Earth Animal’s Post

Have you ever driven past a Christmas tree sale and wondered if chopping down, and inevitably disposing of, that many trees has a negative environmental impact? Turns out Christmas tree farms can help their communities thrive environmentally and economically. Find out how in the new installment of our monthly newsletter, The Solutions Effect. 

The theme of this year's The National Association of Conservation Districts' Stewardship Week, "May the Forest Be with You, Always," emphasizes the vital role of forests in soil and water conservation. Forests are crucial for sustaining life on Earth— providing oxygen, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity. They also protect soil and water resources, preventing erosion and purifying contaminants. In the face of environmental challenges, resilient forests are essential for a sustainable world. "May the Forest Be with You, Always" symbolizes NACD's commitment to responsible forest stewardship. During Stewardship Week, conservation districts nationwide engage in various activities to celebrate and promote forests. They educate communities through contests, workshops, and events, fostering a deeper understanding of the forest's importance. By inspiring action and emphasizing collective responsibility, Stewardship Week ensures the preservation of forests for future generations. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4dhMu4O.

I'm also excited to share that (for the first time ever!) I'm speaking on a panel at Texan by Nature's annual Conservation Summit, alongside Ducks Unlimited and Phillips 66. I will share what we are seeing, lessons learned, best practices, gaps, and more from our facilitation of the Texas Water Action Collaborative, where we match projects that need funding with corporate funders. I will also touch on how we are articulating the science-based impact of conservation efforts through our Return on Conservation (ROC) Index. The goal of the ROC index is to bridge the reporting gap between conservation and industry to accelerate conservation investments and show the value of local conservation as a component of global sustainability strategy. Here's the panel description: Conservation and industry leaders often think and speak of ecosystems in similar yet very different ways. Conservationists most often refer to natural systems while industry leaders may refer to their supply chain or internal processes. Few entities look at the entire ecosystem and the interaction between industry and nature. New models of collaboration bridge this communication and action gap, bringing conservation, community, and industry together to achieve long-term, ecosystem results. Learn more about the other panels and register to attend in-person or virtually here: https://lnkd.in/dTybV6s

🔑 Collaboration is key. Dan Lambe, CEO of Arbor Day Foundation calls for companies to work together to rebuild trust in the voluntary carbon markets in an article for TIME. He explains that publicly sharing details of corporate forest conservation efforts is part of the solution. If more people are transparent, it encourages others to do the same. David said: “As individuals, we are often inclined to trust the opinions of those who are like us. A similar concept applies here. Market leaders and environmental experts can constantly encourage corporations to get involved in the market, but our plea will never hold as much weight as the endorsement of a peer.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/em8P8FzB #ForestConservation #NatureBasedSolutions #NatureConservation

Do you want to reduce your dental practice's carbon footprint and get ahead of the imminent changes to CQC notable practice regarding sustainability? Maybe you're also like many I speak to and you are eager to be a better environmental steward, but you don't know how to move forward. I'm creating the Sustainable Smiles Power Hour - it's on presale right now and will be delivered to you 18th September. Here's what's covered in the 60 minute CPD program: 🌳 Reducing Carbon Footprint ♻️ Recycling 📉 Reducing Resource Usage 🚫 Eradicating Single Use 🐝 Encouraging Biodiversity 🤝 Promoting Fair Trade and Sustainable Suppliers Don't just adapt to the change. Be the change. All the details are here. https://lnkd.in/emZe-rWh

We are thrilled to share that American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and our partners at International Paper (IP), the world's largest pulp and paper company, have been honored with a 2023 Leadership in Sustainability Award from the American Forest and Paper Association, an industry trade group. The award was in the “Resilient U.S. Forests” category, which recognizes projects or programs that enhance the “diverse values of forests, such as water, carbon, biodiversity, recreation, and forest products.” A series of 2022 workshops across the Southeast did just that: ABC and IP educated a wide range of stakeholders — from IP employees to landowners — about the value of working forests for birds and how land managers can enhance bird habitat. ABC and IP also developed outreach materials, including a 12-page booklet about bird-friendly forests. Additionally, the partnership collaborated with South Carolina Educational Television on a film about Swallow-tailed Kites — one of the partnership’s priority species. Read about the award-winning partnership on ABC's website at https://bit.ly/47EP3dk. #AmericanBirdConservancy #ABCBirds #InternationalPaper #AFPA #SustainabilityLeaders #LeadershipInSustainability #ForestConservation #SwallowTailedKites #EnvironmentalEducation #ForestStewardship #IPxABC #ForestryInnovation #SustainablePaper

We understand the crucial role a well-maintained reed bed can play in water treatment. We also acknowledge that reed beds are valuable ecosystems that provide a habitat for various plant and animal species. That’s why maintaining them requires a sustainable approach, too, to ensure their health and effectiveness while enhancing their environmental performance. #ReedBeds #NatureBasedSolutions #Sustainability #EnvironmentalProtection #NaturePositive https://lnkd.in/erkjkuaU

Modern zoos and aquariums are driven by a shared commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, ZAA member institutions are embracing innovative ways towards a greener, more sustainable future. Some such initiatives include harnessing solar power, adopting energy-efficient water filtration systems, and reducing waste A shining example of this commitment is Wellington Zoo in Aotearoa New Zealand, the world's first Toitū net carbonzero certified zoo. With a holistic approach, they not only reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost but also engage in reforestation to offset emissions that are challenging to eliminate. They have also added Electric vehicles to their fleet and installed charging stations outside the zoo. Click on the link to learn more about Wellington Zoo's efforts: https://buff.ly/3S3JcJK

Hey folks, listen up! Mother Nature is one wild party animal and we're all invited. But let's not be the guests who puke on the couch and trash the place, ya hear? Environmental conservation is key to keeping this bash bumping for generations to come. So let's all do our part - recycle, reduce, reuse, and maybe even learn to twerk with the trees. Who's with me? Comment below with your best eco-dance moves! 💃🌳