First held in 1974 by the United Nations, World Environment Day–celebrated worldwide on June 5th each year–is a day for raising awareness about environmental issues that need our attention, including human overpopulation, global warming, pollution, and conservation.
More than ever before, our environment needs our protection. A 2020 study found global greenhouse gas emissions dropped 17 percent in early April – a welcome silver lining of the coronavirus pandemic. The plunge is equivalent to more than a billion tons of carbon dioxide that never made its way into the atmosphere. While this is fantastic news, it is not likely to be repeated unless we take action.
In recognition of #WorldEnvironmentDay2024, America’s Charities is celebrating the following agents of change who we are proud to call our members.
One of the most cost-efficient ways you can support these nonprofits is to donate to them via payroll deduction through your employer’s workplace giving program (Don’t have a program? Click here to have your employer contact our team.) Click on each charity’s name above to learn more about their work, and to make a donation now!
- A Wider Circle: A Wider Circle’s mission is to end poverty through on-the-ground programs and services, as well as through the development of large-scale solutions to its root causes. As part of their holistic approach, they save 12 million pounds of furniture from going into the landfill every single year. Learn more.
- Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area: The time spent by youth at Scout Camp is not only about building campfires and spending time in nature. Scouts may not realize it at the time, but all of the challenges, triumphs, teamwork, and fun they experienced at camp will help them on their way to becoming strong, confident leaders tomorrow. Guided by caring and committed mentors, boys gain self-confidence; develop leadership skills; learned about self-sacrifice and teamwork; embraced values like honesty and courage; showed respect for the outdoors; and simply have the time of their lives. That’s the adventure that Boy Scouts provides. Young people having fun, being happy, in an environment that fosters positive growth. Learn more.
- The Conservation Fund: The Conservation Fund strives to protect our nation’s land, water, and wildlife by finding positive, lasting solutions to conserve these precious resources and species, and to achieve environmental and economic outcomes. Learn more.
- Feeding America: Food waste is a pressing issue in our country, both at a commercial and consumer level. Not only does excessive food waste hit us hard in our bank accounts, but it also has a huge impact on the environment that we all share. Over 20% of landfill volume is comprised of food waste and 21% of all freshwater used goes toward the production of food that ends up being discarded. Learn the steps you can take to keep your food fresh and fight food waste. And click here to see how Feeding America and its network of partners are working together to fight food waste with food rescue.
- Rails-to-Trails: Since 1986, Rails-to-Trails has worked from coast to coast, supporting the development of thousands of miles of rail-trails for millions to explore and enjoy, and to build healthier places for healthier people. Learn more.