Jonathan Banco in International 11 hours ago

One thing you will notice walking the streets of any eastern Chinese city these days is the burgeoning consumer middle class. What might not be initially as evident is whether the Nike, Louis Vuitton or Polo they are sporting is real or counterfeit. According to a recent New York Times Magazine article, “Inside the Knockoff… Read More…

Emily DeMasi in Corporate Social Responsibility 1 day ago

Range Resources submitted its first voluntary disclosures form of Marcellus Shale hydraulic fracturing to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on August 12, but is this enough to ensure responsible development of this natural gas source and protect PA’s water supply? The Marcellus Shale is a Middle Devonian-age black, low density, carbonaceous (organic rich)… Read More…

Cindy Tickle in Humor 2 days ago

As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine.” So with this little nugget in mind, every Sunday at The Inspired Economist, we will post a satirical cartoon or an item that’s just plain silly. Here’s to starting off your week with a provocative thought and a smile… Created by Jeff Parker, Florida Today

Cindy Tickle in Children 3 days ago

They Might Be Giants was all the rage when I was in college. Their alternative, modern rock sound could be heard blaring from many a dorm room. What I didn’t realize is that TMBG has ventured into the children’s music genre. Yes, I know, it’s old news for some parents, but I don’t have any… Read More…

Jonathan Banco in Corporate Social Responsibility 4 days ago

Like many other aspects of international development (microfinance, I’m looking at you), there is a wealth of literature on the value and outcomes of fair trade and for the most part, the results have been inconclusive. That’s not to say that there haven’t been some positive impacts, but like microfinance there are some definite drawbacks… Read More…

Lane Jost in News 5 days ago

The national conversation on local food systems continues to evolve in complexity, intrigue and now, rigor. On the front page of today’s Chicago Tribune is a story about a University of Chicago geophysics professor who is examining the  merits — in carbon intensity terms –  of local versus conventional farming. Professor Pamela Martin along with… Read More…

Emily DeMasi in Inspiring People 6 days ago

Ever wonder what you should be doing with your old computers, cell phones and televisions?  Bruce W. Fraser reveals the answer in the September 2010 issue of FA Green.  Ask Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), he says, the largest electronics recycler in the United States. Fraser reports that John Shegerian founded ERI “to remedy the problem… Read More…

Heidi Tolliver-Nigro in Corporate Social Responsibility 6 days ago

Recently, I’ve been posting about lessons learned in sustainable forestry during my trip to Finch Paper in upstate New York. But sustainable forestry is about more than selecting which trees to cut and who makes those decisions. It’s also about water quality. Erosion and sediment are the primary potential non-point source pollution problems associated with… Read More…

Emily DeMasi in Investing 7 days ago

Urban Partnership Bank, the reincarnation of pioneer CDFI ShoreBank Corp, cut its workforce by 20% last week.  Is this a necessary evil to continue a good banking mission? ShoreBank, the Chicago-based community bank that since 1973 was a leader in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) industry, was seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on… Read More…