Hi John,

Earth Day was just a week ago and I’m still humbled by the generous support shown from people like you for our planet this year.

Thanks to EDF members and supporters, we raised more than $95,000 in our $2 for $1 Earth Day fundraising match campaign – allowing us to receive a further $190,000.

And on top of that, we received more than 200 member climate stories. Through these stories we learned what makes people hopeful, what drives someone’s advocacy, what makes people want to build a vital earth for everyone, and so much more. 

To share in the inspirational and personal stories submitted, we wanted to highlight parts of a few EDF members and supporters stories we receive this Earth Day:

"I am inspired to work towards achieving a cleaner and healthier planet because I realize that the Earth is also me. I feel happy after I do things like clean trash out of the river and off the streets, and minimize my landfill output on a daily basis. Keeping my home clean keeps my mind in a good place and allows for me to be mentally healthy and resilient. This idea extends to all humans and life on our fragile planet. We must become aware of our daily actions and how they affect the Earth, which inevitably affects our lives…"

– Willy from Colorado 

"My father was a botanist. From an early age I noticed and appreciated flowers. Still do. But now I know it's so much bigger and more complicated, that peoples' livelihoods and lives depend on the resources of this planet. Maybe the universe is infinite, but this planet sure isn't. I value the yellow and white birches around my home, as well as sugar maples. I value the ski slopes and Camels Hump, untouched except by hiking trails. My father wrote about wild plants and loved iris. We have a planet to use, not abuse. We fertilize with compost, not chemicals. I love this natural world and want all my nieces and nephews to treasure and enjoy it too."

– Catherine from Vermont 

"…I decided to make a big difference in my life and strive to go zero-waste. I am not a perfect person, but I know that progress is better than doing nothing. I strive to share what I'm learning through social media. I use my Instagram as a way to share the need for reusable replacements and I no longer support fast-fashion retailers. I have grown so much in my journey and I'm now striving to go vegetarian. I volunteer with cleanups of our rivers and I'm volunteering with our local Earth Day event. I want others to be inspired and know that they can make a difference even with small actions."

– Marissa from Tennessee

This Earth Day EDF members and supporters demonstrated the kind of passion and dedication that gives us reason to have hope. Members' stories are a vital element that makes the environmental process possible, being able to educate and inspire the generations of climate activists working to secure a cleaner, greener future.

Together, I know we can meet this important moment in time to drive real change for healthier communities and a thriving planet. 

Thank you for all that you do to protect the planet, 

Sam Parry
Director, EDF Membership