Green giants: the eco power list
Lucy Siegle | 01.16.2011
From David Attenborough to Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition Town movement, the Observer Ethical Awards has honoured many movers and shakers in ecological and social justice. So it seems fitting to launch our sixth awards by profiling the 20 global figures who'll exert influence in 2011. For those on our list, the coming year might best be described as "take your partners" time, as activists and corporates scramble for power – and we're predicting some unlikely marriages ahead. Commentators have noted that big business is taking an unprecedented interest in the environment and are pushing for conservation capitalism. The really big decisions from the climate-change conference in Cancun have effectively been rolled over to December's summit in Durban when the pressure is on to come up with a successive treaty to Kyoto, and we highlight the likely stars in Durban. It also celebrates those who inform our cultural, political, business and activist lives.
From retail to politics, these are the people who will set the tone for how green issues are perceived and how the planet is protected.
Target is here for good!
A message from their CEO
"Target has always believed in strengthening the communities where we do business. It’s a commitment that began when we opened our first store in 1962, and one that now extends to more than 1,700 neighborhoods throughout the United States and nearly 30 countries around the world. Each week, we give more than $3 million and countless volunteer hours to make a positive difference in the lives of our guests and team members … and that’s just the beginning. We’re implementing rigorous programs to reduce our environmental impact; paving a path to graduation by supporting K-12 education; inspiring our guests, team members and their families as they strive to achieve well-being in every aspect of life; and operating safe stores that help our communities thrive. The way we see it, to truly be part of the community we have to play an active role in its progress, so we join you in making commitments that, together, we can keep."
sustainable retail... it's about a 'triple top line' agenda of people, the planet and corporate profits!
Pittsburgh Steelers fans make themselves part of the team
pennlive.com | 01.24.2011
In Pittsburgh, the team’s quest is known as the “Stairway to Seven,” or “Knocking on Seven’s Door.” Customized song lyrics have been written and recorded to the melodies of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.”
These tunes, along with the latest updates of old-standards such as “The Steelers’ Polka” and the “Here We Go” song, are but a few of the signs of the black and gold buzzsaw that’s revving up in this football frenzied city.
Yet, with the Steelers long ago having risen from lovable losers to NFL royalty, does Pittsburgh’s perennial playoff party ever get old?
And after converting basements to black-and-gold man caves, stuffing closets with countless Steelers coats, hats, scarves and jerseys and even redecorating bathrooms into Steelers johns, could there be any more room in fans’ lives for more memorabilia?
Might Pittsburgh’s football fanaticism have reached its limit?
“Do people ever get tired of celebrating New Year’s?” retorted Jon Rubin, director of the Miller Gallery at Carnegie Mellon University.
‘Pervasive Steelers culture’
The Miller Gallery is running an exhibit exploring Steelers fans’ seemingly boundless enthusiasm.
Steelers faithful do not simply cheer on a football team. They see themselves and their city reflected in the team’s mixture of blue-collar work ethic, family ownership and tough-as-nails mentality.
So when Steelers fans want to show their black-and-gold allegiance, they don’t just don jerseys and leave it at that. They make themselves part of the team, intertwining their own life experiences with those of the Steelers until the two are inseparable.
After months of trolling Steelers Nation for artifacts, Rubin and co-curator Astria Suparak assembled an eclectic exhibit of fan memorabilia that doesn’t just blur the line between fan and team, it obliterates it entirely.
here we go steelers, here we go, again... never underestimate what creating fan loyalty can do for your brand!
