Giving Tuesday for the Environment
Coastal reserve and marine sanctuary (credit: Riled Up Journal)
Giving Tuesday is a day to provide support to non-profit groups who are making a real difference. Environmental issues are large, small, and everywhere. Efforts range from: air and water pollution; wildlife studies and landscape protection; marine conservation; reforestation and ecological restoration; and to create resilience from climate change impacts.
Many worthy groups exist but here are three examples where a donation goes directly to support an ongoing effort:
1. Mission Blue, founded by oceanographer and National Geographic Society explorer Sylvia Earle, has the goal to "ignite public support for the protection of Hope Spots—special places that are vital to the health of the ocean, the blue heart of our planet." One of their immediate aims is to significantly increase the number of marine protected areas (MPA's) around the world. The organization shares discoveries made by a network of oceanic researchers with the public through films, social and traditional media, and innovative technology. To help Mission Blue by investing in the oceans you can make a donation here.
2. Bangalow Koalas: One of Australia's most iconic animals, the Koala, is increasingly endangered due to threats including wildfires; deforestation; collisions with vehicles; attacks by dogs; and a contagious disease, chlamydia. Bangalow Koalas was founded in New South Wales to help reverse this downward trend. The organization creates wildlife corridors to connect vital habitat in strategic locations that allow koalas to move around safely. They are restoring forests on private properties and public lands that reduces these threats from habitat loss. The group uses a hands-on, community based, response which is already producing real results. In four years, they have planted 336,000 trees in six shires (counties) of the Northern Rivers region of NSW by working with individuals, families, communities, indigenous clans, and landcare groups. Their work shows the positive and hopeful affects of ecological restoration and that make-a-difference change is possible. Bangalow Koalas wants to keep expanding their success by planting an additional 164,000 native trees by 2025. To assist this action-oriented environmental group, donations can be made here.
3. The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (WCO) has a mission to sustain and improve the water resources of southwestern Missouri's Ozark mountains by applying education and effective management in the watersheds. The Ozarks are an uplifted limestone plateau providing groundwater to four US states: Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The WCO assists both rural and urban communities to help them maintain their water quality. Fresh water does not follow human or political boundaries but connects everyone. The proper stewardship of this vital resource requires actions from both individuals and communities. The Committee accomplishes these critical goal with specific projects such as the restoration of damaged creek beds; monitoring wildlife habitat recovery; restoration of native plant species; and the removal of invasive species and trash from regional lakes and creek beds. You can assist these ongoing efforts by providing your support here.
Nature protection requires far longer attention than simply a one-day event or single donation. You should consider supporting such projects on a sustaining basis. Consider a conservation, restoration, or science-based organization that works year-round to protect the enviroment with your ongoing support. WHB