At Swell, the social impact that our holdings make is just as important as their financial performance. In the same way that we make it a priority to share our portfolios’ financial performances, we also like to share the steps our holdings are taking to make the world around them a better place.
Like all forces for change, the work doesn’t happen one time or overnight. It’s a series of small steps and achievements. Here are some of the recent highlights in our holdings’ exciting work for social change:
Apple Inc.
What is Apple?
The tech giant, which recently made headlines for becoming the first trillion dollar company, is responsible for making some of the most iconic tech products like the iPhone and iPad.
What’s new?
One of the reasons that we love Apple is because of the way they use their substantial power and ubiquity to be a force for good. This month, Apple announced new ways it would be helping customers to support our national parks via Apple Pay and an Apple Watch Activity Challenge. From August 24 to August 31, for every purchase made using Apple Pay, Apple will donate $1 to the National Park Foundation. Then, on September 1, Apple Watch users who complete a 50-minute walk, run or wheelchair workout will receive a badge inspired by the national parks. Why 50 minutes? It’s in honor of the Redwood National Park, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year!
Unilever PLC
What is Unilever?
Unilever is a veritable behemoth. They make everything from ice cream to soap. You know them from brands like Dove, Axe, Breyers, and Lipton (to name a few of their 400+ brands). Each day, an average of 2.5 billion people use Unilever products, which means their commitment to sustainability gives them the power to have an enormous impact.
What’s new?
This one mixes business with the heart-warming feels. In the spring, Unilever announced that it’s sustainable living brands are growing faster than its other brands by 46%. On top of that, those same brands delivered 70% of Unilever’s turnover growth. This will help to support Unilever’s push towards sustainability and will encourage greater sustainability efforts in the future.
NextEra Energy Inc.
What is NextEra Energy?
NextEra Energy is an energy company that operates in the United States and Canada. As a major investor in American infrastructure, they are in the unique position to shape the future of American energy and move us towards a sustainable future.
What’s new?
We’re not the only ones impressed by the work of NextEra. The company was recently named one by Fortune as one of the top 25 companies that “Change the World.” NextEra was recognized in particular for its investments in solar and wind energy, which will help to build a sustainable energy future.
For more news about the work each of our holdings is doing, check back soon. There’s always something new to celebrate.
