The past two Earth Days, I've hosted a Team Sierra Earth Day 5K in my community to raise money for the Sierra Club. This year, the race was going to be virtual to reach more people. So, I considered keeping it open, but in the end I decided to cancel it. I didn't want to put anyone in harm's way just because they signed up to go outside and run. I'm not going to lie, I teared up when I clicked the "canceled" button on the website.
I'm lucky enough to live in a small, rural community, so I am still able to get outside to connect with nature and celebrate Earth Month. I've gone on jogs and picked up any trash that I see along the way.
When the quarantine is over, I'm looking forward to going back to state parks and being outside with friends and family. I'm also looking forward to doing our 5k again for next year's Earth Day.
Nearly 4,000 people have joined our Team Sierra fundraiser, surpassing our goal to raise $50,000 for the 50th Anniversary! We've now raised over $60,000, so we've set a new goal to reach $75,000.
More than just an environmental holiday, Earth Day is an important reminder that we share the planet not only with innumerable wildlife — but with each other. And to get through this crisis, we must get through it together.
In that spirit, we made some changes to our annual fundraiser. In year's past, you've received our exclusive Marine Layer Earth Day shirt when you raised $35. This year, we are offering it to any amount you can raise or donate.
Note: Shipping is US only and takes 5-10 business. Shirts are limited to 1 per person. They’re made in California and are 50% cotton and 50% modal. Sizes XS-3XL available in unisex sizing.
Why We're Raising Money Now
Our work isn't slowing down, even in this crisis. The Trump administration is taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to attack bedrock policies that keep our wild places and wildlife — and vulnerable communities — safe:
The EPA announced they won’t enforce the environmental regulations that keep vulnerable communities healthy by preserving clean air and water.
They're rolling back clean car standards — rules that keep us healthier by keeping billions of tons of climate-disrupting carbon dioxide and other pollutants out of the atmosphere.
The Endangered Species Act is still under attack in Congress and from the Trump administration, leaving the future of animals like the gray wolf and grizzly bear in peril.
As we all deal with a global pandemic with COVID-19, we wanted to let you know how the Sierra Club is adapting and responding
so we can keep doing the important work of helping our communities, protecting our natural and human environment and fighting for a just, clean energy future.
