Links
We have gathered a list of nonprofits and other entities that are aligned with our efforts to affect social and environmental change at the grassroots level. By promoting their efforts we hope to shed light on ways we can all make an impact at a critical time when action needs to be taken now.
Environment
- World Watch Institute - "The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization known around the world for its accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues. Worldwatch research is the gold-standard for sustainability analysis for decision makers in government, civil society, business, and academia."
- World Resources Institute - "The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people's lives."
- Greenpeace - "Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful direct action and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future."
- Oxfam - "Oxfam International seeks increased worldwide public understanding that economic and social justice are crucial to sustainable development. We strive to be a global campaigning force promoting the awareness and motivation that comes with global citizenship while seeking to shift public opinion in order to make equity the same priority as economic growth."
- Thousand Currents - "Thousand Currents (formerly IDEX) has invested in more than 750 community-led initiatives in the Global South. Today, we are exchanging grassroots brilliance for lasting and transformative change, working with over 2 million women, small farmers, Indigenous Peoples, urban residents, sexual and ethnic minorities, and youth."
- Global Exchange - "Global Exchange takes a holistic approach to creating change. With 20 years working for international human rights, we realize that in order to advance social, environmental and economic justice we must transform the global economy from profit centered to people centered, from currency to community. As an education and action resource center, we advance our vision by working to ensure our members and constituents are empowered locally and connected globally to create a just and sustainable world."
- Transition Palo Alto - A network of individuals and groups in Palo Alto, California, committed to 1) building community 2) encouraging local resilience to cope with peak oil 3) reducing carbon emissions to cope with climate change.
Fair Trade
- Fair Trade USA - The fair trade movement involves social and market advocacy that aims to promote improved trading conditions in developing countries. A 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, Fair Trade USA is the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. They help people and the planet work in tandem so both are healthy and sustained. They provide farmers in developing nations the tools to thrive as international business people. Instead of creating dependency on aid, they use a market-based approach that gives farmers fair prices, workers safe conditions, and entire communities resources for fair, healthy and sustainable lives. They seek to inspire the rise of the Conscious Consumer and eliminate exploitation.
- Fair Trade Federation - The Fair Trade Federation is the trade association that strengthens and promotes North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global fair trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty. They envision a just and sustainable global economic system in which purchasing and production choices are made with concern for the well-being of people and the environment, creating a world where all people have viable economic options to meet their own needs. We seek to alleviate poverty by continually and significantly expanding the practice of trade that values the labor and dignity of all people.
- Fairtrade International - Fairtrade International is a global organization working to secure a better deal for farmers and workers. The international Fairtrade system - made up of Fairtrade International and its member organizations - represents the world's largest and most recognized fair trade system.
- Coffee For A Cause: What Do Those Feel-Good Labels Deliver? - Much of our coffee comes from places where the environment is endangered and workers earn very little — sometimes, just a few dollars for a whole day's work. Coffee farmers have helped cut down tropical forests, and most of them use pesticides. It doesn't take much effort, though, to find bags of coffee with labels that promise social and environmental improvements. Read how Fair Trade fits in.
What Can I Do?
Every choice we make reveals how much we care for our world. Today, the divergent paths are clear. Will our actions forge a world with collapsing natural ecosystems, mass scale species extinctions, growing pollution and waste, increasing social and economic disparity, and a lack of basic services to billions on the planet? Or will they contribute to healthy ecosystems, social and economic equality, thriving habitats and a better quality of life for all?
Recommended Articles
“A better world is possible and it is up to us to make it happen.”
