Austin Climate Change Organizations
TreeFolks:
A non-profit organization established in 1989, founded by Ken Gaede, Dave Kettler, and Mark Dameron, which helps plant trees and restore forests, based on the belief that it benefits the people and the environment of cities. As a volunteer, you get to help plant trees in public parks, schoolyards, and preserves. You can also engage in hands-on learning, as well as donate to help in reforestation. In addition, if you live in Austin, you can adopt a tree sapling for free. They believe that with more trees in the Austin neighborhoods, it could help lower energy bills and make the air and water cleaner.
350 Austin:
350 Austin is a grassroots organization that hopes to keep carbon in the ground, have a low-carbon economy, and get governments to limit emissions. They believe that they can influence the direction of climate change action since they are based in the capital of Texas, which has a deep history with the fossil fuel industry. You can volunteer and help with banners, website assistance, spreading the word on social media, and much more. You also have the opportunity to learn from the communities who are most impacted by climate change and find out how 350 Austin could assist them.
Clean Water Action:
Founded by David Zwick in 1972, after trying to pass the Clean Water Act, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections. In Austin, their goal is to protect Barton Springs from polluted runoff and flood mitigation. The advocacy group is also trying to preserve trees in the Austin Onion Creek area. By helping and taking action, you can communicate with Austin representatives about specific issues and help at events.
Keep Austin Beautiful:
This non-profit organization was established in 1985 by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce to help preserve Austin’s quality of life. Their mission is to have volunteers work together to beautify Austin, clean waterways, and to cut down waste each day. Areas of focus are removing litter, enhancing communities, recycling waste for a zero-waste culture, educating others about how to better the environment, and recognizing local environmental efforts. Visit their volunteer page to register for an event and help clean up the community, or visit their programs page to find out other options on how to get involved.
Environment Texas:
A citizen environmental advocacy project of Environment America. Some of their core values are having clean air, reduced water pollution, and more renewable energy. They help defend the environment by researching environmental issues, advocating for them, and taking grassroots action. They also inform and spread awareness to others about environmental issues while also trying to promote solutions. It’s a resource for those who want to find out more about local environmental concerns and if local polices are addressing them. Become a member by donating money or volunteering.
