Keep reading to learn how companies like MGM Resorts and PepsiCo are doing it and pick up best practices you can take back to your own organization.<\/p>\n
In the heart of one of the driest deserts in North America, MGM Resorts is making strides in water stewardship. In 2023, the company achieved its 2030 goal of a 35% reduction in water withdrawal intensity (from a 2007 baseline) seven years early.<\/p>\n
ESG & CSR Board Chair Michael Gulich<\/a>, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability and ESG Reporting at MGM Resorts, recently appeared on the WaterLoop<\/a> podcast, where he shared how they achieved this goal through water-efficient design and partnerships that drive change<\/p>\n MGM has also worked closely with regional agencies and conservation groups to manage water use on the Las Vegas Strip while contributing to broader watershed resilience in the Colorado River Basin.<\/p>\n To learn how MGM Resorts is tackling waste reduction at large, check out our exclusive guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n Named one of TIME\u2019s World\u2019s Most Sustainable Companies in 2024, Mastercard is continuing to evolve how payments technology can enable sustainable consumption and circular business models.<\/p>\n At the North American Sustainability and Responsibility Summit (NASRS25)<\/a>, Chief Sustainability Officer Ellen Jackowski<\/a> shared how payments tech can power more sustainable business models while helping consumers make lower-impact choices.<\/p>\n In her keynote, Ellen outlined how Mastercard\u2019s tech infrastructure supports models like product-as-a-service, resale, and repair, helping partners and merchants shift toward more circular operations. She also emphasized the importance of consumer insights and education.<\/p>\n These efforts are a part of Mastercard\u2019s broader ESG strategy, which includes reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 and expanding inclusive climate action across its global network.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_raw_html]JTNDcCUzRSUzQ2lmcmFtZSUyMHRpdGxlJTNEJTIydmltZW8tcGxheWVyJTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZwbGF5ZXIudmltZW8uY29tJTJGdmlkZW8lMkYxMDY4OTUwOTA5JTNGaCUzRGUyNWVkYTQ3NzIlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY0MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjM2MCUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRnAlM0U=[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1068950909″ el_width=”70″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n Last year, Hard Rock International partnered with Ocean Conservancy to launch Global Sound Waves, a sustainability campaign focused on reducing waste and advancing environmental action across more than 70 Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming properties.<\/p>\n The campaign featured four waves of impact:<\/p>\n It raised $75,000 through the ‘Change for Change’ program, engaged over 230 employees in global sustainability training, and mobilized local teams from Bali to Ottawa for cleanups and biodiversity projects\u2014all with a focus on upstream waste management and data-informed goal setting.<\/p>\n ESG & CSR Board Member Christina Guerron-Orejuela<\/a>, Sustainability Manager at Hard Rock, reflected on the energy and sense of shared purpose sparked by the campaign. She highlighted how the program united global teams through action, demonstrating the power of community to drive measurable impact and amplify the brand\u2019s commitment to \u201cSave the Planet.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_btn size=”medium” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” color_override=”#000000″ solid_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”fontawesome” text=”Read Christina’s full post on LinkedIn” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-chevron-right” url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/christina-guerron-orejuela-67005785_riding-a-wave-of-energy-as-we-wrap-up-our-activity-7264988336199553027-FhdA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAVIF_QBD_zEvnWi5yFPhtH8ng0cjBJh438″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n In March, PepsiCo launched four new watershed health projects<\/a> in California, Colorado, and Texas, aimed at replenishing water in high-risk areas connected to its operations.<\/p>\n The company invested $1.8 million in 2024 to support region-specific efforts like floodplain restoration, aquifer protection, and habitat conservation. In California, its partnership with River Partners will help restore 7,000 acres of floodplain habitat in the Sacramento Valley\u2014 an effort expected to replenish 150 million gallons of water annually.<\/p>\n In Texas, PepsiCo is supporting a groundwater conservation program with the Edwards Aquifer Authority to ease agricultural pressure on the aquifer, protect aquatic ecosystems, and reduce emissions tied to water pumping.<\/p>\n Lawren Cooper<\/a>, PepsiCo\u2019s Sustainability Development Director, talked about these watershed replenishment efforts in an interview with The Shelby Report<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_single_testimonial testimonial_style=”small_modern” color=”Default” quote=”Partnerships like these are essential to our pep+ agenda to drive water stewardship at scale. By working alongside organizations like Trout Unlimited, Edwards Aquifer Authority, and River Partners, we can help restore critical waterways, protect essential habitats, and safeguard water resources for the communities and ecosystems that depend on them.” name=”Lawren Cooper, Sustainability Deployment Director, PepsiCo U.S. Beverages”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”13350″ image_size=”medium” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3\/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n Partnerships like these are essential to our pep+ agenda to drive water stewardship at scale. By working alongside organizations like Trout Unlimited, Edwards Aquifer Authority, and River Partners, we can help restore critical waterways, protect essential habitats, and safeguard water resources for the communities and ecosystems that depend on them.<\/p>\n Lawren Cooper, Sustainability Deployment Director, PepsiCo U.S. Beverages<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n2. How MasterCard is Powering a Greener Economy<\/h2>\n
3. Hard Rock\u2019s Global Sound Waves Campaign Hits All the Right Notes<\/h2>\n
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4. PepsiCo Invests in Watershed Health Across the U.S.<\/h2>\n
5. Est\u00e9e Lauder Companies Puts Sustainability at the Center of Beauty<\/h2>\n