Looking
for a way to make a positive impact? There are lots of non-profits out there
helping the environment and changing the world. Here are 10 of the most highly
rated organizations making a difference for the environment and people around
the globe.
1. Environmental Defense Fund
The Environmental Defense Fund is one of the largest
environmental organizations in the world. According to the EDF website, they
seek to find practical solutions to environmental problems using science and
economics. Charity Navigator, a popular website that rates non-profits, gives
EDF an overall rating of 91.06 out of
100. This score reflects the organization’s financial health and its
accountability and transparency.
EDF
has more than two million members and 700 staff members working around the
world. The organization focuses on issues related to climate and energy,
health, oceans and ecosystems.
2. Earthworks
Earthworks is a Washington, D.C.-based charity that
focuses on protecting the environment and communities from negative impacts
associated with mineral and energy development as well as supporting sustainable
solutions. Charity Navigator gives them a score of 94.74.
The
organization works with communities and grassroots groups to change government
policies and corporate practices, influence investment decisions and promote
responsible materials sources and consumptioning
3. UNICEF USA
The United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works to provide health care, safe water,
sanitation, nutrition, education and emergency relief to children around the
world. The organization works in more than 190 countries and territories.
Charity Navigator gives it a rating of 83.94.
UNICEF
believes that climate change and other environmental problems are a barrier for
children’s rights. The organization is working to increasingly incorporate
environmental sustainability in its programs and advocates for including the
needs of the world’s children in discussions of environmental issues.
4. Greenpeace Fund
The
Greenpeace Fund supports the mission of Greenpeace, which is to
stop the destruction of the environment and promote solutions for future
generations. Charity Navigator gave the organization a score of 92.38.
Greenpeace,
which has about 2.8
million members, uses peaceful protest and creative
communication to fight climate change, save the Arctic, protect forests,
protect oceans, promote toxic-free living and defend democracy.
5. Anera
Anera works to help refugees and
other people hurt by conflicts in the Middle East. It has workers on the ground
in communities in various parts of the Middle East. Charity Navigator gave the organization a 91.24.
The
organization provides resources for emergency relief as well as for long-term
health, education and economic development. Many of its projects help the environment as well by
incorporating issues such as recycling, sustainable agriculture and energy
efficiency.
6. Sierra Club Foundation
The
Sierra Club Foundation provides funding for
the programs of the Sierra Club, which uses grassroots advocacy and philanthropy
to promote climate solutions, conservation and movement building. Charity
Navigator gives it a 95.21.
The
Sierra Club, which has more than 3.5 million members,
focuses on issues related to climate and energy, social justice and protecting
lands, air, water and wildlife.
7. Pure Earth
Pure
Earth, formerly known as the Blacksmith Institute, focuses on solving
pollution problems that affect human health in low- and middle-income
countries. It has a rating of 97.74 from Charity
Navigator.
According
to the organization’s website, it has conducted 110 environmental remediation
projects in 27 different countries. Pure Earth also works to identify highly
polluted sites, conducts technical workshops and help governments develop
national strategies for dealing with pollution.
8. Wildlife Conservation Society
The Wildlife Conservation Society works to protect wildlife
and wild places around the world through research, conservation and education.
It received a 91.96 rating from Charity
Navigator.
The
organization currently manages about 500 conservation projects in more than 60
countries as well as five zoos and aquariums in New York City, including the
Bronx Zoo. It has set a goal of conserving wild places in 16 priority regions,
which contain more than 50 percent of the planet’s biodiversity.
9. Water.org
Water.org helps provide access to safe water and
sanitation around the world through affordable financing. The non-profit, which
was founded by Matt Damon and Gary White, has a 95.99 Charity Navigator score.
The
organization aims to provide sustainable financial solutions that help people
get access to water. Its WaterCredit program brings small, easily repayable
loans, resources and expert consulting to help people get water and sanitation
solutions. According to the organization’s website, it has helped more than 16
million people get safe water and sanitation.
10. Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group aims to protect public
health and the environment through research and education. Charity Navigator
gave it an overall score of 91.51.
EWG
works to help consumers make more informed decisions about the products they
purchase and the companies they patronize. It focuses on issues such as toxins
in everyday products, the safety of food additives and switching to renewable
energy.
The
world is facing a lot of pressing environmental issues. While the challenges
keep coming, people keep working toward solutions to them as well. These 10
non-profits are all playing a significant part in that fight.
Green Jobs
How to Apply for a Green Job With the demand for green jobs skyrocketing so far in 2017, giving yourself a unique edge can be difficult—yet absolutely necessary—in order for you to become a proud worker for Mother Earth. Follow these steps to successfully claim your next environmentally friendly employment opportunity. 1. Resume: Make sure … Continue reading..
