The American Sustainable Business Network's monthly member newsletter highlighting news on policy, business, capital, and more. 

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TAKE ACTION

Addressing the plastic pollution crisis and circular solutions: the ASBN's Director of Circular Economy Policy, Stephanie Erwin ([link removed]) , has been invited to DC to testify at a hearing on recycling and innovative circular business solutions for the House Energy & Climate Change subcommittee this Thursday, where our collective voice will be heard by policymakers. The hearing will be reviewing the following recycling legislation:
* Title IX, excluding Subtitle E, of H.R. 1512 ([link removed]) , the “CLEAN Future Act” (Reps. Pallone (D-NJ), Tonko (D-NY), and Rush (D-IL))
* H.R. 2238 ([link removed]*7B*22search*22*3A*22break*free*22*7D__;JSUlJSUrJSU!!Bg5easoyC-OII2vlEqY8mTBrtW-N4OJKAQ!b0Jg2owRSpqdyaIiMcD6lASCwONcpwuczvCjwHd38x5PPUYd5JVTkr_kB3m9vrFOXAzOsCKR9S7z$) , the “Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021” (Rep. Lowenthal (D-CA))
* H.R. 8059 ([link removed]) , the “Recycling and Composting Accountability Act” (Reps. Neguse (D-CO), Burchett (R-TN), and Foster (D-IL))
* H.R. 8183 ([link removed]) , the “Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2022” (Reps. McKinley (R-WV) and Sherrill (D-NJ)) (attached)

To tune in to the livestream of our testimony on June 30th at 11:30am ET, please view here ([link removed]) . You are also welcome to share this tweet ([link removed]) and promote it to your networks and read our written testimony here ([link removed]) . Learn more ([link removed]) about our partnership and how you can be a part of the change to Break Free from Plastic.

Today is the last day for the Early Bird special for the conference. Tomorrow the prices will be going up. Learn more about the conference and register here ([link removed]) !

ASBN is leading a sign-on with Worker-Owned Recovery California (WORC) Coalition, Project Equity, and Ownership America to support the California Employee Ownership Act. Learn more and sign-on here ([link removed]) .

ASBN had its first all employee staff retreat this month! Read about it here ([link removed]) .

ASBN helped uplift the Poor People's and Low-Wage Workers' Assembly and Moral March. Read about the event and watch a recording of the event here ([link removed]) .

ASBN has been on the forefront of fighting for reproductive rights. Read our statement ([link removed]) here about the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, and our reproductive health webinar here ([link removed]) .

MEMBER INTERVIEW
Read ASBN's featured interview this month with Spencer William, CEO and co-founder of West Paw here ([link removed]) .

PODCAST
Catch up on ASBN's latest Just & Sustainable Economy podcast episodes here ([link removed]) .

ASBN IN THE NEWS
On June 13, Frank Knapp, ASBN's director of business for democracy, was published in Inside Sources. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

On June 16, David Levine, ASBN's president and co-founder, co-authored an op-ed with Rev. Barber for Impact Entrepreneur. Read the full op-ed here ([link removed]) .

On June 16, Stephanie Erwin, ASBN's director of circular economy, was quoted in Waste360. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

On June 21, Heather Mason, an ASBN board member, was mention in Street Insider. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .

On June 28, Mike Green, ASBN's director of climate and energy, was quoted in Outside Online. Read the full article here ([link removed]) .
Working Groups
Regenerative Agriculture:
This month, the Regenerative Agriculture and Justice Working Group featured guest Harry Huntley from Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) to discuss a proposal for a farm bill program that would incentivize farmers and states to achieve clean water outcomes. The working group also finalized a memo outlining priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill and discussed strategies for calling on Congress to pass aclimate budget reconciliation package that includes funding for regenerative agriculture ([link removed]) .

CCPI:
CCPI is in the process of planning events for September's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. They are also moving forward in getting the Protect America's Children for Toxic Pesticides Act (S.3283 ([link removed](11%2F30%2F2021)&text=To%20amend%20the%20Federal%20Insecticide,use%2C%20and%20for%20other%20purposes.) , PACTPA). If you would like to tell your representatives to support PACTPA, sign ASBN's letter here ([link removed]) .

The CDC released theirGuidelines for Examining Unusual Patterns of Cancer and Environmental Concerns ([link removed]) . These guidelines are open for public comment until July 25. The Childhood Cancer Prevention Initiative (CCPI) would like to release a joint comment on these guidelines. If you would like to submit input on the guidelines, please send it to [email protected].

Circular Economy:
On the state level, the Circular Economy Working Group drafted a letter to Senator Allen ([link removed]) in California earlier this month to communicate what we would be looking for in an amended SB 54 in lieu of the Plastic Reduction Ballot Initiative. We are thrilled to report that Senator Allen's office said they were able to include all of the listed criteria from the letter in the final version of the bill. The bill was recently in front of Chair Rivas and the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources who who decided to push forward SB 54.

On the federal level, ASBN was in Capitol Hill recently lobbying for the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act ([link removed]) with the Break Free from Plastic Coalition. We were invited to speak at the press briefing alongside our BFFP allies. As a result of our lobbying efforts, we have been invited to testify at a hearing today (6/30) in front of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Climate Change on recycling and the circular economy.

BCCA:
BCCA had its monthly network meeting focusing on building out and investing in kelp mariculture as a regenerative business enterprise and a mechanism for self-determination & food sovereignty. The presentation featured guest speakers Alana Peterson ofSpruce Root ([link removed]) , Kim Pate ofNDN Collective ([link removed]) , Dune Lankard and Rion Schmidt ofThe Native Conservancy ([link removed]) , and James Mitchell ofDon't Cage Our Oceans ([link removed]) . Click here ([link removed]) for the recording.

BCCA is also hiring anIndigenous Business Outreach Coordinator ([link removed]) . If you are interested in the position please send resumes and cover letter to [email protected].

Business for Democracy:
ASBN's Business for Democracy working group had its monthly meeting at the beginning of the month featuring Robert Orr, retired Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. He is a co-leader in North Carolina promoting the Carter Center ([link removed]) Candidate Principles, endorsed by ASBN. The group is also continuing to build business collaboratives in target states to elevate the issue of voting rights in the upcoming elections.

Livable Planet:
Evidently, you CAN put a value on biodiversity! Want to KNOW YOUR Environmental Footprint? Shana Gavron invites everyone to try the new Environmental Footprint Calculator - Endangered Wildlife OÜ ([link removed]) fromEndangered Wildl.life ([link removed]) .

Jon Scott invites us to check out the Clean Water Action Wallet, an ESG screened cash management solution that combines traditional bank account convenience with the benefits of a brokerage account. Ask him for a one-pager, download the app fromApple ([link removed]) orGoogle Play ([link removed]) , and let him know what you think: [email protected].

We invite everyone to save the largest forest on the planet - endorse this declaration"Amazonia for Life 80% by 2025" ([link removed])
Join the Livable Planet Town Hall on July 20th, 'Our Transformational Nature Stories: A Compass for Thriving in Business and Life ([link removed]) '. ASBN members and allies will be invited to evoke a special nature-based experience. Presenters will start things off by sharing their own transformative nature experience, including how it has affected their personal and professional life. Attendees will be led through a process of embodying the power and inspiration of their own nature encounter, and if they wish, they can share it publicly.

Alternative Impact Investment Structures:
There is a growing need for the impact investor and entrepreneurs to rethink how investments are made. How can impact investors and social entrepreneurs use investment structures to be more mission-aligned rather than push for a quick exit?

Tools of the venture capital trade are becoming increasingly popular, both among entrepreneurs and angel investors; but are SAFES and priced equity rounds the best options for impact investors and social enterprises? This working group explores alternatives to the VC toolkit; from revenue notes; to crowdfunding campaigns; to alternative corporate structures. We will develop case studies and best practices with a view toward educating the impact community and encouraging the broader use of alternative investment structures.
For more information, contact ASBN members: or

Transforming Business Ownership Project (TBOP):
The Transforming Business Ownership Project (TBOP) continues to advance its efforts in three key areas
1) Development of an Employer Pipeline for deal flow
2) Generation of Investor Interest, both individual and institutional
3) Passage and Implementation of innovative Public Policy measures.

On the last front, our efforts have assisted with the passage of SB 1407, the California Employee Ownership Act ([link removed]) , however funding of the measure still needs be approved, and continued ASBN support is needed, especially from California based members. In addition to public educational events TBOP holds periodic strategy meetings to which you are welcome to participate. For more information about how to get involved, including supporting legislative engagement, visit our website ([link removed]) and contact ASBN member


Main Street Lending/CDFIs ([link removed]) :
See our webpage for a listing of CDFIs that are able to accept investments from individuals.

Beyond Wall Street II: Investing to Dismantle Racism and Oppression Faith Based Community Convening coming in September
To educate and activate faith based organizations, foundations and individuals through a series of virtual events about the opportunities to participate in Community Investing, CDFIs, Community Land Trusts and other Main Street Lending. For more information or to include your Faith Based organization contact: , or

Restorative Investing Task Force ([link removed]) :
October Presentation - Beyond Impact Investing and ESG

The truth is the financial system and institutions are not broken, they are designed to oppress and create inequity. Without intentionality to address systems change, impact Investing’s “do good do well” approach and ESG merely perpetuate these inequities and oppression. Flowing capital to BIPOC businesses or benefitting BIPOC alone also isn’t enough as it doesn't address inequities in the due diligence process, the terms, the impact metrics and even reporting requirements. The Restorative Economies Fund at the Kataly Foundation is based on its CEO, Nwamaka Agbo's restorative economics framework and focuses on systems change for the prosperity of all. In this session, we will learn more about what intentional finance for systems change based on restorative economics look like, examine some examples of restorative investing, and also discuss the policy changes needed to make this approach successful.

Investor Education for those identifying as female:
Starting in July, the nonprofit organization Invest for Better ([link removed]) is launching 3-month “elective” courses that will complement our signature 6-month core curriculum on values-aligned investing based on Activate Your Money and Build a Better World ([link removed]) by ASBN member Janine Firpo.. Like their 6-month Circles, these 3-month experiences will provide curated learning materials and engage women in conversations with other women in small groups that meet every month. They are designed to take participants deeper into topics of interest—and provide the knowledge and confidence to take action. New Invest for Better members with extensive prior experience in values-aligned investing may choose to enroll in Deep Dive courses without having completed the core curriculum (Learn more about this membership option here ([link removed]) ). Additional details can be viewed here.
([link removed]) In late June we will assemble Circles for each course and specific virtual Circle meeting times will be scheduled based on member availability. To sign up for a Deep Dive course, please complete this form ([link removed]) as soon as possible. For more information contact

Four “Deep Dive Courses” will be available to members in this first round (July-September 2022):

· Back to the Basics: Financial Planning ([link removed])

· Values Align Your Stock Portfolio ([link removed])

· How Angel Investing Works ([link removed])
· Find a Values-Aligned Financial Advisor ([link removed])
Judge Jackson will be sworn ([link removed]) in as Supreme Court Justice at 12pm ET on 6/30--thanks to all of our coalition partners who worked on this effort. See our release on Judge Jackson's nomination here ([link removed]) .

Read about ASBN's director of circular economy, Stephanie Erwin, and the Vice President of strategy and development, Carolyn Pincus, and their trip to the Break Free from Plastic Lobbying event here ([link removed]) .

The SEC is no longer taking comments on their new proposed rule. Read about our efforts to support this rule here ([link removed]) .

On June 8, ASBN and Businesses for Conservation and Climate Action published a release Applauding the Nomination of Proposed National Marine Sanctuary, Alaĝum Kanuux̂ on World Oceans Day. It was the perfect way to celebrate World Oceans Day as Alaĝum Kanuux̂, means Heart of the Ocean. Read the full release here ([link removed]) .

ASBN and partners filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the Environmental Protection Agency. Read about our partners involvement and also the brief itself here ([link removed]) .

Thank you to everyone that joined onto our sign-on for the historical climate legislation. We reached over 1,000 sign-ons! Read about it here ([link removed]) .
Member News

Planet FWD

Planet FWD secures $10M so consumer products industry can track carbon emissions ([link removed])

Ben & Jerry’s

Employers like Ben & Jerry’s must help create real first chances to prevent incarceration ([link removed])

Closed Loop Partners

Closed Loop Partners’ Private Equity Fund Announces Final Close, Managing Assets In Excess of $200M ([link removed])

Patagonia

Albania enlists Patagonia to make wild Vjosa River a park ([link removed])

RSF Social Finance

How a Business DAF Can Supercharge Your Impact ([link removed])

Geno

Geno and Unilever launch $120m venture to scale alternative to palm oil and fossil fuels ([link removed])

Grove Collaborative

Grove Collaborative stock starts trading on the NYSE today in a deal with Virgin Group’s SPAC ([link removed])

Amalgamated Bank

This bank wants to track suspect credit card sales of guns and ammo. Why can't it? ([link removed])

An ASBN member, MPowered, is working on a new initiative with other organizations called Together for H2OPE to help those in Ukraine. Read more about it here ([link removed]) .

Share your news, media, and accomplishments with ASBN to be considered for a future newsletter here (mailto:[email protected]) .

Meet ASBN's Newest Members
Pinnacle Coatings Group ([link removed]) :
Located in Dallas/Fort Worth Region for more than 30 years, the professional teams of Pinnacle Painting Groups have been providing coatings of adept quality to industrial and commercial businesses such as oil and gas companies, metal fabricators, cabinet makers.

Apart from connecting to commercial customers, they have formed relationships with many residential painters who provide premium coatings and equipment repair services for architectural coating applicators. Owing to many years of working, they have created a diverse customer base. Their professional team also carries the ability to design and develop custom spray booths.

Join over 700+ businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers working to build a more just and sustainable economy for all. As a multi-issue, membership organization advocating on behalf of every business sector, size, and geography, ASBN and its association members collectively represent over 250,000 businesses across our networks. Learn more about ASBN membership and join here ([link removed]) .
Upcoming Events
ASBN Events
* July 6: ASBN Live ([link removed]) : Cultures of Compassion in the Twilight of a Hyper-Masculine Economy. (1PM)
* July 13: ASBN Live ([link removed]) : Email Fund Managers of Color: Solving for Inequality in the Private Markets. (1PM)
* July 20: ASBN Live ([link removed]) : Our Transformational Nature Stories: A Compass for Thriving in Business and Life

Member & Partner Events
* July 27: Partner Event ([link removed]) : The Business Case for Greening Your Business. (12PM)

All time Eastern. Submit member/partner events for consideration here (mailto:[email protected]) .
Download Your Member Badge to Display Your Proud ASBN Affiliation on Your Website Below.

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(for .eps files to add to printed materials and product logos, email [email protected])

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