Mike Hower
Hower Impact
Mike Hower is a sustainability communication leader with experience on both sides of the podium — as a journalist and communication strategist for leading global companies. He is a communicator, coach and connector committed to the advancement of sustainability storytelling. As founder and fractional sustainability communication executive at Hower Impact, Mike works closely with companies to translate their sustainability strategy into stories that stick while navigating the risks and opportunities of an evolving communications landscape. Mike’s experience and expertise ranges from ESG reporting to sustainability communication strategy and engagement. He has served as a communication strategist at both large and small consultancies, including Edelman, and has led in-house communication efforts at mission driven startups. As a journalist, Mike has written for GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands and Triple Pundit. He continues to contribute to GreenBiz today, where he writes about the latest trends in sustainable business and communication.As a leading sustainability communication thought leader, Mike shares insights and ideas as a LinkedIn influencer, writing his ENGAGE newsletter and blog, and hosting “The Sustainability Communicator”, the podcast that explores the intersection of sustainability strategy and storytelling. He holds a Master's in Strategic Communication and Public Affairs from George Washington University and a Bachelor's in Political Science and History from the University of California, Davis.
Why we need to rethink these three climate metaphors
It's time to ditch these three outmoded ways of approaching the climate challenge of our times. Read More
Brand advocacy vs. activism: Swinging the pendulum on climate policy
Even seemingly mundane environmental rules on the chopping block under the Trump administration require more businesses to speak out. Read More
How brands rebuild trust through authentic action
Public trust is at an all-time low, according to the 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer, but business might be the key to rebuilding faith in the system. Read More
The dirt on tourism and climate change
The tourism industry is both a victim of and contributor to a warming planet. Here's a closer look. Read More
The 4 pillars of a corporate sustainability program
Not sure how to structure the inner workings at your business? Here's the stuff that makes up solid sustainability efforts. Read More
How to make it in corporate sustainability
Finding a full-time job in corporate sustainability isn't easy. Here are some lessons GreenBiz Senior Writer Mike Hower has learned to help break into the business. Read More
How Kaiser Permanente uses virtual PPAs to scale solar
Falling solar costs and new purchasing mechanisms are empowering companies to pursue solar in new ways. Read More
Have biomaterials reached a tipping point?
Biomaterials have come a long way. With companies such as Walmart and Dupont already embracing them, the technology may be about to hit the mainstream. Read More
Why we should rethink weight-based recycling goals
To get more bang for our buck from recycling, we need to switch from waste-based metrics to more comprehensive measures of success. Here's a way. Read More
8 companies to watch in the circular economy
The circular economy is anything but theoretical — startups and big companies alike already are experimenting with the concept to forge new business models and buttress existing ones. Here are eight of the most notable. Read More
