Leon Kaye
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I make the case for sustainable business. @UMBC & @USCMarshall grad. Grandson of a refugee. Global wanderer. Aspiring #travel writer.
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Articles by Leon Kaye
Guidemaster: Picking the right tablet for each use case
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Guidemaster: Picking the right tablet for each use case
Tablets looked to take the computing world by storm during the iPad's meteoric rise, but they have now stabilized into their role as a secondary device oriented around convenient content consumption and portability—at least as far as at-home use goes. Still, tablets are hugely popular, especially with families where kids and adults each want their own computing solution, but not everyone has room for a desk.
Guidemaster: Picking the right tablet for each use case
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Banning the Non-Compete Clause Would Be a Win for Everyone
The chances are high that you have signed one, but you might not remember: About 30 million Americans, or more than 20 percent of the country’s full-time workforce, have signed a non-compete clause as a condition of working for their employer. The logic behind agreeing to a non-compete clause is simple — it prevents a worker from quitting to work for a competitor, or starting his or her own business using that knowledge gained from that previous employer.
How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve Companies’ ESG Work
The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has attracted its fair share of criticism in recent years just as it has become central to the conversation about how to scale up and improve ESG performance across corporate America. To be fair, such concerns about AI are warranted. After all, humans are still designing these systems, so bias is still a risk at many levels, whether it comes to face recognition technology or how companies vet potential hires.
Across the Pond, Leon Keeps Redefining Fast Food
As is the case with just about everything affecting our budgets, the cost of fast food surged during 2022 — on average about 8 percent, according to the National Restaurant Association. Food service companies can explain away all they want, but the rising cost of a combo meal hasn’t necessarily occurred due to sourcing locally or focusing on making menu items more nutritious.
The Six ESG Trends That Will Define 2023
This list may be force us to eat crow (or a plant-based alternative) at the end of the year, but based on what we saw in 2022, and some of the chatter going on in the present —not to mention the macroeconomic trends that will surely affect the world of ESG — we’ve got a list of six trends that will likely define ESG during the coming year. We’ll mix it up by reversing this acronym, starting with the “G” (governance), “S” (social) and finally working our way to the “E” (environmental).
U.S. Companies Have Rewarded Election Deniers $10 Million
In the wake of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, many of the most recognized U.S. brands clapped back at the crowd otherwise known as the U.S. election deniers — generally by announcing they would stop, or “reexamine,” giving any donations to their campaigns. Many were surely chastened by the ties they had to many of the rioters who defaced the Capitol while threatening the lives of both Republican and Democratic leaders.
Will 2023 Be the Year Greenhushing Becomes a Thing?
As the new year rolls in, expect to see more debate over greenhushing — that is, brands saying very little, if anything, about their sustainability work over concern they could get called out for “greenwashing.” Among the reasons why greenhushing has entered the corporate sustainability lexicon is a recent South Pole survey that studied the work of more than 1,200 private companies worldwide.
The Best TriplePundit Interviews During 2022
Leon Kaye has written for 3p since 2010 and become executive editor in 2018. His previous work includes writing for the Guardian as well as other online and print publications. In addition, he's worked in sales executive roles within technology and financial research companies, as well as for a public relations firm, for which he consulted with one of the globe’s leading sustainability initiatives.
Happy Holidays! Our Editors’ Picks for the Best of 2022
We here at TriplePundit wish you a safe and wonderful holiday seasons with your loved ones. On that note, we’ll be doing the same, so we are planning to be on a part-time publishing and newsletter schedule for the rest of the year and will ramp up again on Tuesday, January 3. In the meantime, these stories from 2022 (and late 2021!) are what caught our eyes and scored plenty of comments from our readers.
Is It Time for Companies to Focus on a Just Transition?
Will a movement to a just transition become important within the corporate sustainability lexicon in 2023? For many community-focused organizations, such a shift is a must if sustainable development will be fair and equitable for all. It hasn’t been the most memorable year for the ESG (environmental, social and governance) movement. After several years of outperforming market indices like the S&P 500, many of the largest ESG funds took a huge tumble during 2022. Granted, markets are cyclical.
The Latest Chapter in Sportswashing is Underway in Qatar
We’ve seen sportswashing in Super Bowls, with the NFL’s championship game held in stadia built after team owners threatened city leaders they'd move their franchises if they didn’t get a shiny new venue funded with public money.
2022 in Review: The Top 10 News Stories on 3p
Leon Kaye has written for 3p since 2010 and become executive editor in 2018. His previous work includes writing for the Guardian as well as other online and print publications. In addition, he's worked in sales executive roles within technology and financial research companies, as well as for a public relations firm, for which he consulted with one of the globe’s leading sustainability initiatives.
Another Brand Rolls Out Plant-Based Cheese
Another popular cheesemaker has rolled out new plant-based cheese products, and just in time for those who wish to make a new year’s resolution to eat less animal-based foods. Last week on this side of the pond, France-based Bel Group announced that The Laughing Cow wedges will soon appear in milk-free form. In addition, a plant-based cream cheese product under the Nurishh brand will make its debut on January 1.
TriplePundit’s 2022 Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide
Leon Kaye has written for 3p since 2010 and become executive editor in 2018. His previous work includes writing for the Guardian as well as other online and print publications. In addition, he's worked in sales executive roles within technology and financial research companies, as well as for a public relations firm, for which he consulted with one of the globe’s leading sustainability initiatives.
Tomorrow, Dec. 8, is Latina Equal Pay Day
This year, Latina Equal Pay Day falls on December 8. No, it’s not a random date: Estimates suggest that Latinas earn about 55 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. Put another way, on average Latinas need to work about 23 months to reach the same income level as most white men.
Board Involvement Linked to Human Rights Performance
Recent reports of human rights violations in the fast fashion sector, clean technology industry and yes, even this year’s World Cup in Qatar all reinforce the obvious: If your organization is not paying attention to the risks of such violations across your value chain, you can be darned well sure that the awful details will make their way across conventional and social media.
We Can’t Only Rely on Banks to Expand Financial Inclusion
More companies say they are laser-focused on financial inclusion, but we still have a long road ahead. Recently, a leading software provider for the global financial services sector shared the results of its survey on “open banking,” the system of allowing access, sharing data and expanding the control of consumer banking through third-party applications.
Suntory Latest Brand Investing in Regenerative Agriculture
Farmers in Great Britain generally supported Brexit back in 2016, a decision that may seem dodgy now as many farmers across the U.K. are now struggling in the wake of the country deciding to cut ties with the European union. But regenerative agriculture could prove to be a lifeline for more farmers, including those who grow barley, as both the government and private sector are funding such programs in a bid to resuscitate the country’s agricultural sector.
Ex-CEO Sues Company for Racial Discrimination
Last spring, a brief spate of headlines covered the firing of Justin Zhu. He was terminated as the CEO of Iterable, a Silicon Valley startup that at one point was valued at $2 billion. The reason? At the time, Zhu said he was dismissed for “micro-dosing” on LSD during a 2019 meeting with investors.
How Software Can Push the World Toward Decarbonization
Governments and companies continue to scramble as they insist they are committed to decarbonization in the wake of yet another gathering that resulted in a lackluster COP27. True, after Egypt there are renewed pledges to fund pay for “loss and damage” and climate adaptation projects for poorer nations that need them badly.
3p’s Essential Thanksgiving Sustainable Snacking Guide
Leon Kaye has written for 3p since 2010 and become executive editor in 2018. His previous work includes writing for the Guardian as well as other online and print publications. In addition, he's worked in sales executive roles within technology and financial research companies, as well as for a public relations firm, for which he consulted with one of the globe’s leading sustainability initiatives.
Yes, Black CEOs Now Command a Big Paycheck, But...
Don’t assume diversity in the workplace has been solved because Black CEOs make more than white execs. A curious trend has occurred in the world of executive pay in the U.S. It turns out that Black CEOs on average are paid more than their white peers. Incidentally, when companies appoint them as CEOs, their market caps enjoy a jump in value, according to a recent study.
We’ve Still Got the Chance to Win Consumers Over on ESG
For years, companies have embraced corporate responsibility, then sustainability and now ESG (environmental, social and governance). For the most part, it’s the same bag of goods, only with different packaging. That isn’t necessarily wrong or bad, especially if the outcomes are better for people, profit and the planet.
Time for a Health-Centered Plan to Tackle the Climate Crisis
As COP27 launches this week in Egypt, it has become clear that global leaders understand something has to be done to take on the climate crisis. Of course, understanding, developing a plan and then actually executing it are three separate things — the globe can’t embark on a plan or program if there’s no roadmap in the first place. So, what needs to be done if we’re going to avoid “climate hell,” as the head of the U.N. said as he opened the COP27 meetings?
Net-Zero Pledges Adding Up to Little More Than Zero
It wasn’t long ago that press releases announcing bold net-zero commitments were flying into editors’ email boxes. At times it seemed like Deal or No Deal on Red Bull. We’ll be net-zero by 2050! Wait, no, 2040! We’re going for 2030! But when one realizes that no one is trying to stand out by announcing a net-zero commitment by 2029, or is frank it enough to admit a zero emissions operation won’t become any company’s reality until 2031 or 2032, something is up. Well, something is up.
Energy Crisis Points to a Brighter Future for Renewables
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused a horrific human tragedy in Eastern Europe and no shortage of misery abroad. The war provoked an energy crisis that has led to skyrocketing power costs for European families and businesses, inflation across the globe, and a rise in poverty worldwide.
A Perfect Pairing
Of course bicycle tours are still a thing, whether they are in Medellín or Bogotá, Colombia, or any other city worldwide. While we’re on the topic of Medellín, if huffing, puffing and pedaling isn’t your idea of fun, be easy on yourself: Consider booking an electric bicycle tour, as such trips across the city via e-bikes are a bit more relaxing, and offer a great way to experience the city that’s home to 3 million.
Companies Won’t Budge, So Women Leaders Are Moving On
Employees proved during the pandemic that they are more than capable of stepping up, and they are seeking to be rewarded — and trusted — in kind. But many companies’ leadership still view the workplace through a 20th-century lens. The result is that many current and would-be women leaders are moving on from their organizations. It's a pipeline of talent that’s broken at both ends. According to a joint LeanIn.Org and McKinsey study, on one end is the “broken rung” problem.
Underemployment Still a Huge Challenge for Veterans
With Veterans Day just over a week away, there is some good news about how U.S. veterans are faring within the jobs market. On one hand, the unemployment gap between veterans and the rest of the population has narrowed somewhat: Only the 18 to 34 age group has unemployment rates higher than the non-veteran population, according to RecruitMilitary, a job site focused on getting veterans hired.
Løci Wants to Blow Up How Shoes Are Made, Sustainably
There’s no shortage of “vegan” shoes on the market, but one design house is determined to make vegan footwear the norm, not simply an alternative to leather. Løci is achieving more than reinventing how shoes are made — the brand is blurring the lines between “sneaker” and “shoe.” Celebs and their fans are taking notice: One of the designs, the Løci Nine, has sold out eight times since it made its recent debut.
Ciudad Perdida and Indigenous Communities' Self-Reliance
Last week, TriplePundit profiled the backstory of Colombia’s “Lost City,” Ciudad Perdida, an archeological site that’s important culturally and spiritally to local Indigenous communities. Dating back to 800 CD (AD), Ciudad Perdida predates world-reknowned Machu Picchu by more than 600 years. Today, the 80-acre site that is part of a national park is difficult to visit, and that’s by design.
Big Food and Nutrition: It’s Branding, Not Reality
At a time when inflation is pushing more people toward food insecurity, America’s largest food companies are in a position to assist when it comes to improving nutrition nationwide. To start, they are primed to expand access to healthy food through their abilities to scale up food production. But that isn’t the reality, at least when it comes to producing, distributing and selling nutritious food products.
Oddly Enough, Plant-Based Protein Isn’t Tanking
Plant-based protein is having a moment, and right now it’s not quite a good one. Sales are down in the U.S., punctuated by the meat giant JBS’ recent decision to shutter its Colorado-based Planterra Foods. The price of plant-based alternatives is still too pricey for many American consumers, especially after the cost of meat has largely flatlined, and even declined, after pandemic-induced supply chain problems sent the cost of beef and other meats soaring during 2020 and 2021.
Hispanic Workers: Still Overlooked and Undervalued
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect and remember the contributions this widely diverse group of citizens has made here in the U.S. But it’s also fair to note that this country has largely fallen short in valuing Hispanic workers, a reality that became even more glaring during the pandemic.
Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida; a Violent Past, Uncertain Future
Tourism to Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida is a case study of what can occur when local Indigenous communities are allowed to manage their land, on their terms. But along with successes, this archeological jewel is also a tale of lost opportunities and missed potential. Today, we'll discuss the backstory of this archaeological wonder.
Asian American Women Face Far More Than a Glass Ceiling
Yesterday, TriplePundit launched a discussion with Pam Yang, an executive coach, speaker and a founder of Agency DEI, about her ongoing work and determination to reframe how companies address challenges related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
For Asian American Women, DEI is a Progression Issue
When perusing through the raw numbers, Asian American women certainly appear to be a rising force across corporate America. But while they may be visible within U.S. offices, their accomplishments and contributions largely go unacknowledged and unappreciated by many companies. That’s the findings of a McKinsey report, which last month concluded that Asian American women comprise less than 1 percent of any promotions from the senior vice president level to the c-suite.
Google Brings Sustainability Data to Users’ Searches
It has become clear that more people want to do what they can to shop, drive, eat and live more sustainably. One roadblock, however, is finding information about certain sustainability data points like carbon emissions to make the best possible day-to-day decisions. While we are more dependent than ever on our smartphones, the size of the screen doesn’t always make gleaning this information the most seamless process, and toggling between tabs on a device can still be a hassle.
Gas Flaring Is Fueling a Massive Methane Problem
Energy companies have long turned to gas flaring to dispose of excess natural gas, largely because it was thought to eliminate methane, a greenhouse gas climate experts agree is far more potent than carbon dioxide, 25- to 80-fold depending on the source cited. The practice of flaring has continued with the rationale that it’s impossible to capture all natural gas at any extraction site, even though the technology exists to capture methane at its source.
ETF Makes Affordable Housing a Reality for More Americans
There’s no shortage of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that say one of their objectives is to expand the pool of affordable housing or real estate. But there’s only one EFT that invests in mortgage-back securities (MBS) with the goal to boost home ownership within communities that conventional mortgage and real estate companies have long underserved.
Caught a Whiff of Quiet Quitting? Maybe It's the Boss
It started on TikTok, and now it’s being slathered all over the mainstream media. Quiet quitting went from being a “thing” to a full-blown fulcrum of discussion about what’s going on in our virtual, hybrid and physical offices. Depending on who you ask, quiet quitting is about going through the motions at a current job instead of going above and beyond to impress the boss — or, it’s unprofessional and passive-aggressive behavior that’s bad for employees, their colleagues and organizations.
America’s Racial Disparity Reveals Itself in Traffic Deaths
At last count, the U.S. lost almost 39,000 people to traffic deaths in 2020, the highest number since 2007. The reasons are all over the map. Predictably, the usual suspects caused many of these deaths: speeding, the consumption of alcohol and the failure to wear a seat belt. Despite what our assumptions may have told us during the pandemic, traffic deaths still increased during that time, and poorer citizens and people of color shouldered the brunt of these tragedies.
A Boost for Technology and the Environment
The Artemis 1 launch has been postponed till at least on Friday, but the excitement over a new venture to space won't abate anytime soon. The return of U.S. spacecraft to the moon for the first time in 50 years is generating all kinds of buzz, including talk about the long-term possibility of eventually launching a mission to Mars.
Vroom! Porsche Accelerates Investments in Solar Power
So, we’re not exactly talking about a rapid, rocket-fueled, zero-to-60 shift to renewables that will soar anywhere near the pace of the epic lineup of turbo-powered cars that Porsche has rolled out over the years. But you can count in the luxury automaker as the latest within its industry to join the race along the clean energy autobahn.
The Return of Lula Gives Some Breathing Room to the Amazon
His presidency witnessed spectacular economic growth and his social welfare policies by many accounts lifted as many as 20 million Brazilians out of poverty. But his successor ended up impeached in 2016 and soon after, he started a prison term that lasted 580 days due to corruption charges. He then witnessed the “Trump of the Tropics” win the 2018 presidential election and for the next four years, saw many of his policies reversed.
Kahlúa Accelerates Investments in Sustainable Coffee
It’s a must-have in any liquor cabinet, and now this popular brand has decided responsible sourcing is a must-have, too. Kahlúa, the coffee-based liqueur that pairs well with milk (as in the White Russian shown above, yum!), coffee, soda, vodka, soda, ice cream or all of them together — don’t knock it till you try it — recently announced it's investing in the coffee farmers and their families that provide the brand its most vital ingredient.
It’s Downright Creepy
In case you missed it, the monitoring of workers — whether it’s through tallying up idle time or keyboard strokes — is happening just about everywhere. As employers seek to have staffers return to the office, companies are spending big money on software applications that monitor employees’ activities remotely via their computers. And the spying madness is affecting everyone: financial professionals, social workers and, absurdly enough, even hospice chaplains.
Black Founders Drive New Business Growth, But Funding Lags
First, the positive news: The global pandemic, the effects of which were often brutal on communities of color, has left some silver linings, as in the number of Black founders and entrepreneurs who are building new businesses.
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