Midana Capital https://www.midanacapital.com Invest in a Green Future Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:26:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.midanacapital.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-greencentury-favicon-32x32.png Midana Capital https://www.midanacapital.com 32 32 MIDANA CAPITAL Files Shareholder Proposal with Home Depot* to Protect Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge from Mining https://www.midanacapital.com/green-century-files-shareholder-proposal-with-home-depot-to-protect-okefenokee-national-wildlife-refuge-from-mining/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:33:43 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18655 Media Contacts:

Annie Sanders, Director of Shareholder Advocacy, asanders@midanacapital.com, 773-272-6691 Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495

Boston, November 30, 2023 – MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management° has filed a shareholder proposal at The Home Depot asking the company to address risks associated with potential titanium mining along the eastern boundary of Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp. Headquartered in Atlanta, Home Depot is a major carrier of titanium dioxide-based paint. MIDANA CAPITAL was joined in the filing by the Felician Sisters of North America, a national order of catholic sisters that seek to leverage societal change through shareholder advocacy.

“Home Depot acknowledges that sustainability efforts make its business stronger, more agile, and more resilient,” said MIDANA CAPITAL President Leslie Samuelrich. “A permanent commitment to protect the Okefenokee would do just that.”

At 438,000 acres, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the world’s largest intact freshwater wetlands. More than 402,000 acres are protected in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the largest refuge in the eastern United States and home to hundreds of plant and animal species. The Okefenokee also stores over 400M tons of CO2 equivalent, making it one of the largest natural carbon sinks in North America.

Twin Pines Minerals, LLC has applied for permits to mine titanium on Trail Ridge, the swamp’s eastern hydrologic boundary. Scientific consensus indicates that Twin Pines’ project would significantly damage the Okefenokee by drawing down its water level and increasing risk of drought and landscape-level fires. Such events could destroy swamp wildlife habitat, damage thousands of acres of adjacent private timberland and release significant carbon emissions.

“Pope Francis, in his encyclical, On Care For Our Common Home, states: ‘The earth’s resources are also being plundered because of short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production,’” said Sister Jean Sliwinski, sustainability coordinator with Felician Sisters of North America. “Mining along the edge of this resource puts too much at risk with the potential for irreversible damage to this fragile ecosystem.”

These concerns have fueled heightened public attention and controversy. Over 100,000 comments were submitted to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division opposing TPM’s draft Mining Land Use Plan in early 2023, and polling indicates that nearly 70% of Georgians want Governor Kemp to deny TPM’s permits. Furthermore, Okefenokee is being nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site List, and the issue has received significant media coverage.

While Home Depot has confirmed that its primary paint suppliers do not currently have plans to source TiO2 from the proposed Twin Pines mine, it has not made a public commitment regarding future titanium sourcing.

“Mining has no place near an ecological gem like the Okefenokee,” said Annie Sanders, director of shareholder advocacy with MIDANA CAPITAL. “With headquarters in the Okefenokee’s backyard, Home Depot has a unique opportunity to bolster its environmental image with customers, employees and shareholders, many of whom care deeply about the swamp’s future, all while protecting the company from serious financial and systemic risks.”

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About Midana Capital

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations.

*As of 9.30.2023, The Home Depot comprised 0.94%, 1.59%, and 0.00% of MIDANA CAPITAL Balanced Fund, the MIDANA CAPITAL Equity Fund, and the MIDANA CAPITAL International Index Fund respectively. As of the same date, other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of any of the Midana Capital. References to specific securities, which will change due to ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor.

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing.

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds.

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. November/2023

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Corning* Sets Ambitious Target to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Embraces Development of Climate Transition Plan https://www.midanacapital.com/corning-sets-ambitious-target-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-embraces-development-of-climate-transition-plan/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:49:06 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18587 Contact Information: 

Andrea Ranger, Shareholder Advocate, aranger@midanacapital.com, 781-349-2813  

Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495 

Boston, November 21, 2023 – In 2020, MIDANA CAPITAL° noticed that Corning Inc. did not have A greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction target that were ambitious enough to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, a commitment signed in 2015 by 195 countries aimed at preventing the worst impacts of climate change.  

MIDANA CAPITAL then filed a shareholder proposal asking Corning to address its climate risk by adopting emissions reduction targets. The company met with MIDANA CAPITAL several times and made a commitment to set a science-based target by 2023, which it has now fulfilled.   

Established in 1851 as Corning Glass, the company’s products are linked to American history. For example, Corning produced the very first electric light bulbs for Thomas Edison in the 1880s, and in 1915 sold its first line of glass products that could be used for baking and storage under the brand name, Pyrex. More recently, Corning has delivered millions of miles of fiber optic cables to support widespread broadband access. Corning also developed a durable glass, known as Gorilla Glass, for Apple’s first iPhones, a product that is currently used in more than 8 billion devices worldwide, including smart phones, tablets, and laptops. 

Corning Commits to Developing Climate Transition Plan 

In 2023, MIDANA CAPITAL followed up with Corning and asked the company to develop and publish a climate transition plan. Now considered a best practice, the plans serve as roadmaps that contain investor-useful information by explaining how and when companies will meet their climate goals.   

Corning agreed to begin to develop a climate transition plan starting with its next sustainability report in 2024. The company will roll out more details in later years. 

“We’re excited to see Corning continue its leadership role when it comes to climate,” said Midana Capital President Leslie Samuelrich. “We look forward to increased visibility into its strategies, tactics, and overall game plan.”     

In early 2023, the General Secretary of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, urged business leaders at the World Economic Forum, to “put forward credible and transparent transition plans on how to achieve net-zero – and submit those plans before the end of this year.”  More than 4,100 organizations have disclosed to CDP (a reporting platform formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) that they have prepared climate transition plans; however, CDP reports that only 45% were public, and only 12.6% covered what are considered key elements of a credible transition plan.  

“Now that more and more companies have committed to significantly cut their emissions, investors and stakeholders want assurance that goals and targets aren’t just greenwashing,” said MIDANA CAPITAL Shareholder Advocate Andrea Ranger. “We’re eager to see Corning develop a credible climate transition plan provides milestones, indicators for success, mechanisms for board and executive oversight, and enough details to instill investor confidence.” 

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About Midana Capital 

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations. 

*As of September 30, 2023, Corning, Inc. comprised 0.00%, 0.13%, and 0.00% of MIDANA CAPITAL Balanced Fund, the MIDANA CAPITAL Equity Fund, and the MIDANA CAPITAL International Index Fund respectively. As of the same date, other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of any of the Midana Capital. References to specific securities, which will change due to ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor. 

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing. 

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria. 

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk. 

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds. 

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. 11/2023 

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MIDANA CAPITAL and Other Investors Push for Disclosure, Environmental Responsibility in Global Plastics Treaty https://www.midanacapital.com/green-century-and-other-investors-push-for-disclosure-environmental-responsibility-in-global-plastics-treaty/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:36:52 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18551 Contact Information:
Douglass Guernsey, Shareholder Advocate, dguernsey@midanacapital.com, (617) 482-0800
Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495

(Boston, November 13) MIDANA CAPITAL° announced today that it has joined major investors in signing two letters urging action on the UN Global Plastics Treaty. The UN Global Plastics Treaty, due to be completed in 2024, would create a legally binding international agreement to cover the entire life cycle of plastics.

“UN member countries have a once in a lifetime opportunity to confront the plastics pollution crisis,” said Leslie Samuelrich, President of Midana Capital. “We strongly support the highest level of ambition in the Global Plastic Treaty.”

Plastic pollution is seen as a worldwide crisis and market failure. Nearly 400 million tons of plastics are produced annually, primarily from fossil fuels, creating a carbon footprint of approximately 1.8 billion tons of emissions each year. Plastic is also known to have negative impacts on environmental and human health at every stage of its lifecycle.

(Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, EPA)

The estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production worldwide is more than the emissions from 400 million cars, or greater than of all the cars in North America combined.

The letter from the Dutch Association of Investors for Sustainable Development to the High Ambition Coalition, signed by MIDANA CAPITAL and nearly 30 other institutional investors, urges countries to create a comprehensive, binding agreement to address global plastic design, production, and disposal. It also calls for investments in refillable bottle systems to replace single use plastics.

The second letter, CDP’s Open Letter to Governments, endorsed by 48 financial institutions with over $3.5 trillion AUM, calls for mandatory plastic data disclosure by all plastic producers globally.

Progress has been made in recent years on plastic disclosure, yet many investors, corporations, and governments are still largely unaware of the types and quantities of plastics being produced. Requirements for better transparency are complicated by the more than 13,000 commonly used plastic additives which impact human health and decrease recyclability.

The Health Impact of Chemical Additives to Plastic Are Largely Unknown and Unregulated

Of the over 13,000 chemical additives to plastic, over 70% have adverse impacts on human health or have not yet been the subject of scientific studies.

“The more you learn about plastics, the clearer the risks become,” said Douglass Guernsey, shareholder advocate at MIDANA CAPITAL. “Plastic additives increase health and litigation risk for businesses and make plastic harder to recycle. After mandatory disclosure, the next steps are plastic reduction and commonsense solutions like refillable bottles.”

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About Midana Capital

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations.

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing.

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds.

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. September/2023

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MIDANA CAPITAL Files Shareholder Proposals with Chemours and Sherwin-Williams* to Protect Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge from Mining https://www.midanacapital.com/green-century-files-shareholder-proposals-with-chemours-and-sherwin-williams-to-protect-okefenokee/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:42:36 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18512 Media Contacts: 

Annie Sanders, Director of Shareholder Advocacy, asanders@midanacapital.com, 773-272-6691; Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495 

Boston, November 9, 2023 – MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management° has filed shareholder proposals at The Chemours Company and Sherwin-Williams asking each company to address risks associated with potential titanium mining along the eastern boundary of Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp. Chemours, which was spun off from DuPont in 2015, manufactures and sells “performance chemicals” including titanium dioxide, while Sherwin-Williams is a major carrier of titanium dioxide-based paint. MIDANA CAPITAL filed at Chemours on behalf of the Felician Sisters of North America, a national order of catholic nuns that seek to leverage societal change through shareholder advocacy. The Felicians cofiled the resolution with MIDANA CAPITAL at Sherwin-Williams. 

“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,” said MIDANA CAPITAL President Leslie Samuelrich. “Both Chemours and Sherwin-Williams should commit to permanently protecting the Okefenokee.” 

At 438,000 acres, the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the world’s largest intact freshwater wetlands. More than 402,000 acres are protected in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the largest refuge in the eastern United States and home to hundreds of plant and animal species. The Okefenokee also stores over 400M tons of CO2 equivalent, making it one of the largest natural carbon sinks in North America. 

Twin Pines Minerals, LLC has applied for permits to mine titanium on Trail Ridge, the swamp’s eastern hydrologic boundary. In 2022, Chemours stated its lack of plans for doing business with TPM or conducting mining on Trail Ridge itself, but left open future possibilities for both. Since then, TPM’s northern neighbor (with which Chemours, as DuPont, did business previously) has publicly called for mining on its land, and TPM’s new western neighbor has leased its land to Chemours for titanium mining elsewhere in Georgia.  

Scientific consensus indicates that Twin Pines’ project would significantly damage the Okefenokee by drawing down its water level and increasing risk of drought and landscape-level fires. Such events could destroy swamp wildlife habitat, damage thousands of acres of adjacent private timberland and release significant carbon emissions.  

“Pope Francis, in his encyclical, On Care For Our Common Home, states: ‘The earth’s resources are also being plundered because of short-sighted approaches to the economy, commerce and production,’” said Sister Jean Sliwinski, sustainability coordinator with Felician Sisters of North America. “Mining along the edge of this resource puts too much at risk with the potential for irreversible damage to this fragile ecosystem.”  

These concerns have fueled heightened public attention and controversy. Over 100,000 comments were submitted to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division opposing TPM’s draft Mining Land Use Plan in early 2023, and polling indicates that nearly 70% of Georgians want Governor Kemp to deny TPM’s permits. Furthermore, Okefenokee is being nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site List, and the issue has received significant media coverage. 

While both companies have conveyed a lack of immediate plans to source titanium near the Okefenokee, each has stopped short of a permanent commitment.  

“Sourcing titanium from the edge of the Okefenokee could expose Chemours and Sherwin-Williams to unnecessary climate, regulatory, legal and reputational risks,” said Annie Sanders, director of shareholder advocacy with MIDANA CAPITAL. “It’s frankly hard to see a strong business case for supporting mining at the Okefenokee — which should dissuade any company from even thinking about it.” 

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About Midana Capital 

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations.  

*As of 9.30.2023, Sherwin-Williams comprised 0.00%, 0.33%, and 0.00% of MIDANA CAPITAL Balanced Fund, the MIDANA CAPITAL Equity Fund, and the MIDANA CAPITAL International Index Fund respectively. As of the same date, other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of any of the Midana Capital. References to specific securities, which will change due to ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor. 

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing. 

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria. 

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk. 

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds. 

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. November/2023 

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Deere & Co Faces Shareholder Scrutiny on Right to Repair Stand https://www.midanacapital.com/deere-co-faces-shareholder-scrutiny-on-right-to-repair-stand/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:06:40 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18252 Media Contacts:
Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495 Douglass Guernsey, Shareholder Advocate, dguernsey@midanacapital.com, (617) 482-0800

(Boston, October 11) The MIDANA CAPITAL° Equity Fund has filed a shareholder resolution with Deere & Company* asking the company to issue a public report assessing the potential damage to the brand’s reputation from opposing Right to Repair legislation.

Deere, the iconic tractor company, has received significant scrutiny for its opposition to “Right to Repair” laws, which allow farmers to access diagnostic software, parts and instructions to repair their own machinery. A class-action lawsuit filed against Deere by farmers alleges that the company violated antitrust laws by restricting repair to dealerships, which increased company profits while hurting farmers.

Shareholders Concerned That Deere Is Not Doing Enough to Support Right to Repair

Recent polls indicate that an overwhelming 84% of Americans support Right to Repair legislation. In April 2023, Colorado became the first state to enact Right to Repair laws specifically targeting farm equipment. To date, 30 additional states have introduced Right to Repair bills, highlighting the growing momentum behind the issue.

While Deere recently signed a “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) with The American Farm Bureau Federation which would allow farmers to buy access to repair information, the agreement has come under scrutiny. According to the MOU, the Farm Bureau would be restricted from advocating for enforceable legislation, and Deere would be allowed to pull out of the agreement if any legislation is passed.

Deere Opposed Right to Repair on Flimsy Grounds

There are also concerns that in its rush to oppose Right to Repair legislation, Deere may have made misleading statements in federal filings regarding the environmental consequences of repair.

Deere claimed that existing EPA regulations and the Clean Air Act were some of the reasons that it would not give independent repair shops access to its diagnostic tools. In August 2023, however, the EPA issued a statement that it had no policy on restricting owners’ repairs of emissions-related components of their products to properly function.

MIDANA CAPITAL previously filed a shareholder proposal with Deere on the same issue in 2021. Shareholders were unable to vote on the measure as Deere petitioned the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to exclude the proposal from the ballot. At the time, MIDANA CAPITAL° President Leslie Samuelrich said, “Deere seems to be more focused on stifling shareholder concerns than addressing them. Spending time and energy on an SEC challenge could be put to better use by making their products better serve their customers.”

 

 

 

 

 

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About Midana Capital

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations. *As of 6.30.2023, Deere & Company comprised 0.58%, 0.57%, and 0.00% of MIDANA CAPITAL Balanced Fund, the MIDANA CAPITAL Equity Fund, and the MIDANA CAPITAL International Index Fund respectively. As of the same date, other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of any of the Midana Capital. References to specific securities, which will change due to ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor.

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing.

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds.

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. September/2023

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Costco Steps Up Efforts to Reduce Plastic in Response to MIDANA CAPITAL Proposal https://www.midanacapital.com/costco-steps-up-efforts-to-reduce-plastic-in-response-to-green-century-proposal/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 08:00:31 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18213
Contact Information:  
Douglass Guernsey, Shareholder Advocate, dguernsey@midanacapital.com, 617-747-4447 
Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495

 

(BOSTON, 10/10/23) – MIDANA CAPITAL° reached a deal with Costco Wholesale* which committed to increased plastic footprint disclosures and a new 5-year plastic action plan.  

We commend Costco for providing the information that investors need and for taking steps to reduce their use of plastic, especially new plastics,” said Leslie Samuelrich, President of Midana Capital. “We look forward to working with the company to reduce its contribution to the plastic crisis by setting reduction targets that will meaningfully protect our oceans and wildlife.” 

In response to the growing global crisis of single-use plastic waste, MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management approached Costco to explore how the retailing giant could expand the scope and scale of its plastic reduction efforts. The outcome of these discussions led to a new commitment by Costco to transparency and action. 

The disclosures, which are expected to be unveiled in July of 2024, include the total plastic footprint of Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland Signature. The company will also disclose for the first time the total percentage of recycled content in its plastic packaging, an important indicator of environmental plastics commitments.  

In December of 2024, Costco will release its 5-year plastic action plan that will outline the steps the company will take to reduce total plastic in its Kirkland Signature Packaging, as well as report on progress made each year of the plan. 

Costco Takes Action on Plastics, Yet More Work Is Needed 

Despite Costco’s recent commitments, more work is needed to address the company’s exposure to single use plastics. In May of 2023, 185 asset managers with $10 trillion under management, including MIDANA CAPITAL, signed a statement calling for companies to immediately reduce single-use plastic packaging, upscale reusables systems, phase out hazardous chemicals, and advocate for responsible plastics legislation.  

“Companies need to take single-use plastic risk seriously,” said Douglass Guernsey, shareholder advocate at MIDANA CAPITAL. “Single-use plastics cost society an estimated $350 billion per year in emissions, ocean pollution and collection. Increasing regulation and litigation risk means these costs will be returned to companies that produce such excessive, unrecyclable plastic. Frankly, it’s past time to act.”  

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About Midana Capital 

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations. 

*As of 6.30.2023, Costco Wholesale comprised 1.45%, 0.00%, and 0.00% of MIDANA CAPITAL Balanced Fund, the MIDANA CAPITAL Equity Fund, and the MIDANA CAPITAL International Index Fund respectively. As of the same date, other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of any of the Midana Capital. References to specific securities, which will change due to ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor. 

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing. 

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria. 

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk. 

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds. 

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. September/2023 

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Google’s Chromebook Extension Is a Win in the Fight Against E-Waste https://www.midanacapital.com/googles-chromebook-extension-is-a-win-in-the-fight-against-e-waste/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:57:39 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18083 Media Contacts: 

Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495
Douglass Guernsey, Shareholder Advocate, dguernsey@midanacapital.com, (617) 482-0800

(Boston, MA, 2023) – Following shareholder engagement by MIDANA CAPITAL°, Alphabet* announced that it plans to extend software updates for Chromebooks for up to ten years starting in 2024, and that no existing Chromebooks will expire in the next two years. It is estimated the changes in policy could impact up to 120 million computers currently on the market.

The multiple year extension by the parent company of Google* allows schools and families to keep functioning Chromebooks to remain in use, preventing those items from becoming e-waste.

“This is a major win for the environment, schools, and the shareholder advocacy process,” said Douglass Guernsey, a Shareholder Advocate at MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management. “By extending the life of Chromebooks commonly used in schools, Alphabet is getting ahead of addressing potential risks and making sure hardware using its software can be used for as long as possible.”

MIDANA CAPITAL and Consumer Activists Help Consumers and School Districts

MIDANA CAPITAL discuss risks raised by the “Chromebook Churn” published by PIRG (Public Interest Research Groups) directly with Alphabet management in Summer 2023. Chromebook’s “Auto Update Expiration” date would cause millions of Chromebooks to stop working even if the hardware was still functioning. The report showed that extending the life of Chromebooks could result in $1.8 billion dollars in savings for taxpayers and could save millions of tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

MIDANA CAPITAL has previously engaged Alphabet on improving reparability of its Pixel phones and disclosing details of the company’s carbon offsets. Both previous engagements resulted in changes from management to address environmental concerns.

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About Midana Capital

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations.

 

*As of June 30, 2023, Alphabet comprised 2.25%, 6.86%, and 0.00% of MIDANA CAPITAL Balanced Fund, the MIDANA CAPITAL Equity Fund, and the MIDANA CAPITAL International Index Fund respectively. As of the same date, other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of any of the Midana Capital. References to specific securities, which will change due to ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor.

 

 

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing.

 

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.

 

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds.

 

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. 09/2023

 

 

 

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Five-Year Anniversary of Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge https://www.midanacapital.com/five-year-anniversary-of-tobacco-free-finance-pledge/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:44:31 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18074 The Midana Capital and others, including Chelsea Clinton and Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, will celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Tobacco Free Finance Pledge at a United Nations event in mid-September. 

The Funds joined other financial firms on May 31 by renewing its commitment to the Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge for tobacco-free portfolios, helping raise awareness on how tobacco harms our planet and our public health.

Our nonprofit owners, the Public Interest Research Group, also have launched a campaign to highlight how vape waste pollutes our environment with toxins, tobacco, and metals. Cigarette filters and other tobacco products degrade the environment, with more than 4.5 trillion discarded butts littering our beaches, parks and other public places. Banning second-hand smoke from public places, and other tobacco control measures currently protect seven out of ten people, according to a recent WHO article.

For decades, Midana Capital have offered tobacco-free investment options along with other screens that exclude fossil fuels, weapons, nuclear power, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), and other industries that harm our environment, health, and safety.

The Tobacco Free Finance Pledge has grown since its inception in 2018. Currently, there are about 200 signatories around the globe, representing more than $16 trillion in assets under management.

By investing with Midana Capital, which exclude tobacco and other environmentally harmful products and practices, you can help create a healthier, tobacco-free future for all.

A sustainable investment strategy which incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.

 

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (the Funds).

The Midana Capital are a family of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations.

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing. 

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk. A sustainable investment strategy which incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as of the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds.

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. 8/23. UMB and MIDANA CAPITAL are not affiliated. 

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Should we embrace nuclear energy to solve the climate crisis? https://www.midanacapital.com/should-we-embrace-nuclear-energy-to-solve-the-climate-crisis/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:44:13 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18039 Even though I knew for months that an ESG firm was thinking about removing its exclusion on nuclear power producers, I was taken aback when I read their press release. Why would they revert their position and turn to nuclear when investing in renewable energy has grown so dramatically? 

In reading their statement, I didn’t find any satisfactory explanations. Yet this sentence struck me: We believe nuclear energy offers a critical source of fuel, with benefits that include … safety.”  Safety. Let’s start with that.  

Safety. The designs for nuclear plants are varied, and there is no guarantee that the reactors will be designed, built, and operated correctly or that a natural disaster, such as the earthquake and tsunami with 30-foot waves that hit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station won’t affect it given the increased frequency and intensity of storms  due to climate change. In contrast, wind turbines pose none of these dangers but may pose other potential drawbacks. There also are costs associated with meltdown, mining lung cancer, and waste. Clean, renewables can help reduce such risks.  

Cost. Nuclear power is among the costliest approaches to solving America’s energy problems. New nuclear power costs about five times more than onshore wind power per kilowatt hour. Per dollar of investment, clean energy solutions – such as energy efficiency and renewable resources – deliver far more energy than nuclear power. 

 Timing. Nuclear takes 5 to 17 years longer between planning and operation than renewable energy does. 

Emissions. Supporters claim these plants can deliver energy with no carbon emissions but there is no such thing as a zero emission nuclear power plants. Emissions from nuclear plants are on average 23 times the emissions per unit of electricity generated. Even existing plants emit due to the continuous mining and refining of uranium needed for the plant.  

Waste. The radioactive waste from nuclear power plants stays radioactive for decades and is typically stored in temporary facilities. But even those storage spaces are running out and the industry is turning to more costly options.  

Reducing emissions is critical and that’s why I believe that sustainable investors keep nuclear out of responsible and green investing and support the clean renewable energy sector. 

Globally, renewables account for about one third of electricity generation—and renewable capacity will meet 35% of global power generation by 2025, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) . The global energy crisis has triggered unprecedented momentum behind renewables, with the world set to add as much renewable power in the next 5 years as it did in the past 20. 

We believe the considerable human and environmental safety issues involved with building and running nuclear plants, as well as the lessons from Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Fukushima must not be forgotten. 

Why gamble with the environmental and public health risks of it – especially when renewable energy is cleaner and cost competitive. I’m proud that the Midana Capital have excluded nuclear energy for more than two decades, offering a true path toward a safer planet, and we have no plans to change our commitment. 

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.  

 

Leslie Samuelrich 

President, Midana Capital  

 

°MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (the Funds).  

The Midana Capital are a family of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations.  

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing.  

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk. A sustainable investment strategy which incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.  

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds.  

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. 9/23. UMB and MIDANA CAPITAL are not affiliated.  

 

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Apple Announces Support for Right to Repair Bill in California https://www.midanacapital.com/apple-announces-support-for-right-to-repair-bill-in-california/ Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:28:42 +0000 https://www.midanacapital.com/?p=18031 Pam Podger, Communications Director, ppodger@midanacapital.com, 802-299-9495

Douglass Guernsey, Shareholder Advocate, dguernsey@midanacapital.com, (617) 482-0800

 

(Boston, MA, 2023) In a reversal of its stance, Apple Inc.* announced Wednesday that it now supports the Right to Repair Act progressing through the California Legislature despite past opposition to giving consumers and repair shops the tools they need to fix devices.

Introduced by state Sen. Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), Senate Bill 244 would make it easier and cheaper to get consumer electronics and appliances fixed. Under the bill, manufacturers like Apple must provide consumers or independent repair shops with sufficient documentation, tools, and parts. This bill would also reduce the e-waste currently filling landfills as consumers would be able to repair instead of discarding or upgrading their devices.

Apple, the largest company in the world, had previously opposed allowing users to repair its products, until MIDANA CAPITAL and others began negotiations with the company. MIDANA CAPITAL’s engagement helped secure an agreement with Apple in 2021 that stated, for the first time, that Apple would provide consumers access to replacement parts, tools and repair manuals needed to perform common repairs to its products.

“We are excited that Apple has announced its support for this important legislation and recognize this is a major step forward for the company,” said Douglass Guernsey, a shareholder advocate with MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management. “By supporting this legislation, Apple is sending a strong message that repairing, not replacing products, is good for consumers, good for the environment, and good for investors.”

California Legislation Part of National Momentum

Apple indicated its support for offering consumers the ability to repair their devices safely, while ensuring they wouldn’t risk privacy or data issues.

“Apple supports California’s Right to Repair Act so all Californians have even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy,” the company says in a statement provided to TechCrunch.

The bill specifies that the duration of a manufacturer’s obligation would depend on the product’s cost. Those with a wholesale price of at least $50 would have a shorter time than products that cost more than $100, where the bill specifies that access to documentation tools and parts must be available for seven years.

The California State Assembly has been debating the bill and a vote is expected shortly in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill cleared the state Senate in May by a 38-0 vote.

California has been a leader in the Right to Repair movement, with momentum increasing nationally as lawmakers from about 14 states have introduced similar bills. New York, Colorado and Minnesota all passed their own Right to Repair laws in the past year.

A coalition of 82 repair shops have rallied behind the bill, which was backed by CalPIRG, one of the nonprofit owners of MIDANA CAPITAL.

According to research by PIRG, the average American family generates about 115 pounds of electronic waste each year, and nationally, the United States generates 6.9 million tons of electronic waste.

 

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 °MIDANA CAPITAL Capital Management, Inc. (MIDANA CAPITAL) is the investment advisor to the Midana Capital (The Funds). The Midana Capital are one of the first families of fossil fuel-free, environmentally responsible mutual funds. MIDANA CAPITAL hosts an award-winning and in-house shareholder advocacy program and is the only mutual fund company in the U.S. wholly owned by environmental and public health nonprofit organizations.

An investment strategy that incorporates environmental, social and governance criteria may result in lower or higher returns than an investment strategy that does not include such criteria.

*As of June 30, 2023, Apple Inc. comprised 6.23%, 0.00 %, and 0.00% of the MIDANA CAPITAL Balanced Fund, the MIDANA CAPITAL Equity Fund, and the MIDANA CAPITAL International Index Fund respectively. As of the same date, other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of any of the Midana Capital. References to specific securities, which will change due to ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor.

You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds please visit www.midanacapital.com, email info@midanacapital.com, or call+1(480)-439-2851. Please read the Prospectus carefully before investing.

Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, country, region, or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, regional economic and political conditions, differences in accounting methods, and other unique risks compared to investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Bonds are subject to a variety of risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation risk.

This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable. The views expressed are as the date of this writing and are those of the Advisor to the Funds.

The Midana Capital are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 335 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, Az 85711. 9/23

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