The manufacturer of Chunks so adored by new-wave artists and performers, Converse is here again to pay tribute to music by launching a set of new initiatives focused on giving aspiring and acclaimed musicians from around the world a chance to demonstrate their moments of musical greatness to a wide audience. In India the brand is ‘hunting’ for the Original Band to give it a stage, in the U.S. the iconic shoe has launched a project dubbed Converse Rubber Tracks to open a free community-based recording studio in Brooklyn for the bands of different kinds of music ranging from punk to hip-hop to indie pop to rockabilly, and in the UK it is gathering renowned musicians for new creative collaborations.

Timberland believes it can help alleviate hunger, create jobs, protect wildlife and preserve the environment—all through the simple act of planting a tree, five million in five years. It’s a bold pledge in support of a bold vision. And although the notion is pretty simple, Timberland’s global reforestation program recognizes that success doesn’t come quite as easily as that.

IKEA UK is moving from kittens to kitchens—soon after the launch of its feline TV-ad, the global furniture and household goods retailer has released a gorgeous commercial based on Jona Lewie’s 1980-hit “You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties” refreshed by a promising UK group Man Like Me and remixed by producer Arthur Baker as the soundtrack of the advert. The new spot is all about kitchens of all kinds and styles, which are good for various parties, no matter how extravagant they might be.

AXE has kicked off a massive campaign revolving around the “Less female friends, More women” tagline for the new product, AXE Ex-Friend, launched on the South America market. This time, one of the most sexism-driven brands in the world is employing the theme of male and female friendship and is highlighting the highly debatable notion that girls are not for being friends with, but to sleep with.

Procter & Gamble’s Future Friendly has partnered with RecycleBank in rewarding residents of Cincinnati, P&G’s hometown, for their green actions. The initiative comes as part of the city’s enhanced recycling program launched this week with a view to engage about 25% of local people in recycling movement. The four-phase rollout of new recycling carts began in September—the citywide implementation will continue through February 2011 and include participation with a range of companies and eco-organizations.