Giving Tuesday logo (credit: Giving Tuesday)
Maybe you are tired of 'Black Fridays' and 'Cyber Mondays' and would like to find an alternative to make a contribution that really makes a difference. Consider supporting a conservation or science-based organization working to protect the natural world on any Giving Tuesday .
Environmental issues come in all sizes from small to large and they are everywhere. Efforts range from: air and water pollution; wildlife preservation and landscape protection; to marine conservation; reforestation and ecological restoration; and building resilience to climate change impacts. Many worthy options are available but here are 5 organizations where any individual donation goes directly to support active conservation projects in the field that you migh consider:
1. Pax Natura is a rainforest preservation foundation that established the Bosque Lluvioso project in Costa Rica's central mountains. The Foundataion saved a tropical rainforest connecting two national parks from being logged. The reserve is now a living-laboratory available to students, researchers, and artists interested in tropical rainforests. The field station has become a model for reforestation programs elsewhere. It has been certified as a CO2 capture project under the UN's REDD system. Donations to PAX can be made here.
2. Mission Blue was founded by oceanographer and National Geographic Society explorer Sylvia Earle. The Mission's goal is 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 efforts is to help a significant increase in protected ocean reserves from less than from 4% percent to 20%. Mission Blue brings discoveries from a network of marine researchers to the public through films, traditional, and social media platforms. Make donations to Mission Blue here.
3. The Conservation Alliance is a environmental organizaiton initiated by leaders from the US outdoor industry that aims to protect wildlands throughout North America. Since TCA's founding in 1989, the Alliance has supported projects with grants from Arctic Alaska to Baja California and everywhere in between. TCA's efforts have resulted in 73,000,000 acres of wild landscapes being conserved for future enjoyment and environmental purposes. The organization's ongoing work can supported by a donation here.
4. Save the Colorado aims to protect and restore the Colorado River and its tributaries from its source to the sea. The Boulder-based organization was instrumental in brokering a deal allowing Colorado River water to once again flow into the River's dry delta on Mexico's Sea of Cortez. The water began to restore some of ithe Delta's ecological integrity. Save the Colorado aggressively works to prevent ill-conceived water diversion projects, to promote water conservation throughout the arid West, and to support active engagement with the river users for recreation and wildlife preservation. Donations to help TCA's work can be made here.
5. Save Our Shores has made it their mission to care for the marine environment in central California through ocean awareness, advocacy, and action in the Monterrey Bay region. The volunteer organization has made key accomplishments including: the prevention of oil drilling along Central Coast offshore waters; helped to establish the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, preventing ocean pollution from tourist cruise ships; and finding community solutions to local ocean issues. With an educational focus, SOS is teaching students about watersheds, ocean and river pollution; advocate for plastic-free communities; and manage an annual Coastal Cleanup Day. You can assist these conservation initiatives with a donation here.
These conservation efforts go on longer than a one-day event. You might consider supporting them on a sustaining basis.
The Editors