Feature Photo by Louis Maniquet on Unsplash
Monday, April 22nd marks the 54th anniversary of Earth Day, a worldwide celebration dedicated to our planet’s well-being, advocating for environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainability. Last year, I penned an article exploring the origins of this significant day and offered some suggestions on how you can join in to contribute towards preserving our precious Earth.
The spotlight of last year’s piece? The pressing global waste crisis. I delved into various informative aspects, from why it’s a critical issue to practical steps you can take to reduce waste at home. You can always revisit it here. However, this year, I aim to shift the focus towards something different: Brands that act as if every day is Earth Day.
Earth day & Non-Governmental Organisations
Earlier this year, I published an article explaining all things NGOs in light of the World Non-Governmental Organisation Day on February 27th. From explaining what they are to their classifications and their commitments to the environment, you can revisit the article and learn everything you need to know about global NGOs here.
Today, I wanted to focus on some UK-based NGOs and on what they’re doing to help the planet and us living in it. Plus, for every NGO I list below, I also list my favourite product-based brands that are supporting them. So by buying from these brands, you’re also supporting all the amazing work these wonderful UK NGOs are doing, and without having to do anything more than your usual online shopping! It’s a win-win situation.
The Climate Coalition
This environmental charity stands as the UK’s most extensive community dedicated to combating climate change. With over 100 member organisations, such as the National Trust, the Women’s Institute, and Oxfam, The Climate Coalition forms a powerful and unified voice that demands attention from policymakers. By collaborating with other organisations, The Climate Coalition ensures that the public’s voice reaches those capable of effecting change for a cleaner, more secure future. Having influenced significant UK Government decisions like establishing a legally binding net zero emissions target, The Climate Coalition now focuses on maintaining pressure to drive policies and investments for reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner, greener future.
Relying on support from individuals passionate about safeguarding their loved ones and the environment from the adverse impacts of climate change, The Climate Coalition continues to advocate for governmental action. We should too, and we can.
Brands supporting The Climate Coalition
CeraPhi Energy: Karl Farrow, a seasoned professional with a successful career in the global energy sector and entrepreneurship, recognises the challenges individuals face in investing sustainably amid uncertain times marked by climate change, pandemics, and financial instability.
His initiative, CeraPhi®, aims to make geothermal energy the primary source of clean baseload energy within the next 30 years, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s net-zero targets by 2050.
Geothermal energy is touted as the cleanest, most cost-effective, and efficient baseload energy solution available 24/7. Leveraging innovative technology, CeraPhi® plans to enable over 500GW of additional geothermal energy capacity, contributing significantly to global renewable energy targets. Geothermal energy’s baseload capacity ensures continuous energy supply, bridging the gap between intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind, making it a crucial component in achieving climate change mitigation goals worldwide.
Other brands include: Ben & Jerry’s & The Co-op
Action For Conservation
Action For Conservation collaborates with secondary schools to motivate and empower students from various backgrounds, encouraging them to become the future generation of conservationists and environmental leaders.
The organisation conducts workshops in schools, arranges residential camps, offers environmental work opportunities, and manages online networks for youths. These initiatives aim to raise environmental awareness among young individuals and cultivate an active youth conservation movement in the UK. Emphasising that every profession should contribute to climate action, this organisation believes that a love for nature can resonate with anyone, regardless of their career. They inspire today’s youth to hold a lasting appreciation for the natural world, influencing their aspirations and decisions throughout their lives.
Brands supporting Action For Conservation
Patagonia Action Works has been a cornerstone of grassroots activism for nearly 40 years, supporting environmental solutions amidst unprecedented challenges. In an era where engagement can feel overwhelming, Patagonia aims to bridge the gap by linking individuals with environmental organizations, facilitating action on pressing global issues. Through initiatives like their 1% for the Planet Earth tax, Patagonia provides vital support to environmental nonprofits worldwide, defending crucial resources like air, land, and water. Patagonia Action Works serves as a platform connecting individuals with Patagonia grantees, offering avenues to participate in events, sign petitions, volunteer, and donate funds to local causes, empowering communities to make a tangible impact right in their own backyards.
Rewilding Britain
Established in 2015, Rewilding Britain is a unique environmental charity in the UK that focuses on rewilding to address the climate emergency and extinction crisis.
Through rewilding projects, Rewilding Britain works on restoring woodlands to combat climate change, prevent species extinctions, and reduce local flooding and soil degradation. Aside from woodlands, the charity also focuses on rejuvenating other carbon-rich habitats like peat bogs, grasslands, and seabeds.
This NGO also offers guidance and support for individuals ranging from small landowners to large estates interested in rewilding projects. Plus, it advocates for policy changes to promote widespread rewilding in the country to achieve 30% rewilding in Britain by the end of the century. Another fantastic NGO to support!
Brands supporting Rewilding Britain
Bloom&Wild is the UK’s most sustainable online florist, that embraces a philosophy of conducting business for good, as they take immense pride in being a certified B Corp™, dedicated to fostering lasting positive change within their community and beyond.
Their comprehensive sustainability strategy encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at reducing, offsetting, and ultimately removing their carbon footprint in alignment with Net Zero targets. Collaborating with experts across academia, NGOs, and the industry, Bloom & Wild has developed a sustainability compass, prioritising actions in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, water, poverty alleviation, and social equity.
Bloom & Wild demonstrates a profound commitment to environmental responsibility by offsetting carbon emissions from their bouquets since 2020 and achieving official carbon neutrality certification through Climate Neutral Group since 2022. Their emphasis on sourcing British-grown flowers, harvested in-season and close to their main warehouse, underscores their dedication to minimizing carbon emissions associated with transportation.
Additionally, Bloom & Wild’s recent introduction of a 100% organic bouquet sourced from a family-run, biodiverse farm exemplifies their ongoing efforts towards sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The Soil Association
The Soil Association, another environmental charity, collaborates with a diverse range of individuals to revolutionise our approach to eating, farming, and preserving the natural world. By partnering with farmers, businesses, policymakers, and citizens, the organisation strives to develop natural solutions for the future of our planet.
This charity plays a significant role in influencing UK food, farming, and land use policies. To ensure that farming has a positive impact, it encourages farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices, establishes organic standards, and advocates for organic food as a healthier choice. The vital initiatives of the charity are sustained through the contributions of members and donors. This support enables the organisation to engage with communities, businesses, and the government to drive tangible environmental changes.
Brands supporting The Soil Association
The Ethical Shop, an online-only store operated by New Internationalist Publications Ltd., offers a diverse range of ethical goods, spanning fair trade, organic, recycled, and vegan products. Profits from the shop directly support the New Internationalist magazine, established in 1973.
Additionally, The Ethical Shop collaborates with charities and advocacy groups, enabling them to raise funds by selling ethical gifts and household items to their supporters.
The shop categorises products based on various characteristics such as charity support, vegan-friendliness, eco-friendliness, educational value, fair trade practices, organic sourcing, recycled materials, and products made in the UK.
The shop adheres to an ethical buying policy, ensuring responsible sourcing of products. Fair trade principles are upheld to empower producers in the Global South, while charity support is integrated into supplier partnerships, furthering causes such as environmental conservation and human rights.
Other brands include: Ocado, Pukka Herbs, Vintage Roots, Waitrose, Yeo Valley Farms
Friends Of The Earth
Since 1971, Friends of the Earth has been a dedicated environmental campaigning community focused on the well-being and protection of the natural world and its inhabitants. The charity, comprising campaigners, lawyers, local action groups, and supporters, advocates for significant environmental issues, from empowering local communities to advocating for governmental action on the energy crisis and championing global environmental and social justice causes.
Thanks to Friends of the Earth’s advocacy, the Climate Change Act was passed in 2006, committing the UK government to reduce CO2 emissions by 3% annually. Additionally, their efforts have led to doorstep recycling collection becoming a common practice. If you ever wondered why you’re recycling at home, it’s because of this fantastic NGO!
Brands supporting Friends of the Earth
Abel & Cole, established over 30 years ago with their first spud delivery, has evolved into a thriving ethical and sustainable food and grocery delivery service operating nationwide.
Renowned for their commitment to ethical and organic practices, Abel & Cole delivers fresh, seasonal produce and groceries directly to customers’ doors using eco-friendly vans. Their signature organic fruit and vegetable boxes, tailored to the seasons, offer customers a weekly array of new discoveries.
Abel & Cole takes pride in their longstanding relationships with farmers, makers, and bakers, ensuring the highest quality foods for their customers. By supporting Abel & Cole, customers not only enjoy delicious and satisfying meals but also contribute to the support of independent farmers and environmental sustainability efforts.
Other Brands include: Patagonia, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Good Energy
UK Youth Climate Coalition
Established in 2008, the UK Youth Climate Coalition aims to mobilise and empower individuals aged 18 to 29 to actively contribute to global climate justice.
This non-profit volunteer organisation not only addresses climate change but also challenges the underlying causes of social and environmental injustice, striving to create an equitable world where the voices of young people lead the way. The charity provides free workshops to schools and youth groups, empowering more young individuals to engage in climate justice initiatives. Additionally, through educational efforts, it conducts essential campaigns to drive the systemic and political transformations necessary to combat climate change.
Brands Supporting UK Youth Climate Coalition
Oliver Bonas is a proud member of Textiles 2030, an innovative initiative led by the NGO WRAP, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of textiles in alignment with the Paris Agreement and the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Collaboration with Textiles 2030 aligns with Oliver Bonas’ commitment to sustainable practices, complementing their membership in the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) since 2017. As an active participant in ETI, Oliver Bonas collaborates with other members to address ethical trade issues globally. Additionally, as a member of Sedex, a responsible sourcing data-sharing platform, Oliver Bonas enhances supply chain transparency and reduces administrative burdens on suppliers.
Initiatives such as trading pre-loved items for credit, facilitated by the Reskinned team, contribute to waste reduction efforts, ensuring nothing goes to landfill. Oliver Bonas also prioritises eco-friendly packaging, striving to minimize environmental impact through continuous improvement and the phase-out of non-recyclable materials and single-use plastics.
Other Brands include: Coach & Coca-Cola Europe
Plantlife
Plantlife is an international conservation charity focused on preserving a world abundant in wild plants and fungi. As the sole UK membership charity dedicated to safeguarding these species in their natural environments and promoting awareness and appreciation of them, Plantlife emphasises the crucial role wild plants and fungi play in maintaining environmental health.
By protecting these species, the charity aims to support the well-being of both plants and animals that rely on them, addressing climate, ecological, and societal challenges. Plantlife’s efforts span various habitats, from grasslands and mountains to woodlands, coasts, heathlands, farmlands, and peatlands. The charity also strives to conserve key habitats like hay meadows, grasslands, limestone pavement, and blanket bogs, advocating for environmental strategies to revive native plant species and habitats while campaigning against activities that jeopardise natural habitats.
Brands Supporting Plantlife
Formula Botanica is a pioneering online institution specialising in organic formulation and indie beauty entrepreneurship, dedicated to spreading the art of formulating worldwide. Their mission is to equip individuals with the skills to revolutionise their lives through organic skincare and haircare.
Offering comprehensive courses since 2012, Formula Botanica stands as the premier destination for formulation education, catering to a niche that was previously unaddressed. Their impactful courses have played a pivotal role in shaping a generation of natural formulators and indie beauty entrepreneurs worldwide.
Other Brands include: Laurent-Perrier, The Botanist, Unique Hideaways
The Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the largest charity in the UK dedicated to conserving woodlands. Their focus lies in creating, safeguarding, and reviving native woodland heritage. Since 1972, this environmental organisation has successfully planted over 50 million trees, averaging around 1 million trees annually. Furthermore, they are committed to the restoration of ancient woodlands, which enhances landscape resilience and fosters habitats for thriving plant and animal life. In addition to tree planting, The Woodland Trust actively works to safeguard existing woods and trees, advocating for policies that ensure tree protection. This essential effort helps prevent the loss of invaluable habitats and carbon reserves crucial in combating climate change.
Brands Supporting The Woodland Trust
Established in 2019, Preworn began by listing clothing purchased from local charity shops and has since expanded significantly, saving 600 tonnes of used clothing from landfill each year. Recognizing that 85% of unwanted clothing is still in perfect condition, Preworn aims to provide customers with quality second-hand clothing at unbeatable prices.
Preworn’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their outstanding reviews, boasting the title of the best-rated second-hand clothing seller in the world on eBay and a Trustpilot score of 4.7 out of 5. With nearly one million items available for purchase, customers have a wide selection to choose from, all while supporting charity partners and other charitable endeavors.
Preworn operates online, ensuring affordability and accessibility to sustainable fashion for all. Items that do not meet quality standards undergo various waste streams to avoid landfill or incineration, aligning with Preworn’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
By joining their mailing list, customers can enjoy a 25% discount on their orders, further incentivizing sustainable shopping practices with Preworn. Other Brands include: Amazon, B&Q, H&M, M&S & TK Max
FareShare
FareShare, only established in 1994, is a charity network in the UK dedicated to addressing hunger and reducing food waste. Comprising 18 independent organisations, FareShare collects surplus food from the food industry and distributes it to around 9,500 frontline charities and community groups. From school breakfast clubs, elderly lunch clubs, homeless shelters, and community cafes, by preventing surplus food from reaching landfills, FareShare not only combats food poverty but also helps in mitigating climate change.
Brands Supporting FareShare
Co-op stands out as a truly unique organisation, embodying principles of community and fairness for its members and customers. Through a collaborative approach with stakeholders including customers, members, suppliers, and partners, Co-op champions a better way of doing business that prioritises both people and the planet. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their “Future of Food” ambition, where they focus on carefully sourcing ingredients, reducing waste, and enhancing energy efficiency to minimize environmental impact.
Recognising the urgency of the climate crisis, Co-op has long been committed to taking decisive action. Their Climate Plan, initiated in 2021, outlines their commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040, leading the charge by rallying other UK retailers to join them in this endeavour through the British Retail Consortium Climate Action Roadmap. Co-op’s transparent reporting on their progress against landmark, science-based targets underscores their dedication to combating the climate emergency.
Other Brands include: Asda, The Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, John Lewis & Partners, Domino’s, Costa Coffee
Surfers Against Sewage
Established in 1990 by a group of Cornish surfers, Surfers Against Sewage has evolved into a UK-wide charity. The marine conservation organisation collaborates with communities throughout the British Isles to safeguard oceans, waves, beaches, and marine life.
Focusing on critical matters like sewage, plastic pollution, the climate crisis, and ocean restoration, its nationwide community of Ocean Activists strives for the thriving health of the oceans. Through advocacy and educational initiatives, this NGO is dedicated to addressing marine challenges directly, from coastal areas to governmental discussions and beyond. SAS always have some petition going so it’s super easy for us all to participate!
Brands supporting Surfers Against Sewage
Advent of Change is a non-profit organisation with a mission to foster fairness, equality, and sustainability globally. Founded by Kristina at her kitchen table alongside a full-time job, the organisation creates everyday products that contribute to multiple charities with each purchase, aiming to raise awareness of their impactful work.
The innovative charity advent calendar quickly gained traction, becoming a best-seller at John Lewis and garnering support from the press, public and influencers, and has raised over three quarters of a million pounds for more than 100 deserving charities.
Other Brands include: Patagonia, Geckota, Tenzing, SunGod, Dryrobe
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
The RSPB is among the UK’s oldest environmental charities, established in 1888 to combat the harmful effects of the feather trade. Today, the RSPB stands as the largest nature conservation charity in the UK, encouraging everyone to provide a habitat for nature and ensure a sustainable environment for wildlife.
Operational in the UK and globally, the RSPB conducts essential conservation efforts, preserves habitats, safeguards species, and contributes towards resolving the climate crisis. This is accomplished through five key focus areas: science, species, places, people, and policy, with 90% of its net income dedicated to conservation, public education, and advocacy.
Brands Supporting RSPB
Owl + Lark, was founded on the mission of fostering a deeper connection with the circadian cycle enhancing sleep and overall health by prioritising optimal day-night (circadian) rhythms.
Established in 2020, Owl + Lark combines a 20-year family business background in product development with a team of passionate technologists, designers, and scientists. Their goal is to create a healthier and happier future, with a focus on mitigating negative impacts and promoting positive effects that benefit humans, animals, and the environment.
Having secured an Innovate UK grant to develop AI-based sleep technology, Owl + Lark invites individuals to join them in reimagining health and well-being.
Sustainability lies at the core of Owl + Lark’s values, and operational practices align with sustainability principles, encompassing measures such as monitoring ecological impacts, evaluating supply chains, ensuring ethical production standards, fostering diversity and equality, consulting with stakeholders for feedback, and producing durable, high-quality products to minimise wasteful consumption. Through these initiatives, Owl + Lark aims to contribute to a healthier, greener, and more equitable world.
If you sign up to their newsletter you can unlock a 20% discount.
Other Brands include: M&S, Aldi, Ella’s Kitchen & The Co-Op
These are just a few of the wonderful UK charities and NGOs that are doing good things for the planet and only a few of the brands and companies supporting them along the way. As you know, online shopping doesn’t stop at UK-based brands though. For Earth Day 2021, my article focused on international brands giving back to charities and NGOs – click on the link below to find out more.
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