– March 10
ESG Today highlights Green Century’s work with Morgan Stanley. The company has committed to strengthening its deforestation policies for clients in several agriculture and land-use sectors. President Leslie Samuelrich was quoted.

Amazon Seeks to Block Scope 3 Emissions Shareholder Proposal
Corporate Secretary – January 31
Corporate Secretary highlights a resolution co-filed by Green Century and Amalgamated Bank. The resolution asks Amazon to measure and disclose Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from its full value chain inclusive of physical stores, e-commerce operations and all products sold by third party vendors.

Institutional Investors File Shareholder Resolutions at JP Morgan, Bank of America to Curb Emissions
MarketWatch – January 24
Institutional investors are teaming up to file shareholder resolutions at the largest banks in the U.S. to get the financial companies to reduce financing tied to greenhouse-gas emissions as promised in earlier measures. Green Century Fund filed resolutions at insurance companies Chubb Ltd., Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. and Travelers Inc. asking the insurance companies to eliminate fossil-fuel projects over time.

Big Banks Told to Phase out Financing of Fossil-Fuel Projects
Bloomberg – January 24
Green Century, along with As You Sow, the Sierra Club Foundation and Trillium Asset Management filed climate-finance resolutions that are calling on companies to disclose how they measure and reduce emissions from their underwriting and investing businesses to align with the goals of the 2015 Paris climate accord. This Bloomberg article highlights how Wall Street banks are being ‘pressed’ to reduce their financing of fossil fuels faster.

Jack in the Box Vows to Improve Treatment of Pigs
Bloomberg – January 17
Andrea Ranger, Green Century shareholder advocate, continues to advocate for zero gestation crates in this recent Bloomberg article. Green Century Funds, owns shares of Jack in the Box and calls on pork suppliers to stop keeping pregnant sows in the individual pens, which are too small for them to lie down in or turn around.

IRA deep dive: opportunities created ‘up and down’ the net-zero value chain
NetZero Investor – January 12
Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds is quoted in this NetZero Investor article on how the US’s Inflation Reduction Act and other green policies are bolstering clean energy investment. 

Sustainable Funds Face Big Challenges. Only Some Will Be Winners.
Barron’s – January 6
Green Century Funds are featured in this article about whether ESG investing needs an overhaul, and how to find mutual funds and ETFs that are making a difference to the planet and delivering solid returns over the long term. Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century Funds, highlights the firm as a place for investors “who want to align their values deeply on environmental issues,” including climate change, biodiversity, forest protection, plastic pollution, and factory farming.

Office Depot, OfficeMax to cut plastics by 20%
Plastics News – January 5
Green Century’s director of shareholder advocacy, Annie Sanders, shares her thoughts with Plastics News on Office Depot’s recent plastic reduction commitment.

Investors push Amazon for more information on its climate footprint
Edie – December 20
Green Century and Amalgamated Bank recently filed a resolution with Amazon pressing the company to account for and fully disclose its greenhouse gas emissions associated with its full value chain. Currently, the company fails to disclose a significant portion of its emissions. “Amazon is trying to claim a leadership spot in the corporate race to net-zero emissions but is not disclosing all of its greenhouse gas emissions, leaving investors to wonder whether Amazon is a climate risk rather than a climate leader,” said Green Century Capital Management’s shareholder advocate Andrea Ranger.

P&G Takes Heat From Environmentalists Over Charmin and Bounty Supply Chain
Fox Business – August 17
Green Century’s shareholder proposal with Procter & Gamble was highlighted again in a Fox Business article showing that Charmin and Bounty are under pressure to switch from using wood pulp to recycled fibers in their products. Green Century Shareholder Advocate, Thomas Peterson celebrated their efforts saying with time, this will help reduce its environmental impact.

Who Leads, Who Lags on Sustainable Finance Policy
GreenBiz – August 17
Green Century was highlighted in a GreenBiz article along with Trillium and Walden for their consistency in pushing portfolio companies on ESG performance.

‘Hating ESG’: Advocates Are Looking to Replace the Label
Bloomberg – August 17
Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich was mentioned in a Bloomberg article highlighting why advocates are looking to replace the label ‘ESG’. She says it leaves investors in the dark, just when they need more clarity on it. She also says ESG is about using relevant material factors to measure how a company handles risks, it is not about sustainability, or making an impact.

Exclusive P&G Faces Reckoning Over Charmin, Bounty Supply Chain
Reuters – August 17
Two years ago, Green Century won majority support from shareholders on a resolution calling on Procter & Gamble to issue a report on its efforts to eliminate deforestation. This week, Reuters featured Green Century in an article to highlight its recent shareholder proposal from July with P&G. The proposal calls on the company to strengthen its policy on deforestation. Shareholder Advocate, Thomas Peterson was quoted in the article saying P&G’s new efforts are a step in the right direction.

Climate Lobbying Proposal Attracts Support at Tesla AGM
Corporate Secretary – August 10
The Green Century and Nathan Cummings Foundation shareholder proposal asking Tesla to ensure that its lobbying aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement was highlighted along with other remarkable votes from this proxy season in this Corporate Secretary article. Specifically, majority votes at FirstSource and The Home Depot are cited. Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich and Shareholder Advocate Andrea Ranger share their concerns about Tesla’s lack of published guidance on its public policy and private lobbying decisions.

Tesla Prevails Over Most Activist Shareholder Proposals
The New York Times – August 4
In a recent New York Times article, a Nathan Cummings Foundation and Green Century shareholder proposal asks Tesla to disclose information about aligning its government lobbying with efforts to limit climate change.

AGM Round-Up: Record tallies but did investors pull their punches?
Responsible Investor – July 5
The analysis of the recently concluded shareholder season highlights Green Century’s key role in shaping the vote results on environmental issues. Beginning with the season-opening majority vote on our proposal at Costco, the article also highlights the “incredible” 95% vote at Jack in the Box on our plastics proposal and our majority vote at Home Depot on deforestation.”

Environmental Shareholder Advocacy: Winning What Really Counts
ESG Clarity – June 27
In ESG’s latest column, Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich reflects on Green Century’s contributions to what she calls “the best AGM season for the environment on record.”

Investors Balk at Tough Climate Proposals: 2022 Proxy Voting Roundup
The Wall Street Journal – June 22
Green Century’s shareholder proposals with Costco, Jack in the Box, Home Depot, and Kroger are highlighted in this feature on the results of the 2022 proxy season. These proposals were among a record number of wins for shareholder advocates on environmental and social issues this year.

Nearly Half of Amazon Shareholders Agree: Time to Cut Back on Plastic Packaging
Grist – June 14
Green Century’s successful plastic reduction work is highlighted in this feature on plastic-related shareholder proposals. Shareholder Advocate Annalisa Tarrizo explains that investors have shown “heightened interest in the plastic pollution crisis” in this proxy season.

Climate Shareholder Resolutions Flood into Proxy Season for a Record Year
Fortune – June 6
Green Century’s landmark shareholder proposals at Costco and Jack in the Box feature in this deep dive into a record-breaking proxy season, which also highlights Green Century’s successful negotiation with Kroger to set science-based emissions targets.

Amazon Investor Proposal to Review Plastic Use Narrowly Fails to Clear
Reuters – May 27
A shareholder proposal that Green Century co-filed at Amazon urging the company to reduce its plastic use achieved near-majority support from investors. It received the highest vote of the 15 shareholder proposals presented at this year’s annual meeting and the highest ever vote on an environmental resolution at the company.

ESG Resolution Round-up: Engine No. 1 Votes Against Paris-Aligned Targets Proposals at Exxon and Chevron
Responsible Investor – May 27
This roundup of a crucial week in the 2022 proxy season highlights Green Century’s proposals calling on insurers to end fossil fuel underwriting, and features majority votes on Green Century proposals calling on US Foods to reduce its climate impact and Home Depot to address deforestation in its supply chains.

Major Insurers Face Shareholder Votes Over Climate Ambitions
E&E News – May 18
ClimateWire discusses the Green Century proposals going to a vote at The Hartford and Chubb’s shareholder meetings. Shareholder Advocate Andrea Ranger contends that these companies are “going to have to go in [the] direction of moving away from insuring fossil fuels.”

Green Century Pulls Resolution as Kroger Sets Climate Targets
ESG Clarity – May 17
Kroger, the largest grocery chain in the US, is setting high-ambition emissions reduction targets in response to a shareholder proposal from Green Century. Read more from ESG Clarity about how it happened and what it means.

CVS Sets A New Standard for Retailers on Reducing Plastic Waste
Triple Pundit – May 6
A Green Century shareholder proposal persuaded CVS Health to set a goal to reduce virgin plastic use in its store brand packaging by 50% by 2030. The announcement caps off what Triple Pundit dubs a “banner proxy season” for Green Century’s Preventing Plastic Pollution campaign.

How Public Resolutions Can Lead To Backroom Climate Deals
E&E News – May 2
Climatewire highlights Green Century’s successful engagement with Citigroup on its deforestation policies in an article exploring how shareholders use resolutions to secure improved climate policies.

Texas Stumbles in its Efforts to Punish Green Financial Firms
NPR – April 29
Green Century president Leslie Samuelrich spoke to NPR about the Texas state government’s anti-divestment efforts. “I don’t think this is going to affect demand at all,” she says. “In fact it might spur more people to realize that they can invest fossil fuel free.”

Big Brands Targeted For Plastic Reduction and Refill Commitments in 2022 Proxy Season
Waste Dive – April 27
Green Century’s success this proxy season pushing companies like Office Depot and Jack in the Box to reduce their plastic use is featured in this deep dive from Waste Dive, a leading waste and recycling publication.

Barbie Is All Virgin Plastic For Now — But Mattel’s Pledge For Less Packaging and Recycled Toys Means Change is Coming
MarketWatch – April 27
Mattel’s newly announced plastic reduction goal is “a step forward in having children enjoy their favorite toys without parents dealing with unnecessary plastic packaging,” according to Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich.

Investors Crank Up Pressure on Companies With Record Climate, Race Proxy Proposals
Bloomberg – April 25
This Bloomberg article on the record-breaking proxy season highlights Green Century’s proposals with Costco, Home Depot, and UPS.

Greenwashing 101: How to Decipher Corporate Claims About Climate
Washington Post – April 21
Green Century is pushing Travelers to measure and report emissions generated by its customers and investments and asking the company to stop underwriting environmentally destructive fossil fuel projects.

SEC Shift Fuels Surge in Climate-Linked Proxy Proposals
Politico – April 17
Green Century continues to submit proposals with insurance companies like Chubb, Travelers, and The Hartford, encouraging them to record their emissions output from underwriting activity and adopt more sustainable practices.

Costco and Walmart: A Tale Of Two Supply Chains
GreenBiz – April 11
Green Century shareholder advocate Thomas Peterson comments on the challenges and opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from retail supply chains.

Investors Fight Against Plastic Packaging
Morningstar – April 8
Green Century encourages fast-food restaurant, Jack in the Box, to issue a report on how it could improve its environmental sustainability efforts through a sustainable packaging policy.

Insurers Chubb, Travelers and The Hartford face climate proposals
Corporate Secretary – April 7
Green Century’s proposals asking top fossil fuel insurers to stop underwriting policies that cover new fossil fuel supply survive a challenge at the SEC. Shareholder advocate, Andrea Ranger, explains that their ‘business as usual’ approach delays a much-need transition to clean energy.

Chubb Faces New Kind of Shareholder Vote Over Fossil Fuels
ESG Clarity – March 22
Despite Chubb’s challenge at the SEC, Green Century proposal asking Chubb to stop underwriting new fossil fuel development will go to a vote.

Investors say U.S. SEC climate disclosure rule to clarify ‘mixed bag’ of data
Reuters – March 22
Green Century president Leslie Samuelrich is quoted, praising the inclusion of scope 3 emissions in the proposed SEC climate disclosure rule.

No More ‘Cover’ for Oil and Gas Companies
Grist – March 21
SBTi worries that oil and gas companies could be using science-based target commitments to give the appearance that they’re actually reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Russian’s War Prompts a Pitch for “Socially Responsible” Military Stocks
New York Times – March 4
In the midst of the Russian invasion into Ukraine, Green Century president Leslie Samuelrich responds to the notion that investing into the stocks of companies that make weapons is socially responsible.“ Those who argue that weapons belong in a sustainable portfolio are capitalizing on the horrific attack,” she said. “Excluding military and civilian firearms has been a long-held screen by authentic responsible investors.”

What To Expect From the 2022 Proxy Season
Morningstar – February 18
Morningstar’s proxy season preview recommends that you “watch out for Green Century Capital Management,” noting early-season wins at Costco and Jack in the Box and president Leslie Samuelrich’s nomination to the McDonald’s board of directors.

Proxy Season Heats Up for ESG Proposals 
Portfolio Advisor – February 18
Portfolio Adviser observes that the 2022 proxy season will likely see record levels of climate-related and social proposals at large companies and highlights Green Century’s groundbreaking shareholder proposals at Costco, Corning, and Hain Celestial on setting science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets and at Jack-in-the-Box on eliminating single-use plastics.

Climate Disclosure Poses Thorny Questions for SEC as Rules Weighed
Wall Street Journal – February 18
This article on potential SEC-mandated climate disclosures quotes shareholder advocate Thomas Peterson, who argues in favor of comprehensive emissions disclosures to avoid incentivizing greenwashing or outsourcing emissions.

Influential Fund Manager Green Century Tells Big Insurers to Drop Big Oil
MarketWatch – February 16
MarketWatch highlights Green Century’s unprecedented shareholder action aimed at holding Chubb, The Hartford, and Travelers accountable for continuing to underwrite new fossil fuel supplies. Green Century filed shareholder proposals with each company asking for underwriting in alignment with global net-zero benchmarks, and all three insurers challenged the proposals with the SEC.

Environmental Investment Group Claims Win in Tyson Packaging Vote
Plastics News – February 15
A majority of independent shareholders backed a Green Century shareholder proposal urging Tyson Foods to reduce its plastic use.

Coca-Cola Criticized for Plastic Pollution, Pledges 25% Reusable Packaging
Reuters – February 10
A Green Century shareholder proposal spurred the announcement of Coca-Cola’s industry-leading reusable packaging goal.

Coca-Cola to Boost Use of Refillable Bottles in an ‘Industry-Leading’ Move Against Plastic Waste
MarketWatch – February 10
MarketWatch examines Coca-Cola’s new reusable packaging goal, which was prompted by a Green Century shareholder proposal, and quotes Environment America, an affiliate of Green Century’s nonprofit owners.

Chemours Pledges to Avoid Mining Near Okefenokee
Georgia Public Broadcasting – February 4
This article highlights Chemours’ pledge not to mine near Georgia’s Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, secured in response to Green Century’s shareholder proposal on the issue. Green Century’s Thomas Peterson asserts that Chemours’ pledge signals that “titanium mining next to the refuge is a non-starter.”

Behind That Bombshell Shareholder Vote at Costco
Investment News – February 3
An in-depth look at the story behind Green Century’s successful shareholder proposal, quoting president Leslie Samuelrich and shareholder advocate Thomas Peterson, who describes the Costco vote as “an initial salvo in a multiyear campaign to push the food and agriculture sector to get moving on climate.”

After Defeating Costco, Investors Push Food Companies to Detail Greenhouse Gas Output
Morningstar – February 2
An in-depth look at the story behind Green Century’s successful shareholder proposal, quoting president Leslie Samuelrich and shareholder advocate Thomas Peterson, who describes the Costco vote as “an initial salvo in a multiyear campaign to push the food and agriculture sector to get moving on climate.”

What The Wall Street Journal Missed About Sustainable Investing
Morningstar– January 28
The 70% vote on Green Century’s emissions reduction proposal at Costco serves as the kicker in this defense of sustainable investing from Morningstar’s Jon Hale.

Costco Shareholder Vote Signals Focus on Supply-Chain Emissions
Wall Street Journal – January 26
The Wall Street Journal features the 70% vote on Green Century’s climate proposal at Costco, underlining the importance of the proposal’s focus on supply-chain emissions and featuring commentary from Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich.

Climate Activists Poised to See Big Gains in 2022
Bloomberg Green – January 26
Bloomberg highlights the majority vote on Green Century’s pathbreaking climate proposal at Costco’s annual meeting, quoting Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich on the significance of the vote.

Costco Profits Surge; Shareholders Vote for Faster Cut in Carbon Emissions
Seattle Times – January 21
Costco’s hometown newspaper reports on a landmark majority vote in favor of a Green Century proposal, calling on the company to cut carbon emissions faster and more aggressively than previously planned.

Google Faces Shareholder Pressure to Amend Repairs Policy
MarketWatch – January 11
Green Century files a shareholder proposal with Google’s parent company, urging it to make product repair more accessible to consumers and independent repair shops.

An ESG Fund Changes the World, One Company at a Time
Barron’s – December 9
Barron’s profiles the Green Century Balanced Fund and its lead portfolio manager Cheryl Smith, highlighting the green bonds and equity selections that include renewable energy companies.

John Deere* Blows Off Shareholders Asking About Right to Repair
Vice – December 9
Deere challenges Green Century’s shareholder proposal on Right to Repair, refusing shareholders the chance to vote on the company’s anti-competitive repair policies.

Federal Insurance Office urged to push climate risk disclosure
Roll Call – November 18
Green Century urges the Federal Insurance Office to facilitate greater transparency on the amount of premiums insurance companies are earning from the fossil fuel industry.

Catholic nuns pressure mining company to protect Okefenokee
Georgia Public Broadcasting – November 18
This in-depth piece highlights the stakeholders supporting Green Century’s shareholder proposal calling on Chemours to protect the Okefenokee swamp, which was filed on behalf of the Felician Sisters of North America.

The shareholder fight that forced Apple’s hand on repair rights
The Verge – November 17
A Green Century shareholder proposal played a key role in a recent announcement about Apple’s new product repair program.

Apple will finally let you fix your own devices – sort of
Vox – November 17
Apple’s new product repair program is announced the same day as a key deadline for a Green Century shareholder proposal with the company.

New SEC guidance emboldens shareholder activists as 2022 proxy season ramps up
S&P Global – November 17
Green Century’s path-breaking Costco proposal is featured in this article, which quotes Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich on the significance of the new SEC guidance.

SEC guidance forces Costco to abandon move to exclude climate targets proposal
Responsible Investor – November 16
Following up on last month’s analysis, Responsible Investor explains how new SEC guidance led Costco to withdraw its challenge to Green Century’s “bellwether” proposal on emissions reduction targets.

Advocates call on Chemours to vow never to operate titanium mine near Okefenokee Swamp
Yahoo! News – November 12
Green Century files a shareholder proposal calling on Chemours to commit that it will not mine near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a unique ecosystem and critical carbon sink.

The Rise in Green Bonds: What This Means for Investors and Our Planet
Yahoo! Finance – November 8
President Leslie Samuelrich offers insight into the impact of green and sustainable bonds in GreenMoney’s first-ever issue on green bonds.

COP26 Deforestation Pledge Will Empower Companies, Investors to Attack Supply Chain Emissions
Morningstar – November 3
President Leslie Samuelrich and Green Century’s forest advocacy are prominently featured in this in-depth examination of investor-driven action on deforestation in the wake of COP26 climate summit.

Climate proposal at Costco is a litmus test for the SEC on investor requests for Paris-alignment
Responsible Investor – October 13
Green Century’s path-breaking proposal, which directly asks Costco to adopt science-based emissions reduction targets, is the subject of this analysis from Responsible Investor.

P&G Investors, Heirs Pressure Bounty Maker Over Deforestation
The Wall Street Journal – October 12
Shareholder Advocate Thomas Peterson comments on Procter & Gamble’s insufficient action on deforestation in an article that also highlights last year’s majority votes on Green Century shareholder proposals at P&G and Bunge.

Bowing to investors, Microsoft will make its devices easier to fix
Grist – October 7
Green Century’s work pressing Apple and Deere to make product repair more accessible in order to reduce electronic waste is featured prominently in this deep dive from Grist.

Procter & Gamble heirs say company’s “production is coming at a terrible price to the planet”
CBS News – September 29
In this in-depth interview with CBS News, Green Century Shareholder Advocate Thomas Peterson joins the descendants of a Procter & Gamble founder to address shareholders’ concern about the company’s impacts on deforestation.

Walmart to tag 2,000 products deemed healthier for planet and people
CBS News – September 21
President Leslie Samuelrich joins environmental and consumer advocates in calling for stronger action from Walmart after the company announced a new effort to label a selection of its products as planet-friendly.

AAPL shareholder resolution calls for company to support right to repair
9to5Mac – September 16
Green Century’s shareholder proposal with Apple, which urges the company to make product repair more accessible in order to advance environmental sustainability, is featured.

Apple and John Deere Shareholder Resolutions Demand They Explain Their Bad Repair Policies
iFixit – September 15
Apple and John Deere’s restrictive product repair policies prompt the filing of two Green Century shareholder proposals.

Few of the top 50 food companies disclose Scope 3 emissions
New Hope Network – September 13
Few of the 50 largest food companies track their Scope 3 emissions, yet disproportionately contribute to total indirect emissions, reveals the Food Emissions 50 Company Benchmark, of which Green Century has signed on as a founding investor partner.

5 Things to Know About ESG Investing Today
Investing News Network – August 30
Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich breaks down ESG criteria and approaches to green investing in this Investing News Network guide.

Can investors save the Amazon?
BBC – August 25
In this in-depth examination of deforestation financing, Green Century is prominently featured for having successfully engaged companies throughout the palm oil supply chain to adopt zero-deforestation commitments.

Ceres report shows ‘stunning’ lack of Scope 3 action by Costco, McDonalds, others
GreenBiz – August 10
Green Century signs on as one of the founding investor partners to the Food Emissions 50 Benchmark, an assessment of the 50 largest food companies and an important step towards reducing the food sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

UN climate report increases urgency for green investment funds
Reuters – August 10
President Leslie Samuelrich warns investors that confusion between high-impact ESG funds and greenwashed ones will increase as interest in ESG grows.

ANALYSIS: Deforestation Shareholder Proposal Wins Signal a Shift
Bloomberg Law – August 9
Bloomberg Law cites record-breaking vote on Green Century’s shareholder proposal with Bunge Limited as evidence of increasing interest in deforestation-related risks.

Ceres Launches New Effort to Slash Emissions and Improve Transparency Across the Food Sector, Sets Out Benchmark
Yahoo Finance – July 29
Green Century is the first investment advisory firm to join an initiative to push 50 of the highest-emitting food companies to reduce the full scope of their greenhouse gas emissions.

Target’s climate pledge reveals its bet that convenience and bulk buying can still be Earth-smart
MarketWatch – June 22
Target announces plastic reduction goal in response to Green Century advocacy.

These are the world’s largest banks that are increasing and decreasing their fossil fuel financing
EnerCom – June 18
President Leslie Samuelrich discusses the importance of eliminating fossil fuel financing to addressing the industry’s material risks.

The 20 top female portfolio managers in the US
Citywire – June 3
Green Century Balanced Fund Portfolio Manager Cheryl Smith named one of the top female fund managers in the U.S.

Daily ESG Briefing: Plastics resolution at Amazon AGM gets 35% support
Responsible Investor – June 3
Green Century-led plastics resolution with Amazon – earning 35% of shareholder support – leads in Responsible Investor’s roundup of ESG developments.

Amazon rejects plastics plan as groups urge reduced virgin plastic use
Plastics News – June 1
The first shareholder resolution with Amazon, and other plastic pollution reduction proposals by Green Century, are highlighted in this industry news publication.

A majority vote on strong deforestation and climate policy at Bloomin’ Brands continues the rush of success for climate proposals in 2021 proxy season
MarketScreener – May 20
Sustainability nonprofit Ceres marks the 76% vote on Green Century’s shareholder proposal with Bloomin’ Brands as a sign of investors’ growing concern with mitigating climate risk across their portfolios.

Why This Proxy Season Is A Record Breaker For Climate Proposals
Forbes – May 14
A record-breaking vote by Bunge Limited shareholders on a Green Century proposal is featured in Forbes’ recap of the season’s annual shareholder meetings.

P&G faces ‘investor risk alert’ over alleged links to deforestation and forced labour
Responsible Investor – May 13
Proctor & Gamble is lagging behind on its deforestation commitments, despite shareholders’ overwhelming support of a Green Century-led resolution urging the company to eliminate deforestation from its supply chains.

Hints of Sea Change in Big Fund Company ESG Proxy Votes
Morningstar – May 12
Morningstar highlights votes on Green Century-led proposals with Procter & Gamble and Bunge Limited among ESG shareholder resolutions that earned record support.

98% of Bunge shareholders back proposal to reduce deforestation
Mongabay – May 12
In this in-depth examination, President Leslie Samuelrich discusses the record-breaking vote on a Green Century proposal presented at Bunge’s annual meeting.

World Changing Ideas Awards 2021: Impact Investing Finalists and Honorable Mentions
Fast Company – May 4
Fast Company honors Green Century in its 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards.

These are the world’s largest banks that are increasing and decreasing their fossil fuel financing
CNBC Make It – April 22
President Leslie Samuelrich comments on how banks can reduce their material risks and curb climate change by reducing investments in fossil fuel industry.

Facebook meets 100% renewable energy goal with over 6 GW of wind, solar
Utility Dive – April 15
Tech companies can help meet 100% clean energy goal.

JPMorgan Chase expanding deforestation policies under shareholder pressure
Mongabay – April 13
An in-depth look at Green Century’s successful engagement with JP Morgan Chase by Mongabay, a conservation and environmental science news platform.

Is Your Portfolio Fighting or Fueling Deforestation?
Morningstar – April 12
Green Century’s work to protect forests, including engagements with JP Morgan Chase and Procter & Gamble, is prominently highlighted in this examination of investor action on deforestation.

Southern Vows to Hit Carbon Goal Early; Environmentalists Scoff
Bloomberg – April 6
Green Century expresses concern about the details of Southern Company’s announcement to cut its greenhouse gas emissions.

The SEC’s Fund Proxy Voting Disclosure Isn’t Helping ESG Investors
Barron’s – March 30
President Leslie Samuelrich discusses the need for proxy voting data to be more accessible to all investors.

As Coal Market Shrinks, CSX Pledges Transparency on Climate Lobbying
TriplePundit – March 25
CSX Corporation (CSX) agrees to report on any of its lobbying activities, and those of its trade associations, that contradict the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, precipitating a withdrawal of Green Century’s shareholder resolution.

Big Banks Make a Dangerous Bet on the World’s Growing Demand for Food
Inside Climate News – March 7
Green Century Shareholder Advocate Jessye Waxman comments on the need to include deforestation in any effort to address the climate crisis in this in-depth examination of the failure of banks and asset managers to adequately mitigate agriculture and deforestation risks.

Investing based on your principles
Fidelity – February 18
Fidelity identifies the “clean energy” Green Century Balanced Fund as sustainable investing option focused on environmental impact.

Show us the plan: Investors push companies to come clean on climate
Reuters – February 24
In this look at climate-related shareholder engagements, Communications Director Kyle W. Kempf expresses the hope that BlackRock’s nascent support for Green Century’s deforestation resolution with P&G is a sign of things to come from the world’s largest investor.

Coca-Cola agrees to reduce virgin plastics use
Plastics in Packaging – February 10
A brief look at Green Century’s successful engagement with The Coca-Cola Company.

Retailers could face more investor scrutiny amid Biden climate policy agenda
S&P Global – February 2
Shareholder Advocate Andrea Ranger asserts that Green Century expects to see short- and medium-term progress, even as companies make ambitious long-term environmental commitments.

The Top Supply Chain Stories in 2020
Supply Chain Digest – January 26
Green Century’s shareholder proposal, pushing P&G to eliminate deforestation in its supply chain, is included in this compendium.

Barron’s Top-Performing Sustainable Funds
Barron’s – January 22
The Green Century Equity Fund is included in this annual ranking of big-cap equity mutual funds.

Fighting deforestation should be a top priority for 2021, and here’s how it can be
GreenBiz – January 11
Green Century’s shareholder advocacy is featured prominently in this look at the importance of ending deforestation.