Sustainability Champions: Environmental Organizations Driving Positive Change
In our Rooting for Sustainability series, we have explored climate science, modern life’s environmental impact, and sustainable solutions. Learning about these topics can feel overwhelming - we get it!
That's why we are spotlighting inspiring organisations making a difference. From certification schemes to volunteer opportunities and donation-worthy causes (some offering honourable gift donations), these groups drive global change.
That's why we are spotlighting inspiring organisations making a difference. From certification schemes to volunteer opportunities and donation-worthy causes (some offering honourable gift donations), these groups drive global change.
Trees Not Tees
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As we discussed in our fast fashion article here>>>, a lot of clothing ends up in landfills every year, which has a huge negative impact on the environment. And though we might do our best to buy responsibly, sometimes as runners we get given merch as part of race registration that we don’t want and never wear!
To combat that, Trees not Tees was created so race participants are given the option during registration of foregoing a shirt in favor of donating that money to plant a tree. Trees not Tees plants native trees on purchased land (which means they don’t plant in existing healthy habitats) in the UK, benefiting the local ecosystem and ensuring that they aren’t planting monocultures. They are certified by the Scottish National Heritage and use regenerative agriculture to restore soil health. In addition to race events, Trees not Tees also give the option of planting trees in favor of business goodie bags at corporate events. So rather than receive low quality corporate merch, participants are given the option to plant trees and restore biodiversity! You can even choose to fund tree planting as an individual. Our Campers will know that Trails and Roots is such a fan of this organization that we participate in this program! For every Camper, we donate what would have been spent on t-shirts to Trees not Tees so that each camper has a tree planted in their honor. Check out Trees not Tees race calendar here>>> |
1% For the Planet
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Trails & Roots is a proud 1% for the Planet member. This means that we donate at least 1% of sales (not just profits!) to a certified environmental organization. In 2024, we chose the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (learn more here>>>)
Co-founded by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia), 1% for the Planet believes that companies have a responsibility to give back to the planet because they profit off of its resources. To date, 1% for the Planet has provided over $672 million in donations to over 7265 environmental organizations. There are nearly 5000 business members part of this network, including Patagonia, Klean Kanteen, and NNormal. While this isn’t an organization to officially support directly as individuals, we can choose to buy from 1% for the Planet members to show that their climate advocacy is important. In this way, part of the money you spend goes towards trusted environmental partners. Additionally, you can become an unofficial 1% for the Planet member by donating 1% of your income to trusted environmental organizations. To find companies that are members of 1% for the Planet and see what organizations they support (and you can too!), you can check their directory here>> |
Rainforest Alliance
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As we discussed in our article on our food systems here>>>, agriculture is responsible for 80% of global deforestation. To combat this, the Rainforest Alliance certification program was created as a way to ensure responsible, ethical production of agricultural commodities. The NGO’s verification system, checked by independent auditors, has a multi-pronged approach to environmental and human rights issues surrounding our food systems. To qualify for the certification, producers must have practices that protect forests, fight climate change, assure human rights, and improve local livelihoods. While no one certification scheme is perfect, choosing Rainforest Alliance-certified products over those that have no certification is a small way to support farmers and companies that prioritize sustainability.
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Protect Our Winters
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Founded in 2007 as the outdoor community’s first climate advocacy organization, POW came about after professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones started to realize that temperatures were spiking, snow was melting faster and sooner in the season, and places that had usually been reliably covered in deep snow were disappearing. With a mission to “depoliticize the climate discussion”, POW aims to bring together people from all different backgrounds to advocate for outdoor spaces.
Between lobbying to advance climate policy, outreach and education campaigns, mobilizing citizens to campaign for climate action, and engaging the outdoor community in the fight against climate change, Protect Our Winters is a great organization for outdoor enthusiasts to support. You can donate, join the team as a climate advocate, or even sign up to fundraise for them. While POW is American, they have branches across Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan - find your local group here>>> |
The Green Runners
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Started by “runners who love the environment and environmentalists who love to run,” their founding members include Jasmin Paris, the first and only woman (so far!) to complete the infamous Barkley Marathons, and Damian Hall, a record breaking vegan ultrarunner. The Green Runners operate based on four key pillars: How we move, how we kit up, how we eat, and how we speak out.
They advocate for runners to improve their environmental footprint by putting the planet first. Favoring local races and flying less for big international races, asking yourself if you really need that new running kit, choosing environmentally-conscious foods, and speaking out are some of the ways they encourage everyone to be a Green Runner. And it doesn’t have to be all or none. Joining as a member means making a pledge based on one of their 4 pillars and costs just £5 for the year. |
Fashion Revolution
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As discussed in our article on fast fashion here>>>, the garment and textile industry is among the worst for water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste. Fashion Revolution, founded after the 2013 Rana Plaza disaster, is the world’s largest fashion activism movement. You might recognise their viral hashtag #WhoMadeMyClothes. They mobilise individuals, companies, and policymakers through education and advocacy for a more sustainable, equitable fashion industry.
Their site offers resources on fashion’s environmental and social impact, virtual workshops, key organisations, ways to get involved, and events. Fashion Revolution operates globally and even helps you start a local chapter if none exists. You can also support them by buying a zine or donating directly. |
Akashinga
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Meaning ‘the brave ones’ in Zimbabwe’s Shona language, Akashinga is an all-women, plant-based conservation and anti-poaching organization that operates in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana. In collaboration with local communities, they safeguard over 13 million acres of wilderness, protecting vulnerable species such as elephants and rhinoceros from poaching while protecting landscapes. In fact, their flagship program led to a 90% reduction in elephant poaching in their protected area!
Akashinga’s presence doesn’t just benefit conservation efforts. Empowering women and communities are at the center of their approach. Focusing on women’s leadership leads to improved healthcare, the prevention of sexual assault, increased life expectancy, decreased prevalence of poverty and disease, and an increase in children staying in school. On top of that, Dr. Jane Goodall is the Chair of the Advisory Board so you know the work they’re doing is vital and effective. They take donations here>>> in various formats and even have an option to start your own fundraising campaign! To learn more about the incredible work they do, check out National Geographic’s short documentary here>>> |
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