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Dear Friend,

We know that many of you are feeling uncertainty as we navigate challenges like the federal funding freeze, political attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and shifting policies that threaten environmental protections. At Earth Island, we remain steadfast in our mission — because envisioning a better world is not just necessary, it’s powerful. While these times may test us, they also reaffirm the importance of our work. We have faced and overcome obstacles before, and through resilience, adaptability, and collective strength, we will continue to rise. Thank you for standing with us as we push forward for justice and a thriving planet.

In community,

Your Friends at Earth Island Institute

In this edition of IslandWire: A plastics lawsuit, wildfire hazards, a boost for farm-to-schoolers, summer camp, the impact of women’s leadership, a plan for coyote coexistence, and a biodiversity campaign.

Earth Island’s Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) has filed a lawsuit against The Wonderful Company and FIJI Water in the District of Columbia Superior Court, alleging false and deceptive marketing. Despite branding its bottled water as “natural” and “untouched,” independent testing found FIJI Water contains harmful microplastics and bisphenol-A (BPA). The lawsuit challenges misleading sustainability claims and calls for an end to deceptive advertising. Consumers deserve the truth about plastic pollution’s impact on health and the environment. Read the full release.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires , PPC is working to explain how our highly flammable, plasticized built environment intensifies fire damage. Such fires increase hazardous contamination of air , drinking water , and ecosystems. PPC will host a roundtable discussion on Thursday, March 6, to discuss the toll of wildfires on human and environmental health in our increasingly plastified world, how regions impacted by wildfires can rebuild better, safer, and healthier—and how we all might remain resilient in difficult times. Register for the special event.

Register

This year, the Mississippi Farm to School Network proudly represented Mississippi in Google’s 50 States, 50 Stories campaign. On February 9, their story aired on WDBD in Jackson, Mississippi, during the Super Bowl, giving this Earth Island project some well-earned recognition. What began as a simple idea—connecting local farmers with schools—has grown into a movement, teaching kids about agriculture, nutrition, and gardening. The project would like to thank the students, farmers, and educators across Mississippi who have helped bring their mission to life. Watch their story here.

Now is the time to register your children for KIDS for the BAY Summer Camp. Enjoy a summer full of hands-on science, nature exploration, and fun in the outdoors. These summer camps take full advantage of the amazing natural spaces of the beautiful San Francisco Bay area. Campers will explore bay shorelines and ocean beaches, hike in redwood groves, discover creek life, play games in nature, and become inspired environmentalists. Special field trips include the Oakland Zoo, Lawrence Hall of Science, Blake Garden, and more. Learn about their weekly themes and locations, and register today.

Register

The Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA) develops grassroots leadership to advance climate resilience, protect ecosystems, and secure community well-being in a time of growing uncertainty. Their 2024 Impact Report shows how. Last year, WEA trained 6,812 women and girls in environmental solutions across 13 countries, reaching 665,442 people with life-saving climate strategies. From defending land and water to strengthening food systems, these leaders are driving solutions that sustain both communities and the planet. Explore the report to see how the resourcing of women-led climate solutions is driving lasting impact.

Project Coyote recently released their model urban Coyote Coexistence Plan. The plan is a free, comprehensive guide to help communities safely and humanely live alongside wildlife. The peer-reviewed plan incorporates practical, science-backed solutions for preventing conflicts with coyotes. It also includes resources for city officials on education to foster greater understanding and appreciation of coyotes, and best practices for guiding municipalities on urban wildlife coexistence. The plan is open access and available for download online. On March 17, Project Coyote will host a webinar to walk through the coexistence plan and share tips and guidance on how communities can advocate for its adoption.

You’re invited to explore biodiversity in San Francisco with Nature in the City and their partners this spring and summer. Find your path to help make San Francisco more biodiverse and connect with your community in positive and healthy ways. Nature in the City has launched a Biodiversity Campaign to help you find ways to engage, with fun facts about biodiversity and a fascinating regeneration story for the Xerces Blue butterfly, which went extinct in San Francisco in the early 1940s. You’ll see them now on San Francisco’s MUNI buses and trains, a symbol for the fight against extinction. Artwork by Liam O‘Brien.