5 Organizations Combating Pollution

Groups Working To Protect The Environment

Air Pollution 101

6 Reusable Products To Replace Single-Use Versions

1. Reusable grocery bags
2. Stainless steel straws
3. Reusable K-Cups
4. Silicone food bags
5. Beeswax wraps
6. Reusable water bottles

Fascinating Facts About Water

• The only substance that naturally exists in solid, liquid, and gas form at temperatures normally found on Earth
• Called the "universal solvent" by scientists because it dissolves so many substances
• Air pressure affects its boiling point
• Covers nearly three quarters of the earth's surface
• 97% is found in the oceans
• Most of the remaining 3% is unavailable to humans: too far underground, trapped in glaciers and ice caps, or too heavily polluted
• Less than 1% of water on Earth is available fresh water

5 Human Impacts on the Environment

In Depth

Many of contemporary society's most pervasive impacts on global ecology and public health are rooted in industrial waste. Careless consumption gives rise to widespread hazards like air pollution from fossil fuel consumption, throwaway plastics filling the oceans, and discarded electronics releasing toxic chemicals. In no particular order, here are five groups working to prevent and remediate environmental contamination.

Leading off at #1 is Greenaction, a grassroots organization supporting marginalized communities in the fight against environmental injustice. Begun in 1997 with a successful campaign protesting the construction of a nuclear waste dump in California's Ward Valley, this group organizes direct action against pollution in low-income areas and indigenous lands. Greenaction's efforts include fighting hazardous pesticide use, calling for cleanup of contaminated sites, and demanding action on climate change.

Greenaction's major campaigns include pushing for remediation of a Superfund site in the Bayview-Hunters Point area of San Francisco, and fighting to close a uranium mill on the sacred lands of the White Mesa Ute people. In addition to engaging in demonstrations, the organization offers community education for advocacy skills, such as Youth Academy programs helping young people develop leadership abilities.

Greenaction's major campaigns include pushing for remediation of a Superfund site in the Bayview-Hunters Point area of San Francisco, and fighting to close a uranium mill on the sacred lands of the White Mesa Ute people.

Following up at #2 is Rogue Riverkeeper, dedicated to protecting and restoring the ecological health of Oregon's Rogue River Basin. Part of the international Waterkeeper Alliance, this group advocates against industrial projects that would threaten wildlife and water quality in the region, like the proposed Jordan Cove Liquid Natural Gas terminal. The group engages with industry representatives and government bodies to ensure polluters are held accountable.

RRK helps to provide oversight for Clean Water Act compliance, monitoring water quality and opposing efforts at regulatory rollback. The organization shares information on safe swim areas, and conducts educational programming to teach young people and community members about river ecology. Other outreach efforts include group river floats and the annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. RRK also conducts direct stewardship work like stream cleanups.

#3 in our overview is Occupational Knowledge International, which works to improve public health by preventing exposure to hazardous materials from industrial activity. Calling attention to the dangers faced by workers in industries such as lead battery recycling and gold mining, this organization provides training on harm reduction methods for those at risk. It also advises government bodies and other stakeholders about hazards and mitigation strategies.

It also advises government bodies and other stakeholders about hazards and mitigation strategies.

OK International calls for stricter controls on well-known hazardous materials like lead and asbestos and highlights lesser-known environmental health concerns such as cookware made from recycled scrap metal. The group's efforts include a certification program for lead-free paint, development of occupational health controls for the recycling industry in Vietnam, and organization of an international conference on silica hazards in manufacturing.

Next up at #4 is Vital Strategies, which seeks to enable development of robust systems for public health around the globe. This nonprofit tackles widespread issues like air pollution, through varied approaches that incorporate research, education, and dissemination of resources for decision-makers looking to implement improvements. It also organizes collaborations like its network of clinicians advocating for air quality safeguards.

Vital Strategies' focus areas include lead poisoning prevention and building health-friendly urban environments. The organization provides informational resources discussing topics like regulations on contaminants in paint and the need for better water quality monitoring. Along with its work on environmental health, the group organizes campaigns for challenges like cardiovascular disease, road safety, and prevention of epidemics, and helps to build capacity for medical research worldwide.

Vital Strategies' focus areas include lead poisoning prevention and building health-friendly urban environments.

Closing our list at #5 is Hannah4Change, a project from lifelong sustainability advocate Hannah Testa. Dedicated to raising awareness and pushing for reform on issues like ocean plastic pollution, Testa gives talks at schools, environmental action rallies, and public hearings, discussing the threats that face the world's atmosphere and waters.

Hannah4Change shares articles and informational resources outlining ways to reduce waste and pollution, including a guide to eco-friendly reusable goods as alternatives to disposable plastics. Testa gives addresses at events around the world, and engages in environmental cleanup efforts. Hannah4Change also offers information for supporters about opportunities for ecological action.