Sierra Club is one of the most highly regarded environmental non-profits. You’re probably familiar with the name, but how much do you know about the Sierra Club? We’ll touch on some common questions about the organization to help you get to know how since 1982, this club has been championing a more sustainable world.
What is the Sierra Club?
The Sierra Club is one of the United States’ most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organizations. Made up of millions of members, it works on multiple fronts to “defend everyone’s right to a healthy world.”
Now one of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, the Sierra Club was founded in 1893 by a small group of Californians, including infamous naturalist and mountaineer John Muir.
The initial aim of the Sierra Club was to sponsor wilderness outings in mountains along the Pacific Coast, followed by political action to further conservation efforts. In 1905, the Club experienced one of its first successes: a constricted size of Yosemite National Park, which had just fallen under federal control.
Throughout the early 20th century, the Sierra Club would find success in establishing trails, building park structures, and supporting establishment of the National Park Service. After the middle of the century, the Club expanded its reach nationally. In 1963, an office was opened in the nation’s capital and shortly after, there were chapters in all 50 states.
Towards the end of the 20th century, Sierra Club was successful in encouraging the Wilderness Act, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Clean Air Act—all of which came about around the same time as the inaugural celebration of Earth Day.
What Issues Does the Sierra Club Support?
To this day, the Sierra Club promotes the responsible use of Earth’s resources and ecosystems while enlisting humanity to protect and restore the natural and human environment. Their national community of advocates, activists, and volunteers have come together in more than 4,500 rallies and events.
Through the collection of more than 3 million petition signatures, Sierra Club has been successful in securing protection for more than 439 parks and monuments, replacing 281 coal plants with clean energy facilities, and working to ensure that every child in America has the opportunity to visit a national park.
The Sierra Club supports issues like The Green New Deal, in addition to conservation policies with a focus on everything from agriculture and environmental justice, to urban & land-use policies and wildlife conservation.
To fund all of the support for these charitable environmental programs, there’s The Sierra Club Foundation. It exists to fiscally support Sierra Club’s programs, in addition to other charitable grants. Each year, the independent 501(c)(3) public charity sends millions of dollars to the Sierra Club—a social welfare organization—to which donations are not tax-deductible (like they are with The Sierra Club Foundation).
What Does the Sierra Club Do?
Support from the Foundation and people like you allows the Sierra Club to fight for cleaner air, safer water, protected land, and a vibrant natural world. They champion solutions to the climate crisis and take a stand for environmental and social justice. The non-profit 501(c)(4) organization also creates opportunities for more people to experience nature and the transformative power of the outdoors.
Between hosting tours and treks in some of the world’s most unique destination and organizing local outings through its 60+ national chapters, Sierra Club is committed to preserving the #OutdoorsForAll. As such, Sierra Club membership provides people with ample opportunities to climb, canoe, camp, bike, hike, and more.
What are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Sierra Club?
Being a Sierra Club Member goes well beyond fun outdoor adventures—and it’s not just individuals who sign up for a membership. In addition to helping the planet, people and businesses who become members will receive a one-year subscription to Sierra Magazine, discounts on all Sierra Club items, membership to a local chapter, and offers to worldwide Sierra Club outings.
For these reasons and more, Green Eco Dream is proud to be a member of the Sierra Club. In addition to being a Certified Carbon Neutral Company, member of 1% for the Planet, and Certified Green America Business, membership to one of the largest American environmental organizations helps us practice what we preach—so that you can vote with your dollar when shopping with us. Shop today and save 10% on your order with code: BLOG10!
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