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Many Americans believe that the United States is the forerunner of sustainability and
environmental initiatives. However, the United States may be falling behind when compared to
other emerging multinationals. Nonetheless, with the growing public awareness about
sustainability, many people are trying to reduce their environmental footprint. The two
organizations that have embraced sustainability in my city are Greenpeace and American
Forests. Therefore, the following is an assessment of sustainability issues based on these two
organizations:
American Forests
What it does
American Forests is the oldest non-profit conservation organization in the United States. The
organization focuses on building a reforestation movement in America, from cities to large, rural
landscapes (American Forests, 2021). The organization shows that we rely on forests to filter air
and water, provide jobs, mitigate climate change, and more. However, our forests are being
degraded at a rapid pace and large scale. Therefore, the organization is creating awareness of
deforestation’s effects on us and our children’s future. The organization also educates
communities about how deforestation is promoting climate change and pollution.
American Forests Goals
American Forests has many goals. For example, it plans to plant at least 4 billion trees across 16
million acres by 2030 (American Forests, 2021). Furthermore, the organization wants to ensure
that at least 100000 people, particularly those from under-resourced communities, enter jobs in
forestry by 2030 (American Forests). McDonald et al. (2021) show that urban tree cover
provides benefits for human health and well-being. However, tree cover in urban centers is
inequitably distributed. McDonald et al. show that on average, low-income blocks in the United
States have 15.2% less tree cover and are 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than high-income blocks.
Therefore, American Forests wants to change such scenarios by ensuring that in 100 of
America’s cities, every under-resourced neighborhood reaches a passing tree Equity Score by
2030 (American Forests, 2021). The Tree Equity Score will show that neighborhoods have
enough trees in the right places, so all people benefit from them.
How the Community can contribute
The community can donate money and trees or select American Forests as their charity of choice
through Amazon Smile.
Greenpeace
What it does
Greenpeace is a network of independent campaigning organizations in the United States and
globally. The organization uses peaceful protests and creative communication to expose
environmental issues essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace challenges the systems
of power and privilege that destroy the environment and place disproportionate burdens on
vulnerable communities (Greenpeace, 2021). The organization also ensures that policymakers
create laws that protect nature and promote environmental sustainability rooted in social justice.
Greenpeace campaigns aim at saving the Arctic, protecting forests, fighting global warming,
protecting the oceans, promoting sustainable agriculture, defending democracy, and creating a
life free from toxins.
Greenpeace Goals
Eden (2004) shows that Greenpeace’s goal is to ensure the ability of the earth to nurture life in all
its diversity. Greenpeace has sought to fulfill this mission through whistle-blowing, awareness,
public education, and political lobbying. Therefore, Greenpeace aims to ensure that the world is
free of projects or activities that harm the planet and affect the lives of vulnerable members of
society. The organization stands for positive change through action to defend the natural world
and promote peace. As a result, the organization is at the forefront of educating communities
about their responsibility to safeguard natural resources and have a say in how they are used.
Greenpeace wants to create a sustainable future for all.
How the Community can contribute
The community can get involved by donating to the organizations to help fund its activities.
Moreover, individuals can also sign up to become volunteers and activists to campaign in
different areas of the planet. sss
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