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Dear Friend, Earlier this month, we marked the 250th birthday of the United States, which served as a reminder that this country has always been an imperfect union striving toward its highest ideals. Throughout our history, civil society has played a critical role in this work — everyday people organizing, advocating, and pushing for a more just and equitable country. In the moments when we face daunting setbacks or when progress feels stalled, this grassroots work becomes essential. Here at Earth Island, we see firsthand how collective action bridges the gap between the world we have and the world we know is possible. Read on in this month’s IslandWire to discover how we are continuing this vital work, proving that our greatest strength lies in our shared commitment to creating a more perfect union. In solidarity,
Sumona Majumdar |
Native Voices Film Series
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Sacred Land Film Project, California Institute for Community, Arts, and Nature, and the David Brower Center present a special three-part film series to celebrate the 25th anniversary of In the Light of Reverence, a powerful documentary that explores the profound living relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their sacred lands. Join us on August 14 for In the Light of Reverence, September 16 for the Oscar-nominated documentary Sugarcane, and October 26 for the award-winning film The Eternal Song. Special guests include Corrina Gould (Lisjan Ohlone), Sugarcane Director Julian Brave NoiseCat (Secwepemc/St’at’imc), and The Eternal Song Directors Maurizio Benazzo and Zaya Benazzo. Reserve tickets here. |
Students Speak Out to Plastic Companies
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Since its founding in 1992, KIDS for the BAY (KftB) students have removed 47,785 gallons of trash from their local watershed habitats. This year, KftB young environmentalists have gone a step further by holding the biggest plastic companies accountable for the impacts of their products. Students conducted plastic brand audits to identify the multinational corporations, such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, responsible for the plastic pollution in their neighborhoods. Students also wrote persuasive letters urging companies to take greater responsibility for the plastic pollution they produce. “I want the Coca-Cola Company to know that kids care about this problem, and we want change!” shared a student named Elias. By integrating advocacy into its watershed education programs, KftB is helping students use the power of their voices to call for broader solutions that address plastic pollution at the source. Read the full story on KftB’s blog. |
“Reuse Wins” Plastic Solutions Webinar
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For a world overrun by single-use plastics, reuse systems offer a clear path forward. On July 21, Plastic Pollution Coalition will host a webinar to present exciting reuse applications in schools and universities, senior living facilities, stadiums, and other event spaces. The seminar will explore current barriers for implementing and expanding reuse, and tips for how individuals, organizations, businesses, and policymakers can support the transition. Speakers will include Alison Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL; Crystal Dreisbach, CEO of Upstream; and Manasa Mantravadi, founder and CEO of Ahimsa. The webinar will be moderated by Madison Dennis, senior policy and advocacy manager at Plastic Pollution Coalition. Sign up here. |
It’s Time for Hunting Reform in Colorado
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Project Coyote just released a new report exposing how Colorado’s unlimited killing of furbearers can harm wildlife and ecosystems. During the 2023-2024 hunting and trapping season, just 5 people killed 83 percent of the pine martens hunted, while only 21 percent of hunters and trappers were responsible for 69 percent of all coyote kills. Colorado currently sets no kill limits, no possession limits, and no location-reporting requirements for these diverse and distinct species. The science is clear, and with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife commissioners now weighing options for reform, the window for change is open. Read the report. |
Women Water Leaders of Africa
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Congratulations to Businge Godliver — the regional technical director and chief operating officer of She Builds Power Collective, Uganda — for being named one of the inaugural “100 African Women Leading Africa’s Water & Sanitation Future” by the African Water and Sanitation Association and the Rural Water Supply Network! This spring, Godliver trained local women in Uganda to build seven spring wells and is now heading to Kenya to help lead the “7 Wells in 7 Weeks” campaign. From grassroots leader to continental expert, she’s proving that women aren’t just recipients of change; they’re the ones building it. Watch this video to learn more about Godliver’s journey. |
Teen Moms Explore Mississippi Horticulture
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Students, families, and staff members of the Global Connection Learning Center in Jackson, MS, recently visited Alcorn State University’s department of horticulture, where “parents learned just as much as the kids,” says Nancy Sylvester, the learning center’s director. The trip was made possible by funds from the Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Technical Assistance Program, administered through the Mississippi Farm to School Network. The Global Connection Learning Center is one of five early childcare programs participating in the Mississippi Sprouts farm-to-early-education initiative. Though Global Connection is open to the general public, the center focuses on supporting teen moms. Learn more about the Mississippi Sprouts program. |
