Impact stories and news for the everyday hero • Blog • Spiral

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Impact stories and news for the everyday hero

<p>The banking industry in the United States is facing increasing pressure to consider its environmental and social impact. As concerns about climate change and social inequality continue to grow, consumers and regulators demand that financial institutions take a more active role in addressing these issues.</p>
<p>One of the major ways that environmental and social issues impact banks is through the increasing scrutiny of their lending and investment practices. For example, banks are being urged to increase lending to low-income communities, which the financial sector has traditionally underserved. Many banks are also being pressured into divesting from fossil fuel companies and investing in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In response to these pressures, a growing number of banks in the United States are beginning to implement environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their lending and investment decisions. This means that they are considering factors such as a company's carbon footprint and labor practices before providing funding. Think of it as the banking industry's version of "consumer reports" but for the planet and society.</p>
<p>One notable example of a bank incorporating ESG criteria is JPMorgan Chase, which announced in 2019 plans to provide $200 billion in loans and investments for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure by 2025. In addition, the bank aims to provide $75 billion in lending, investing, and financing for women and minority-owned businesses by 2025.</p>
<p>Another example is Wells Fargo, which has committed to providing $185 billion in lending, investing, and services for low-income and minority communities by 2027. The bank has also pledged to increase its investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure and to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.</p>
<p>In addition to large banks, smaller financial institutions like community banks and credit unions are also beginning to take steps to embed sustainability and ESG into their business models. According to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), community banks and credit unions have been particularly active in serving low-income communities, which have often been neglected by larger banks. This makes them well-positioned to lead the charge in incorporating ESG into their lending and investment practices.</p>
<p>While these initiatives are certainly a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done. Banks are still facing criticism for failing to do enough to address environmental and social issues, and there is still a substantial&nbsp;gap between the commitments that banks have made and the actions that they are taking. But let's remember progress is progress, and every little bit counts.</p>
<p>One of the biggest challenges facing banks as they try to incorporate ESG criteria into their lending and investment decisions is the need for consistent and reliable data on environmental and social impact. Unfortunately, many companies do not disclose this information, and there is no widely accepted method of measuring and reporting on sustainability and social impact performance. But it's a work in progress, and we'll get there eventually.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="blog-figure"><img class="blog-figure-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/image/upload/v1678892537/blog/posts/brighter_future_banks_sustainability_social_impact_1.jpg" alt="Spiral ESG Banking" width="750" height="" loading="lazy">
<div class="blog-figure-caption" style="text-align: center;">banks that prioritize sustainability and ESG are better positioned to generate higher profits.</div>
</div>
<h2><strong>Win-win situation</strong></h2>
<p>According to the 2021 "The State of Sustainable Finance Report" by the Global Sustainable Finance Initiative, the integration of ESG into banking practices is beneficial not only for the environment and society but also for the bottom line. Banks prioritizing ESG integration tend to outperform their peers regarding financial performance, with higher profitability and lower risk.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In fact, banks that scored high on ESG performance had a return on equity that was higher on average. The study also showed that banks prioritizing sustainability and ESG integration are better positioned to manage risks, generate higher profits, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient global economy.</p>
<p>These findings provide compelling evidence that embedding sustainability and social impact into banking practices is not only an ethical choice but also a great business decision. This is a win-win situation where everyone benefits, and the banking industry can lead the way in forming a more sustainable and equitable future for all.</p>
<h2><strong>The potential is huge</strong></h2>
<p>Here are some interesting facts:</p>
<ul>
<li>The sustainable finance market is projected to reach $30 trillion by 2030</li>
<li>60% of financial institutions have increased their engagement with clients on ESG issues</li>
<li>92% of asset owners believe that ESG is a mainstream investment theme</li>
<li>50% of financial institutions are actively investing in sustainable infrastructure</li>
<li>63% of financial institutions have set specific ESG-related targets</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>What's next?</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">In order to truly make a difference in sustainability and social impact, banks must go beyond just lip service. One way to achieve this is through green bonds. Green bonds are debt securities that are used to finance environmentally friendly projects, such as renewable energy or sustainable infrastructure. According to a recent report, the green bond market has grown rapidly in recent years, reaching a size of $250 billion in 2019. By investing in green bonds, banks can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social impact while also supporting the development of more environmentally friendly projects.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Another way to increase sustainability and social impact is through community development financial institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are specialized financial institutions that provide loans and other financial services to underserved communities. By working with CDFIs, banks can provide financing for important community projects and initiatives that might not otherwise receive funding. For example, in 2019, Bank of America pledged $1 billion in financing for CDFIs, which will be used to support affordable housing and small businesses in underserved communities.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In addition, banks can also partner with fintech companies to help drive sustainability and social impact. Fintech companies can provide innovative solutions for measuring and reporting on sustainability and social impact performance, which can be used to help banks make better lending and investment decisions.&nbsp;<span data-preserver-spaces="true">For instance,&nbsp;</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.spiral.us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Spiral</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> is a fintech company that helps banks and credit unions easily embed sustainability and social impact into their products to support their served communities while increasing engagement and revenue. Banks can tap into cutting-edge technology and expertise by partnering with companies like <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.spiral.us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spiral</a> to help them grow their business, increase engagement, and improve their sustainability and social impact performance.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">Banks must also consider the social and environmental impact of their own operations and supply chains. This includes reducing their own carbon footprint, improving their waste management practices, and ensuring that their suppliers are also taking steps to be more sustainable and socially responsible. For instance, Citi announced in 2020 its new five-year 2025 Sustainable Progress Strategy to help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. This new strategy includes a $250 Billion Environmental Finance Goal to finance and facilitate climate solutions globally. This builds on Citi's previous $100 billion goal announced in 2015. Their&nbsp;goal is to become carbon neutral and to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030.&nbsp;The bank has also committed to using 100% renewable energy and purchasing green power through a renewable energy certificate program.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<div class="blog-figure"><img class="blog-figure-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/image/upload/v1678892541/blog/posts/brighter_future_banks_sustainability_social_impact_2.jpg" alt="Spiral ESG banking and sustainability" width="750" height="" loading="lazy"></div>
<h2><strong>A brighter future ahead</strong></h2>
<p dir="ltr">The banking industry in the United States is facing increasing pressure to consider the environmental and social impact of their operations and investments, and many banks are beginning to take steps to address these issues. However, there is still much more that needs to be done, including the need for more consistent and reliable data on environmental and social impact and a closer examination of the gap between banks' commitments and their actions. Therefore, the banking industry must strive to be more responsible and sustainable to ensure a better future for all.</p>

The banking industry is feeling the heat amidst rising climate and social concerns from consumers and regulators.

Profit With Purpose: How Banks Are Advancing Sustainability and Equality in 2023

<p>Helping others might just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier, but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and more meaningful.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are many ways that you can make a small impact on the world every single day. Volunteering for a cause you care about, recycling, and helping elderly or disabled people with everyday tasks are some great examples.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s scientifically proven that making an impact makes us feel happy and results in a phenomenon known as the &ldquo;helper&rsquo;s high&rdquo;. This is the warm feeling of contentedness that follows an opportunity to lend a hand, donate money, or volunteer in a meaningful way. So, what if it was possible to achieve that sense of well-being on a daily basis? What if it was as simple as swiping your debit card or credit card to buy groceries, put gas in your car, or grab coffee with a friend?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here at Spiral, we wanted to help people like you make an impact more frequently and in an easier way. That&rsquo;s what led us to develop Everyday Impact&trade;, a feature that allows you to easily achieve a positive impact when you shop. All <strong>you </strong>have to do is<strong> </strong>swipe your debit card or credit card at any restaurant, coffee shop, gas station, hotel, and more, and round up your transaction to<strong>&nbsp;</strong>make a donation to plant a tree, provide clean water, feed a child in need, or provide safe shelter to people in poverty. It&rsquo;s as easy as that.<br><br></p>
<p><strong>BECOME AN EVERYDAY HERO</strong></p>
<p>We empower people to become everyday heroes by making an impact on communities around the world every time they make a purchase with their debit card. There&rsquo;s a whole suite of new services designed to help people make a social impact every day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s crazy to think that every single purchase you make can fight climate change, provide clean water, feed a hungry child, and provide safe shelter to people in need. But now it&rsquo;s possible&hellip;with Spiral.</p>
<p><strong>HOW DOES EVERYDAY IMPACT&trade; WORK?</strong></p>
<p>Here&rsquo;s how to make an impact with your purchases:</p>
<ul>
<li>Just swipe your debit card or credit card at any restaurant, coffee shop, gas station, hotel, and more, round up automatically to the nearest dollar and use that money to support causes you care about</li>
<li>With every purchase, you can plant a tree, provide clean water, feed a child in need, and provide safe shelter for people in poverty</li>
<li>Track the social impact of your purchases at any given time</li>
<li>You can also get a weekly report of your social impact from your financial institute</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-post-1952 wp-image-1957" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/w_750,h_600/v1656440898/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-4/Blog-Image-4.png?_i=AA" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440898/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-4/Blog-Image-4.png?_i=AA 1108w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440898/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-4/Blog-Image-4.png?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440898/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-4/Blog-Image-4.png?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440898/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-4/Blog-Image-4.png?_i=AA 768w" alt="" width="750" height="600" loading="lazy" data-public-id="wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-4.png" data-attachment-id="1957" data-permalink="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/2022/07/13/become-an-everyday-hero/blog-image-4/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blog-Image-4.png?fit=1108%2C886&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="1108,886" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Blog-Image-4" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blog-Image-4.png?fit=300%2C240&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blog-Image-4.png?fit=750%2C600&amp;ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" data-format="png" data-transformations="" data-version="1656440898"></figure>
<p><strong>YOU SWIPE, AND WE HELP YOU TO DONATE&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Category 1.</strong> When you use your debit card or credit card to pay your electric or gas bill, buy gas from the gas station, or spend on mass transit, we donate to Eden Reforestation Projects to plant trees. Planting trees helps to offset the carbon footprint of your purchase and also helps to fight climate change.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Category 2. </strong>When you use your debit card or credit card to buy coffee, tea, or juice, we donate to Evidence Action to provide a week of clean water for a person in need. This is life-changing for those who don&rsquo;t have immediate access to safe, clean drinking water.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Category 3. </strong>When you use your debit card or credit card to buy groceries or eat at a restaurant, we donate to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide meals for children at school who are facing hunger. This incredible organization believes that in a world of plenty, hunger should be a thing of the past.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Category 4. </strong>When you use your debit card or credit card to pay for a hotel stay, we donate to GiveDirectly to send funds to people living in poverty. By simply traveling and paying for lodging, you can provide safe shelter to those in need.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;d like further information about how we calculated the donation amounts for each category, <a href="https://www.spiral.us/disclosures/social-impact-rewards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">click here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>GIVING MADE SIMPLE WITH SPIRAL GIVING&trade;&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;d like to take your impact even further and support causes and communities you care about, you can easily do so by using our round-up feature.</p>
<p>With every swipe of your card, you can round up automatically to the nearest dollar and use that money to support causes and local communities you care about. Every cent rounded up makes a difference every single day.</p>
<p><strong>HOW DOES THE ROUND-UP FEATURE WORK?&nbsp;</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Easily search and discover over 1 million charities across the U.S.</li>
<li>Activate round-up under &ldquo;Giving&rdquo; in the app&nbsp;</li>
<li>Choose to give monthly or as a one-time gift &ndash; you can switch anytime</li>
<li>Always be in control &ndash; pause, stop, or change your donation</li>
<li>Receive an end-of-year report of all your giving to help you with your tax return</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-post-1952 wp-image-1959" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/w_750,h_600/v1656440951/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-5/Blog-Image-5.png?_i=AA" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440951/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-5/Blog-Image-5.png?_i=AA 1108w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440951/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-5/Blog-Image-5.png?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440951/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-5/Blog-Image-5.png?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1656440951/wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-5/Blog-Image-5.png?_i=AA 768w" alt="" width="750" height="600" loading="lazy" data-public-id="wordpress-uploads/Blog-Image-5.png" data-attachment-id="1959" data-permalink="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/2022/07/13/become-an-everyday-hero/blog-image-5/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blog-Image-5.png?fit=1108%2C886&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="1108,886" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Blog-Image-5" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blog-Image-5.png?fit=300%2C240&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blog-Image-5.png?fit=750%2C600&amp;ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" data-format="png" data-transformations="" data-version="1656440951"></figure>
<p><strong>TWO EASY WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT&nbsp;EVERY DAY</strong></p>
<p>With Spiral, it&rsquo;s easier than ever to make an impact on both your community and the world. With the Everyday Impact&trade; feature, your purchases have the ability to change someone&rsquo;s life. If you want to take your impact even further, and support charities and causes you care about, you can opt to use our round-up feature and donate directly from your giving account. Whether you choose one or both options, you&rsquo;re well on your way to helping others and creating a life that&rsquo;s more meaningful. And that&rsquo;s what being an everyday hero is all about.</p>

<p>Helping others might just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier, but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and more meaningful. Here at Spiral, we wanted to help people like you make an impact more frequently and in an easier way. That’s what led us to develop Instant Impact, a feature that allows you to easily make a difference and instantly view the impact you made after every purchase.</p>


How Can You Become an Everyday Hero?

<p>The <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/">International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species</a> has classified over 8,400 species of wild flora and fauna that are critically endangered. An additional 30,000 species have been identified as endangered. This means over 38,000 species are critically endangered. Animals are only placed on this list if they&rsquo;re severely at risk of extinction.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Life On Earth Is Threatened&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p>Why does this matter? As humans, &ldquo;<a href="https://wildlifeday.org/">wildlife and biodiversity-based resources are something we rely on</a>&rdquo; for all of our basic needs, including medicine, food, fuel, and clothing. Without these resources, life on earth is threatened. Moving forward, our livelihood depends on rescuing critically endangered species, restoring damaged ecosystems, and promoting healthy interaction with wildlife and sustainable practices.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>How Can You Help?</strong></h2>
<p>Spiral allows you to donate to nonprofits that are working hard to preserve habitats, study and conserve endangered species, and protect our planet&rsquo;s biodiversity. One of these leading nonprofits is <strong>Rainforest Trust.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img class="wp-post-1865 wp-image-1868" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/w_750,h_512/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 3500w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 1536w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 2048w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 1200w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 1568w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1648481625/wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?_i=AA 2250w" alt="Protecting Our Planet: Rainforest Trust Saves Nearly One Acre Every 10 Seconds, and Now They Need Your Help" width="750" height="512" loading="lazy" data-public-id="wordpress-uploads/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg" data-attachment-id="1868" data-permalink="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/2022/05/04/rainforest-trust-needs-your-help/pexels-pixabay-247431/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?fit=3500%2C2388&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="3500,2388" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="pexels-pixabay-247431" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?fit=300%2C205&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pexels-pixabay-247431.jpg?fit=750%2C512&amp;ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" data-format="jpg" data-transformations="" data-version="1648481625"></figure>
<h2><strong>What is Rainforest Trust all about?</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.rainforesttrust.org/our-impact/global-scope/">&ldquo;We protect the world&rsquo;s most threatened species by protecting the ecosystems they depend on.&rdquo;</a></p>
<p>Did you know that half of the world&rsquo;s biodiversity is found in rainforests? Rainforest Trust identifies &ldquo;<a href="https://www.rainforesttrust.org/our-impact/global-scope/">biodiversity hotspots</a>&rdquo; around the world that need protection. Some of these areas include Indonesia, Madagascar, the Congo Basin, and more. By focusing on the preservation of these tropical forests, Rainforest Trust devotes time and resources to the conservation of our planet&rsquo;s biodiversity. And by protecting ecosystems that endangered species depend on, they&rsquo;re helping to keep those endangered species comfortable and safe.&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>How do they measure their impact in numbers?</strong></h2>
<p>In 2021 alone, Rainforest Trust:</p>
<ul>
<li>Protected over 2.8 million acres across the globe, an area 2.5x the size of Grand Canyon National Park&nbsp;</li>
<li>Protected 610 critically endangered and vulnerable species&nbsp;</li>
<li>Locked up over 455 million metric tons of C02 equivalents, comparable to the emissions from 99 million passenger cars driven for one year&nbsp;</li>
<li>Worked with 80 partner organizations in 40 countries&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Why should you give to Rainforest Trust?</strong></h2>
<p>Time is no longer on our side. Our planet and the species that belong here can&rsquo;t wait for people, companies, and governments to act. When you give to Rainforest Trust, they immediately take action that creates protected areas. These areas keep forests intact, keep carbon safely stored, protect other types of habitat and the biodiversity they shelter, and enable endangered species to rebound and thrive. No matter how small or large the gift, a tangible impact is created.</p>

Learn how Rainforest Trust preserves habitats, studies and conserves endangered species, and protects our planet’s biodiversity.

Protecting Our Planet: Rainforest Trust Saves Nearly One Acre Every 10 Seconds

<p class="has-text-align-center"><em><strong>&ldquo;The environment is everything that isn&rsquo;t me.&rdquo; &ndash; Albert Einstein</strong></em></p>
<p>Have you heard of <a href="https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/about/world-environment-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Environment Day</a>? It is a <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/list-days-weeks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">day created by the United Nations</a> that spreads environmental action and awareness. Throughout its history, supporters have tackled sustainable topics such as plastic consumption, global warming, and <a href="https://www.spiral.us/blog/world-ocean-day/">ocean preservation</a>.</p>
<p>But there&rsquo;s so much more to learn about this underrated day. We&rsquo;ve got the history, fun facts, and answers.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Quick World Environment Day Facts:&nbsp;</h2>
<ul>
<li>When was is first celebrated? In 1974</li>
<li>When is celebrated? On June 5th every year.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/pakistan-host-world-environment-day-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Where will it be hosted</a> in 2021? Pakistan&nbsp;</li>
<li>What is the theme of World Environment Day in 2021? &ldquo;Ecosystem Restoration&rdquo;.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>Why June 5th is celebrated as World Environment Day</h2>
<p>People from all over the world celebrate it on June 5th because it was first discussed on June 5, 1972, <a href="https://www.un.org/en/conferences/environment/stockholm1972" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at the Stockholm Conference</a> on the Human Environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Held in Stockholm, Sweden, the conference ran from June 5th &ndash; Jun 16th and made history as the first international conference to discuss environmental issues and how humans should take action.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Two years later, in 1974, the <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/milestones/humanenvironment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN dedicated June 5th</a> as World Environment Day.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img class="wp-post-1240 wp-image-1278" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1624262437/wordpress-uploads/Screen-Shot-2021-06-21-at-12.43/Screen-Shot-2021-06-21-at-12.43.45-AM-1" alt="Why June 5th is celebrated as World Environment Day" data-attachment-id="1278" data-permalink="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/?attachment_id=1278" data-orig-file="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screen-Shot-2021-06-21-at-12.43.45-AM-1" data-orig-size="666,370" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="Screen Shot 2021-06-21 at 12.43.45 AM" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screen-Shot-2021-06-21-at-12.43.45-AM-1-300x167.png" data-large-file="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Screen-Shot-2021-06-21-at-12.43.45-AM-1">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo from <a href="https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1 Percent for the Planet</a></figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<h2>What is the importance?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/pakistan-host-world-environment-day-2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">According to the UN&rsquo;s website</a>, World Environment Day <strong>&ldquo;is the principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the Environment.&rdquo;</strong></p>
<p>Since its start in 1974, the day has been an essential platform for environmental change, and over <a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/colombia-host-2020-world-environment-day-biodiversity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">150 countries participate each year</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s no surprise that annually, millions of individuals take part. And, in addition to world governments &ndash; individuals, communities, organizations, and even celebrities continue to jump on board.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Since implemented in 1974, this day has spread change and awareness on notable environmental issues like the depletion of the ozone layer, toxic chemicals, desertification, and global warming.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>What is the focus of World Environment Day?</h2>
<p>World Environment Day is a time when world leaders meet and discuss ideas for change.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On this day, the UN heavily emphasizes environmental education, which according to <a href="https://www.epa.gov/education/what-environmental-education" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the United States Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) fosters positive skills, attitudes, and participation towards protecting our world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The UN&rsquo;s specific goals for this day involve spreading awareness of environmental issues through education, reading, quizzes, and more. You can <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find more info on the organization&rsquo;s site</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Check out <a href="https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/register-event" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this page on the UN&rsquo;s site</a> where individuals and groups can register environmental events around the globe.</li>
</ul>
<p>In a nutshell, the focus of World Environment Day is to mark a dedicated occasion for countries to brainstorm and take steps towards creating a sustainable world.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>History of World Environment Day:</h2>
<p>To better understand World Environment Day and how it has made such an impact, explore the brief timeline below:</p>
<ul>
<li>1972 &ndash; The idea for the day was discussed at the Stockholm Conference in Sweden.</li>
<li>1974 &ndash; <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/about/when-is-world-environment-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The first World Environment Day</a> took place with the theme: &ldquo;Only One Earth.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>1987 &ndash; The day was celebrated at the <a href="https://unon.org/content/welcome-united-nations-office-nairobi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/499458?ln=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Global 500</a> awards began and were given to environmental champions beginning and lasting through 2003.</li>
<li>1988 &ndash;&nbsp; Official rotations of the day at different host countries around the globe started.</li>
<li>1989 &ndash;&nbsp; Global warming awareness becomes a focus of World Environment Day in <a href="https://www.unep.org/regions/europe/our-branches-europe/brussels-liaison-office-european-union" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brussels, Belgium (the host country)</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>1992 &ndash;&nbsp; The UN Conference on Environment World Environment Day coincided with the UN Conference on Environment in <a href="https://www.un.org/en/conferences/environment/rio1992" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li>1995 &ndash;&nbsp; Nelson Mandela attends the event, and South Africa hosts the Day&nbsp;</li>
<li>2000 &ndash; The UN launches a comprehensive World Environment day website.</li>
<li>2005 &ndash; North America hosted World Enment Day for the first time.</li>
<li>2011 &ndash; The online presence and followers of the day grow, and a whopping four thousand activities related to WorldEnvironment Day are registered worldwide.</li>
<li>2015 &ndash;&nbsp; More than <a href="https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/about/world-environment-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">500 YOUTUBE videos</a> about World Environment Day are posted.&nbsp;</li>
<li>2018 &ndash; India hosts with the theme &ldquo;Beat Plastic Pollution&rdquo;. The theme encouraged the clean-up of 90,000 kg of plastic and set the motion for plastic bans in India and other countries.</li>
<li>2020 &ndash; With Covid-19 raging on, Colombia hosted World Environment Day with the theme of &ldquo;Biodiversity.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>2021 &ndash; After 14 world leaders encouraged other countries to take action at the World Environment Day 2020, <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/50-countries-vow-to-protect-30-percent-of-land-and-sea-by-2030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50 Countries vowed to protect 30 percent of the planet&rsquo;s land and ocean</a> by 2030.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>The UN designated Pakistan as the World Environment Day Host with a theme of Ecosystem Restoration&rdquo; following a dark pandemic year.</p>
<h2>What can I do for it?</h2>
<p>So you know more about the history and meaning behind World Environment Day, but you&rsquo;re still wondering what you can do this June 5th to leave a mark?&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Here are a few ideas to help save the planet:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Go carless for a day (or carpool)</li>
<li>Eat vegan or vegetarian for a day</li>
<li>Go powerless for a day</li>
<li>Try to use no plastic the entire day</li>
<li>Volunteer for an animal rescue</li>
<li>Clean up your neighborhood</li>
<li>Create awareness by posting about the day on your social media feed</li>
<li>Read an <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/eco-friendly-living" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmentally-friendly book</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Watch an <a href="https://filmsfortheearth.org/en/films" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological movie</a></li>
<li>Weigh your individual or family&rsquo;s food waste for a day and then try to do better the next day</li>
<li>Write a <a href="https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">letter to your local Congress member</a> about environmental changes or laws you&rsquo;d like to see.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to celebrate World Environment Day in school</h2>
<p><strong>Here are some ideas on how to celebrate the occasion in school that you can bring to the attention of your local school board, teachers, or administration.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Plant a tree at your school or send kids home with <a href="https://onetreeplanted.org/pages/grade-schools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small trees for them to plant</a> at home.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Organize a book or clothes swap.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Revamp or start a recycling program with student volunteers.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Go outside and have your students make a nature sculpture.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Weigh your <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835983/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">school&rsquo;s food waste</a> for a day and do lessons around decreasing waste.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Discuss or create a poster about ways students can go green at school and home.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Do a short research project on ways to protect the environment.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Explore the United Nations World Environment Day website. Teachers can make a scavenger hunt or worksheet about the website as a quick, informative assignment.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Research and write a report on ways to protect the environment. Then choose a few as a class to put into action.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img class="wp-post-1240 wp-image-1244" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/w_490,h_170/v1624059624/wordpress-uploads/00-Enviroment/00-Enviroment.png?_i=AA" sizes="(max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1624059624/wordpress-uploads/00-Enviroment/00-Enviroment.png?_i=AA 343w, https://res.cloudinary.com/spiral/images/v1624059624/wordpress-uploads/00-Enviroment/00-Enviroment.png?_i=AA 300w" alt="Did you know? (exciting facts related to the Environment)" width="490" height="170" loading="lazy" data-public-id="wordpress-uploads/00-Enviroment.png" data-attachment-id="1244" data-permalink="https://blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/2021/06/18/world-environment-day-facts-history-ways-to-celebrate-and-more/00-enviroment/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/00-Enviroment.png?fit=343%2C118&amp;ssl=1" data-orig-size="343,118" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}" data-image-title="00-Enviroment" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/00-Enviroment.png?fit=300%2C103&amp;ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/blogspiralus.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/00-Enviroment.png?fit=343%2C118&amp;ssl=1" data-recalc-dims="1" data-format="png" data-transformations="" data-version="1624059624">
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo from <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shutterstock</a></figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<h2>Did you know? (exciting facts related to the Environment)</h2>
<p>Awareness is vital, and to get you thinking about this year&rsquo;s World Environment Day, we&rsquo;ve put together some exciting facts about the Environment.&nbsp;</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://sustainability.georgetown.edu/50-facts-for-50-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If you recycle just one aluminum can</a>, you will save enough energy to run a television for 3 hours.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<ol start="2">
<li><a href="https://globalewaste.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">53.6 million metric tons of e-waste</a> were generated in 2019.</li>
</ol>
<ol start="3">
<li>Since the late 1800s, <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the planet&rsquo;s average surface temperature</a> has risen about 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<ol start="4">
<li>The world consumes around <a href="https://www.ecofriendlyhabits.com/eco-friendly-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">100 million tons </a>of plastic each day.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<ol start="6">
<li>Climate change has caused <a href="https://sloactive.com/world-environment-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">21.5 million people</a> to have been forcibly displaced since 2008.&nbsp;</li>
<li>In 2019 the earth <a href="https://www.wri.org/insights/we-lost-football-pitch-primary-rainforest-every-6-seconds-2019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lost a football field of primary rainforest</a> every 6 seconds.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<h2>The Bottom Line:</h2>
<p>Now you have the information and tools to get started and make an impact this June 5th on World Environment Day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether it&rsquo;s spreading your new-found knowledge about small ways to protect our world, organizing a school-wide swap, or writing letters to congress, you can make an impact.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After all, when it comes to our world, we are all in this together. What are you going to do to make a change?&nbsp;</p>

World Environment Day is a day created by the United Nations that spreads environmental action and awareness. Find out the history, fun facts, and answers to your World Environment Day questions here.


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