December: Gift Green
December has arrived - the season of giving, of light, and the beginning of a brand-new year! As you sort through gift guides and wish lists, as you consider what to buy for your family and friends and yourself, may I make a suggestion? A challenge, if you will?
This Christmas, make at least one gift a donation to an environmental organization!
Right now, environmental non-profits are working overtime: to conserve habitat, to push much-needed policy, to restore biodiversity, to challenge corporate actions, to protect national and state parks. This isn't work in service of some abstract goal - each and every one of us relies on a healthy, thriving environment in order to survive. And in our current state of accelerated climate change, this work is more important than ever.
Non-profits heavily rely on individual donors in order to continue their vital work, and this time of year is especially crucial in making budgets and plans for the upcoming year. A donation to an environmental organization could work as a stocking stuffer or a white-elephant gift at the office Christmas party. Make it a team challenge and pool your donations, or just make it a 'gift' to yourself. Bonus points if you use a corporate matching offer - many workplaces offer a corporate match for qualifying donations (ask your HR team for details).
Need ideas on where to donate? Here are five non-profits that would love your support!:
The Environmental Defense Fund: in 2019, the EDF partnered with United Airlines to curb airline climate pollution; helped launch the Emergent Forest Finance Accelerator; and challenged the Trump administration's repeal of the Clean Power Plan - America's only national limit on carbon pollution from the power sector. And if you donate before December 31, every $1 you give will be matched by $2. Click here to give.
The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is one of the largest environmental non-profits in the world, and works to internationally to creatively address climate change and protect natural resources. It also protects vast tracts of land and marine habitat from development and degradation. Click here to give.
National Resource Defense Council: The NRDC uses policy and legal action to protect and defend the natural resources and systems on which all life depend. It has helped pass foundational environmental laws in the US, and continues to ensure that those laws are enforced. It continues to push for carbon emission reductions and build regional carbon markets. And it organizes individuals for collective protest to environmental violations. Bonus: right now if you set up a monthly gift, your first three months will be matched! Click here to give.
The Sierra Club Foundation: as the philanthropic arm of the OG American environmental protectors, The Foundation supports the advocacy work of the Sierra Club, including the Beyond Coal, Our Wild America, and Sierra Club Outdoors campaigns. It also sponsors legal protection and grassroots advocacy efforts. Click here to give.
The National Parks Conservation Association: If you've spent any time in the cathedrals of Yosemite, or paddled in the Everglades, or walked around Philadelphia's Independence Hall, you know how that the National Parks are truly America's treasures. But after a few particularly difficult years, these extraordinary places could use some love. This year, the NPCA celebrates its 100th year of protecting and conserving the parks. Click here to give.
Don't forget your local area, as well - there are many local land trusts, conservation organizations, and wildlife societies that would deeply appreciate your support. If you do donate, I'd love to know! Send me a line or reply on Instagram!
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