It is hard to believe that Earth Day began half a century ago on April 22, 1970. From its initial small gatherings at colleges, universities and schools, it has grown to a global observance in over 100 countries. While the world is reacting to the coronavirus pandemic by taking various social distancing measures and staying at home, an ironic side benefit of this is a reported reduction in air pollution at major cities. As reported by the World Health Organization, air pollution kills an estimated seven million people each year. So, any reduction in this threat has potential health benefits.

While the coronavirus pandemic may impact how this special anniversary is recognized, BBB Wise Giving Alliance believes one of the best ways to honor this day is to contribute to charitable organizations that address environmental issues. Listed below are environmental charities that have been evaluated by BBB WGA and found to meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability  (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.) Giving USA 2019 reported that of the $427.7 donated in 2018, giving to environmental and animal organizations is estimated to have increased 3.6% over the previous year to $12.7 billion

BBB Accredited Charities that Address Environmental Issues:

American Bird Conservancy
American Rivers
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Arbor Day Foundation
Audubon
Big Life Foundation USA
Center for Watershed Protection
Ceres
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Conservation Fund
Defenders of Wildlife
Ducks Unlimited
Earthjustice
Earthwatch Institute
Earthworks
Everglades Foundation
Florida Wildflower Foundation
Food & Water Watch
Friends of the Earth
Galapagos Conservancy
Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Greenpeace Fund
Land Trust Alliance
National Environmental Education and Training Foundation
National Parks Conservation Association
National Wildlife Federation
Nature Conservancy
Ocean Conservancy
Oceana
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Planet Aid
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Rainforest Action Network
Rainforest Trust
Sierra Club Foundation
Student Conservation Association
Trees, Water and People
Union of Concerned Scientists
Wilderness Society
Wildlands Conservancy
World Resources Institute
World Wildlife Fund
Yosemite Conservancy

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video interview with Steve Queior, CEO of Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, a BBB Accredited Charity that provides information, support and research to address the needs of children and adults affected by Prader-Willi syndrome, a complex genetic disorder affecting appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive function and behavior.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• JDRF International
• PCI-Media Impact
• Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance