EARTH DAY.
Earth day is celebrated every year on the 22nd April. But why is it so important to us and so many other people across planet Earth?
Sometimes it's easy to forget just how amazing Earth really is. But with so many varied habitats and species, and of course, life-giving trees, it's impossible to imagine a world without them.
​
Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22nd every year, and this year, we're thrilled to introduce our Forest Restoration Fund! By contributing directly to this fund, you can channel your donations into a selection of our projects specfically focused on forests, including Forest Garden led by the Indigenous Ashaninka people in Brazil and and forest restoration and education in the Andean-Amazonian foothills of Columbia.
For a limited time, there is a fantastic opportunity to double your donation to our forests with The Green Match Fund!
​
Join us in our mission to restore and protect the world's forests, ensuring a brighter future for our planet.
WHY EARTH DAY MATTERS.
BACKGROUND:
Earth Day originated in 1970 as a response to growing environmental concerns. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful movement, uniting people from across the world in a common goal — to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
​
Today, Earth Day serves as a catalyst for change, fostering a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility on a global scale.
Starting Thursday 18th March, The Big Give will DOUBLE every donation made through our Green Match Fund for one week only!
​
That means every £1 or $1 you give will turn into two, meaning twice the impact. This is an incredible opportunity for us to do twice as much good with half the funds, but we need your support.
​
Forest destruction contributes to a whopping 20% of global carbon emissions. It's a staggering figure. But we're on a mission to regreen our world by empowering women and local and Indigenous communities to lead the restoration of their lands and protect our precious natural world for generations to come.
THE GREEN MATCH FUND.
WHAT WE ARE DOING.
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Kenya lies the Irangi Forest, a crucial water catchment that sustains life for communities across Kenya. Recognising its role in providing approximately 40% of the nation's water supply, a dedicated reforestation project has taken root, aiming to breathe new life into this vital ecosystem.
​
With only 7% of Kenya's land covered by trees, the country faces significant challenges posed by deforestation. The reforestation project in the Irangi Forest seeks to reverse this trend by restoring 105 hectares of land annually, transforming barren landscapes into semi-natural forests reminiscent of the region's native woodlands. By promoting agroforestry practices on community lands, the project aims to alleviate pressure on existing forests while simultaneously creating vital habitats for endangered species such as the black rhinoceros, leopard, and African elephant. Through a holistic approach that prioritises ecosystem restoration and community engagement, this initiative not only safeguards the future of Mount Kenya's forests but also ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.
​
This footage was captured in Ruiri Beat, located next to the Upper Imenti Forest project site in Kenya near an elephant breeding spot, so many mother elephants and their young calves are often spotted here. ​
The forest here has degraded, leading to reduced water levels and foliage, resulting in challenges for the resident wildlife, including elephants. However, thanks to the tree planting initiatives, this is being reversed.
In the next 5 to 10 years the site is expected to undergo full restoration, with plans to remove the fence that currently projects the seedlings giving them space to grow. The elephants will have access expanded feeding grounds abundant in shade and cover. This restoration effort not only benefits the local ecosystem but also ensures a brighter future for the wildlife dependent on the forest's resources.
TAKE ACTION FOR NATURE.
There are many actions you can take in your day to day life to help support our planet. We think every day should be Earth Day and encourage you to support our planet every day by making small changes or taking action. This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, so we’ve put together a few ideas for easy changes you can make to your life to do better for the planet.
01
Use reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags when grocery shopping.
03
Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging, or buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Opt for stainless steel or glass water bottles instead of disposable plastic bottles.
02
04
Avoid products with microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles harmful to the environment.
05
Switch to bar soap and shampoo bars to reduce plastic bottle usage in the bathroom.
06
Explore DIY alternatives: Get creative and try making your own household products such as cleaners, beauty products, and even food items to reduce reliance on store-bought items packaged in plastic.
07
Support plastic-free businesses: Seek out and support businesses that prioritise sustainability and offer plastic-free alternatives. This can include local markets, zero-waste stores, and eco-friendly brands.
08
Reduce single-use plastics in your workplace: Encourage your workplace to adopt plastic-free practices such as providing reusable utensils and plates in the office kitchen, and using electronic documents instead of printing on plastic-coated paper.
09
Advocate for change: Use your voice to advocate for policies and initiatives that aim to reduce plastic pollution at the local, national, and global levels. This can involve supporting plastic bans, advocating for improved recycling infrastructure, and raising awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.
10
Educate others: Share your knowledge and experiences with friends, family, and your community to inspire others to adopt plastic-free habits. Host informational sessions, organise community clean-up events, or simply lead by example in your daily life.
11
Invest in reusable alternatives: Consider investing in durable, high-quality reusable items such as stainless steel food containers, food wraps, and cloth produce bags to further minimise plastic usage in your day-to-day activities.
12
