Generally shareholder resolutions have had little effect on management.  Although more recently, sustainability and environmental issues have attracted media attention and indirectly have influenced boards and company policy.  In a recent vote, 81 percent of investors in Dupont supported a resolution requiring the company to report on spill events involving plastic pellets.  The proposal was opposed by management although activist shareholders prevailed at the April 28th annual general meeting.

The success of shareholder resolutions is attributed to the activism of organizations such as As You Sow that focuses on specific environmental concerns of which plastic waste and environmental contamination are key issues.  Those concerned over the integrity of oceans are offended by plastic pollution amounting to 11 million metric tons annually.  The problem will become more severe with every prospect of expansion, unless appropriate corrective measures are taken.

Institutional investors obviously participated in the vote and management of companies should be cognizant of the growing role of shareholders whether retail or institutional, advocating changes relating to welfare, worker rights, sustainability, environmental integrity and social issues.