Our Planet Means the World to Everyone
This year’s Earth Day 2022 calls on us to “invest in our planet.” There are indeed many ways we are called to action, from reducing our own carbon footprints through recycling to volunteering for beach clean-ups. No action is too small to affect the positive change our planet absolutely needs. Now is the moment to take action to preserve and protect our world.
Many organizations and communities are devoted to protecting our environment and leading the charge towards a more sustainable future. Here are some organizations you may choose to support by donating your time or resources.
4Ocean
Founded in 2015 by Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper, 4Ocean tackles the problem of the ocean plastic crisis and its negative impact on coastal communities and marine life. Their clean-up crews, comprised of boat captains and fishermen in affected coastal communities, recover plastic and other harmful debris from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines. Materials recovered from the sea are used to develop sustainable and reusable products to raise awareness for the plastic crisis, fund clean-up operations, and encourage individuals to end single-use plastic.
One Earth
As a philanthropic organization, One Earth works to accelerate collective action to limit the 1.5°C global rise in temperature through three actions: energy transition, nature conservation, and regenerative agriculture. The organization tackles the interconnected climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security issues through science, philanthropy, and community-led actions. They offer many programs and opportunities for individuals and groups to volunteer and help implement change.
The Nature Conservancy
Formed in the 1900s, The Nature Conservancy is a collaboration between leading scientists, dedicated leaders, and committed citizens to protect and care for nature. They continue to tackle the interconnected crises of rapid climate change and biodiversity loss with an approach honed by decades of learning and research. Their focus is on conserving our oceans and lands and reducing CO2 emissions.
Seabin Project
The Seabin project stemmed from the idea that “if there were rubbish buns on land, why not in the water?”. In 2013, dismayed by how human over-consumption and waste mismanagement affected the ocean, co-founders Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski created the “Seabin” to collect trash, oil, fuel, and detergents. They used marinas, ports, and yacht clubs as the starting point for their project. After almost a decade of operation, the Seabin project extended its reach globally and evolved into a comprehensive research, technology, and educational initiative.
Tree People
As one of Southern California’s most significant environmental movements, Tree People aims to “inspire, engage, and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun, and sustainable.” The organization encourages communities to take charge of their neighborhoods and take responsibility for creating more green spaces. They reforest, create green schoolyards, donate fruit trees, and design solutions to capture rainwater and combat drought.
Sea Trees
Sea Trees, a project of Sustainable Surf, aims to protect and restore ocean health by planting mangroves, restoring kelp forests, and creating watersheds. It encourages individual and community involvement by partnering with environmentally conscious brands and supporting its cause through purchases and donations.
Sea Legacy
SeaLegacy harnesses the power of visual and digital storytelling to tell the story of the world’s oceans. The organization accomplishes its mission through expeditions with the world’s best photographers and filmmakers to capture the beauty of the ocean and the threats beneath the surface. It also leads global campaigns to inspire and encourage action toward lasting and sustainable changes.
By supporting these organizations, we can do our part to help our planet thrive!
