Today is Earth Day, a moment to reflect on our planet’s beauty and the crucial need to protect it. April 22nd, marks the beginning of Earth Week, a global event devoted to environmental preservation. It stands as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to safeguard our planet for both present and future generations. As beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship is implemented by The DO Fellowships, we are from a community of DOers, so what can we DO to help protect our environment?

We have gathered some actionable resources from our community that empower individuals to make a positive impact on the environment. Check out some of the organizations that are facilitating and encouraging Planet-Positive action on a big scale.

Rethink Plastic Alliance

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue affecting ecosystems worldwide. The Rethink Plastic Alliance offers actionable campaign toolkits designed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and promote sustainable alternatives. From educational materials to community engagement strategies, these toolkits empower individuals and organizations to combat plastic pollution in Europe and beyond. By joining the movement to rethink plastic, we can work towards a cleaner, greener future for all.

Surfrider

The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network across the US. They provide toolkits, educational materials, and campaigns focused on protecting oceans and beaches from plastic pollution. Their resources include beach clean-up guides, plastic reduction tips, and advocacy tools for policy change.

Ecobricks

Ecobricks encourage repurposing non-recyclable plastics into solid building blocks. To make ecobricks, clean and dry plastic is densely packed into PET bottles, excluding metal, glass, paper, and biodegradable materials. Check out some of the Ecobricks projects taking place around the world.

Plastic Bank

Plastic Bank aim to reduce plastic waste while alleviating poverty. Individuals can help stop ocean-bound plastic. Their offsetting calculator allows you to track your impact and help save the ocean. Contributions can be via a single donation, subscription or as a gif.

Here are a few more organizations we believe are making significant strides in addressing other critical environmental issues beyond plastic waste management

Stepzero by Count Us In

In today’s digital age, influencers have a powerful platform to inspire change. Stepzero, an initiative from Count Us In, equips influencers with the tools and resources to authentically discuss climate change and encourage sustainable living. By leveraging their influence, these individuals can inspire others to adopt eco-friendly habits and take meaningful action to reduce their carbon footprint. Stepzero empowers influencers to be catalysts for positive change, driving collective action towards a more sustainable future.

Leaders for Climate Action

Businesses play a significant role in shaping our planet’s future. Leaders for Climate Action (LFCA) enables businesses of all sizes to take meaningful steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. Through practical guidance and resources, LFCA helps businesses implement sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their bottom line. By committing to climate action, businesses can demonstrate leadership in the fight against climate change and inspire others to follow suit.

Making small changes to your everyday routines

Outside of these organizations, there are also lots of smaller changes you can make to your everyday life to have a Planet-Positive impact as an individual. These resources provide tangible steps that anyone can take to contribute to a healthier planet.

1. Recycling is a good start for sustainability, but about 30% of recyclables are improperly disposed of. Always remember to rinse out containers and remove any contaminants before recycling. Properly sorting recyclables helps ensure they can be processed efficiently. In India, beVisioneers Fellow Avhijit is developing an app that helps identify and separate plastic through sophisticated in-app vision technology. Avhijit hope to raise public awareness and make households better recyclers.

2. Reducing water usage is another key aspect of sustainability. Small changes like running the dishwasher only when full can significantly cut water consumption. Check out what our Fellow Katrin is doing with her project Hydrop Systems to reduce water waste in the home.

3. Choosing sustainable food options, such as shopping locally, reduces ecological impact by minimizing food transportation and supporting fresher produce. To learn more about sustainable solutions to food waste and food security, check out the work of our Fellows working in the field, such as Ayush Kale, Babalwa Mni, and Muskan Gupta.

4. Buying second-hand items, including clothes and household goods, promotes sustainable practices and saves money, countering the environmental impact of fast fashion. We have several amazing Fellows working in making fashion more sustainable like Priya Srinivas, Urvi Lahoti, Maria Czarnecka, and Marta Sokolowska Slusniak, to name a few.

5. Even consider renting or leasing products that are only needed infrequently, such as holiday items, audio visual equipment, tools. As Fellow Maximillian Lehmann‘s project fainin says, the more we share, the less we need.

Every action counts

As we celebrate Earth Day and embrace the spirit of Earth Week, let’s remember that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for our planet. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, advocating for sustainable practices, or supporting businesses committed to climate action, each Planet-Positive choice we make has the power to make a difference.

Together, we can build a more sustainable world for generations to come. Let’s seize this opportunity to take action, inspire change, and protect the precious gift of our planet. Happy Earth Day!