Editor's Note: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone and everything, including the Sierra Club. Find out how we are responding so that we can continue the important work of protecting our natural environment and fighting for a just, clean energy future.
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/freemixer |
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| | Donate Today! |
As the pandemic progresses, we’ve heard from smaller, local organizations that the Sierra Club’s volunteer leaders, organizers, and chapter staff work in partnership with. These local groups are coming to the aid of families and individuals who are struggling to survive this unprecedented crisis. They need help now!
Please make a gift to support their on-the-ground COVID-19 relief efforts. |
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/Chinnapong |
| | | Earth Day |
Wednesday, April 22, is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and it’s safe to say no one expected we’d be celebrating it indoors during a planet-wide pandemic. In 1970, more than 20 million people participated in the first Earth Day. This year, our goal is to mobilize more than one billion people worldwide to demand a cleaner, healthier environment and a just, clean energy future.
Be part of this historic moment. |
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| Register and get your Earth Day shirt! |
| | | Team Sierra |
Team Sierra usually celebrates Earth Month and Earth Day by raising money and getting outdoors together. This year, we're focusing on building a virtual community where we can connect with one another and with nature. Each year, we have a new Earth Day T-shirt for team members who raise $35. For this Earth Month, though, we'll send you our exclusive T-shirt, designed by Marine Layer, when you make a donation of any amount.
Join our Earth Month celebration. |
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/Scaliger |
| | | Sierra Magazine |
How does one venture outside while completely avoiding people? Recommendations from experts are clear: Walk away from crowds and keep your outing as small and hyper-local as possible. Get more tips for how to safely spend time outdoors. |
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| Get your coloring book, t-shirt, and more! |
| | | Sierra Club Store |
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, our store has some newly designed items to brighten your day, including retro Earth Day 50 t-shirts, cozy hoodies, colorful embroidered patches, stickers, and more.
Plus take 20% off with code EARTHDAY through April 22. Every purchase supports the Sierra Club's mission to protect the planet we love. |
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| Photo by Elizabeth L. Cline |
| | | Tips |
Whether you’re spring cleaning or self-quarantining, it's a great time to finally tackle that pile of clothing repairs, from those ripped knees to your loose button. All you need are a needle and thread, a pair of scissors and, if you’ve got them, some straight pins.
Simple steps you can take to extend the life of your garments. |
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/icf |
| | | Photos |
In the previous Insider, we shared some of our favorite outdoor/nature slideshows. Now it’s your turn. Have a standout photo from a memorable outdoor experience that you’re willing to share? Send it along and we’ll compile our favorites into a brand-new slideshow that gets us all outdoors again—at least virtually. Share your pic! |
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| | New Podcast |
The debut episode of Season 2 of The Overstory was going to be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. But as the pandemic unfolded, the topic pivoted to what social activism will look like in this season of social distancing. Hear from Denis Hayes, founder of the Earth Day Network; Zero Hour founder Jamie Margolin; author and artist Jenny Odell; and the Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Jr. Download or listen here. |
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| Angels Landing, Zion National Park | Photo courtesy of the National Park Service |
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| | Sierra Magazine |
Visits to national parks surged as people across the country sought relief from coronavirus shelter-in-place orders. But public health officials and elected leaders say the best practice is to hike locally, and national parks have begun closing across the country. Why keeping it local could save lives. |
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/Gromit702 |
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| | Take Action |
At a time when we should be protecting the most vulnerable, Trump’s EPA has decided to suspend enforcement of environmental safeguards. That’s especially reckless and cruel given that COVID-19 is more dangerous for people with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma, which is caused and aggravated by air pollution.
Tell the EPA to reinstate all enforcement and protect our clean air and water. |
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/nanausop |
| | | Michael Brune |
According to the Centers for Disease Control, frequent handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yet thousands of Americans don’t have access to running water during this pandemic. “After providing corporations with a nearly half-trillion dollar slush fund,” writes Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune, “Congress must focus on making sure American families of every race and income level have what they need to survive this pandemic...
... and that includes access to clean, affordable water." |
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/tibu |
| | | Take Action |
Bringing hundreds of out-of-state workers into rural communities along the Keystone XL pipeline route threatens the health and safety of both workers and residents. If enough of us raise our voices, Montana governor Steve Bullock can halt construction now.
Tell the governor: Pandemics and pipelines don’t mix. |
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| Photo by iStockphoto.com/Funtay |
| | | Take Action |
At a time when we need to be prioritizing relief for our most vulnerable communities, Republicans in Congress want to reduce the royalty payments from oil and gas companies that drill on federal land. That would take away billions of dollars in federal revenue—government resources desperately needed to help frontline workers, rebuild stockpiles of medical supplies, and recover from the current crisis.
Reject calls to reduce oil and gas royalty rates. |
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