Defining Sustainable Philanthropy: How Strategic Giving Can Help Drive Sustainability

By Beth Rush

If you’re passionate about sustainability, you likely recycle, try to conserve energy, and consider the environmental impact of your purchases, but there’s another powerful way to contribute. Sustainable philanthropy means giving with long-term implications in mind. Whether you’re new to giving or already donate regularly, here’s how to make your contribution count.

What Is Sustainable Philanthropy?

Sustainable philanthropy is about giving with intention. It helps provide immediate relief and relieve long-term impacts. Instead of one-time fixes, it supports solutions that create lasting change for people and the planet.

Giving is about more than just filling a gap or making a large donation. Instead, sustainable philanthropy focuses on aligning your resources with your values to support a future that is more just, resilient, and regenerative for all.

Start With Long-Term Goals, Not Short-Term Wins

Projects with quick results, such as food deliveries or disaster relief, may appeal to you more. While these are essential, sustainable philanthropy goes deeper. It supports long-term solutions that address the root of the problem.

Say you want to help reduce water scarcity — a growing concern in the U.S. due to increasing pressure on natural resources. You could donate to an organization that drills wells or one that trains communities in water conservation and management. The second approach takes longer to show results, but often leads to greater self-sufficiency and resilience. When choosing where to give, ask, “Will this still make a difference in five or 10 years?”

Align Your Giving With Your Values

There’s no shortage of causes out there, but giving is most fulfilling when it reflects what you care most about. Look for organizations working at the intersection of your values and knowledge. Exploring your interests is one way to find causes you feel driven to dedicate yourself to.

For example, if you’re interested in environmental justice, you might support a nonprofit that helps low-income communities adapt to climate change. If food security is your top priority, consider one that supports local farming and promotes soil health. You can help reduce the 18 million households that experienced food insecurity in 2023.

Many nonprofits now share their impact openly through annual reports and data dashboards. Look for transparency, not perfection.

Think Beyond Metrics, But Don’t Ignore Them

Measurable impact matters. It helps you understand whether your donation is making a difference, but not all valuable work comes with neat numbers and glowing charts.

Restoring biodiversity, strengthening community leadership or rebuilding traditional ecological knowledge aren’t always easy to quantify. Still, they’re critical to building a sustainable future. So, what should you look for?

A balance shows organizations track results but also acknowledge complexity. For example, a conservation project that shares the number of species protected and how it involves Indigenous land stewards demonstrates a holistic approach. One example is the efforts along the Salish Sea to stabilize Olympia oyster numbers in the estuary, protecting a food staple and cultural heritage.

Give Collaboratively for Greater Reach

Strategic giving isn’t something you have to do alone. Some of the most impactful philanthropy happens through partnerships like donor collaboratives, giving circles or aligned networks. These groups combine funds, ideas and strategies to support big-picture initiatives.

Some support local climate adaptation, while others focus on global food systems or green infrastructure. For example, the Global Alliance for the Future of Food brings together worldwide foundations focused on transforming food systems. When you support groups like the Indigenous Women and Girls Initiative in Kenya that upskill farmers, your dollars go further and work more effectively.

Collaborative giving lets you:

> Pool resources for a bigger impact

> Share due diligence and research

> Support multi-stakeholder solutions

Invest in Systems, Not Just Symptoms

To truly drive sustainability, consider systemic change. That means supporting work that tackles the cause, not just the effect.

Instead of only funding an ocean cleanup effort, you might also support a policy advocacy group working to reduce plastic production at the source. You could also fund education initiatives that teach young people about climate change and sustainability, helping to shape the next generation of leaders.

Systems-level philanthropy doesn’t offer instant wins. However, it shifts the structures that created the problem in the first place.

Explore Impact Investing

Strategic giving isn’t limited to typical donations. If you have savings or investments, there are ways to align your portfolio with your values.

Impact investing focuses on generating financial returns and measurable environmental or social benefits. Even small-scale investors can now access platforms that support vetted sustainable projects. It’s another way to keep your money working toward creating a world you want to see. Your investing might include:

> Green bonds, stocks, or exchange-traded funds supporting renewable energy or low-carbon transportation.

> Sustainable agriculture funds that back small farmers and soil restoration.

> Cleantech startups working on low-emission energy storage or carbon capture.

Consider Organizations Doing the Slow, Vital Work

Some causes garner headlines, while others quietly sustain communities. The unseen initiatives — where the work is slow and steady — are critical but often underfunded. Donating to groups in these spaces helps fill essential gaps.

If you’re looking to support efforts that often fly under the radar, consider nonprofits focused on:

> Restoration of ecosystems in degraded landscapes

> Fostering of a traditional, rich knowledge-sharing system among Indigenous communities

> Advocacy of environmental laws for policy change

> Promoting access to clean energy in off-grid regions

Use Tools to Evaluate Sustainable Impact

Not sure where to start? Try tools that flag how well a charity addresses systemic change and community engagement. These options suggest a thoughtful, future-minded approach:

> Charity Navigator — with over 225,000 rated charities listed

> Giving What We Can — which increases the impact of your donation 100 times

> Center for High Impact Philanthropy — study for a certificate in philanthropic leadership and evaluate organizational transparency, efficiency, and long-term impact.

Questions to Ask

Here are a few questions to ask when evaluating a nonprofit:

> Does it share its strategy and track record?

> Is it open about the failures or challenges?

> Does it involve local communities in decision-making?

> How does it define and measure long-term success?

Start Where You Are

Sustainable giving doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a foundation or financial advisor to make a difference. As your knowledge grows, so can your giving.

Start small so you can:

> Set a recurring donation to a cause you trust.

> Join a local giving circle.

> Look for organizations in your community working on green initiatives.

> Read one impact report this year and follow up on its outcomes.

What Is Sustainable Philanthropy? A Smarter Kind of Generosity

Sustainable philanthropy is about asking better questions, making intentional choices, and thinking beyond the moment. It’s not just charity — it’s strategy. By choosing long-term impact over quick wins, supporting systems instead of silos and aligning your giving with your values, you can help shape a more sustainable world, one donation at a time.

You already care about the planet. Now, your giving can reflect that, too.

About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!

8 Benefits of Mobility Scooters for the Environment

By Beth Rush

Mobility scooters are often viewed as a lifeline for individuals who require assistance with mobility. Beyond this practical use, there’s an unexpected bonus — they’re good for the planet, too. As you seek ways to reduce your environmental footprint, it’s worth exploring the benefits of mobility scooters not just for those who need them, but for the Earth as well.

Reduced Emissions, Cleaner Air

One of the most significant benefits is the contribution of mobility scooters to reducing air pollution. Unlike traditional vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel, mobility scooters are fully electric. They produce zero tailpipe emissions.

That means every ride on a scooter is one less puff of harmful CO2 and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. For cities battling smog and poor air quality, this makes a real impact.

Less Noise, More Peace

Mobility scooters are also extremely quiet. This might seem like a small perk, but reducing noise pollution is crucial for creating more liveable communities. Whether in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, scooters help lower the overall noise level without sacrificing convenience for the rider.

Lower Energy Use

One of the hidden benefits of mobility scooters is their efficiency. Compared to cars, the energy requirements of mobility scooters are minimal. You can charge them using a standard outlet, and they often consume less electricity than bigger vehicles. This lower demand results in a smaller carbon footprint over time.

Supporting Sustainable Lifestyles

One of the subtler ways scooters help the environment is by supporting a more localized, walkable lifestyle. People who might otherwise need someone to drive them to nearby destinations can use a scooter as an alternative. They can make a trip to the local shop, park, or community center on their own.

This kind of shift doesn’t just reduce car trips. It also encourages communities to become more accessible and walkable overall. The more that infrastructure supports scooters and wheelchairs, such as ramps, widened pathways, and curb cuts, the more livable and inclusive a place becomes. These changes benefit everyone, from parents pushing strollers to seniors walking their dogs.

Less Waste Over Time

Durability and repairability are key when it comes to sustainability. Mobility scooters are designed for long-term use, and many models are built with replaceable or upgradable parts. Instead of replacing the whole scooter, users can swap out batteries, tires or other components as necessary. That leads to less landfill waste and a longer product lifespan — two essential factors in reducing environmental harm.

When the scooter eventually does reach the end of its life, many of its components can be recycled or refurbished. This is in stark contrast to more complex or fuel-based mobility aids, which may be harder to disassemble or dispose of responsibly.

Compact Design, Smaller Footprint

Mobility scooters are compact and lightweight. That means they require fewer materials to manufacture and take up less space during use and storage. Unlike cars that dominate the road and parking lots, scooters fit easily into small paths, elevators, and home entrances. However, not all mobility scooters are allowed on the roads.

Less Strain on Caregiver Vehicles

Another overlooked angle is that mobility scooters can reduce the frequency of caregivers needing to use cars or vans for short errands or outings. If a person using a scooter can comfortably navigate their local environment, that’s one less trip by car. While it’s not a direct substitute for a vehicle, it can indirectly reduce fuel usage by promoting more independent mobility.

Encouraging Eco-Minded Innovation

As more people embrace mobility scooters, it signals a growing demand for accessible, electric-powered devices. This encourages manufacturers to innovate by using more sustainable materials, designing energy-efficient models, and integrating innovative technology to enhance performance.

When to Consider a Mobility Scooter

If you or someone you care for is starting to struggle with walking medium distances, such as around a shopping mall or local park, a mobility scooter may be worth exploring. It’s invaluable for those who can walk short distances but get tired quickly, experience joint pain, or have balance concerns. 

At this point, it’s essential to decide whether renting or buying is the right choice. Renting is ideal for short-term recovery or travel. Buying makes more sense if mobility limitations are long-term or progressive, and you want the convenience and customization of owning your device.

Other signs it might be time to consider a mobility scooter include feeling left out of activities due to difficulty walking, relying too much on others for help or avoiding outings altogether. A scooter can restore a sense of independence while reducing physical strain.

Mobility scooters also offer more advantages over wheelchairs that make them a more practical choice for everyday independence. They’re generally more comfortable for longer outings, easier to operate, and require less physical effort overall. Mobility scooters are also easier to use on sidewalks and other outdoor environments.

Most come with padded seats, armrests, and storage baskets — features that make them better for running errands or enjoying a day out. Plus, the steering system often feels more natural to someone used to driving, making the transition easier and boosting confidence.

A Scooter Might Be the Smarter And Greener Choice

Mobility scooters may be compact, but their environmental impact is anything but small. Through reduced emissions and extended lifespan, they support a greener lifestyle while empowering those who use them.

About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!

Eco-Friendly Materials for Urban Landscaping

Urban landscapes demand thoughtful planning. Spaces should balance environmental responsibility with a design that works in its favor. Choosing eco-friendly materials for urban landscaping helps achieve that balance.

From reducing heat islands to managing stormwater, sustainable materials create greener cities. Here’s a closer look at some effective options and how they work.

Recycled Planting Containers

Recycled materials such as old plastics and metals are being repurposed into durable planting containers. These containers are ideal for small urban gardens and large landscaping projects.

They reduce waste and offer weatherproof solutions for city environments. Recycled containers come in different sizes and designs to suit different gardening needs. Many are lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to move. Choosing these options supports sustainability while creating an attractive, eco-friendly garden space.

Permeable Paving Solutions

Impermeable surfaces such as asphalt and concrete make efficient drainage in urban areas a challenge. Permeable paving in sustainable drainage systems offers a practical solution.

These materials, including permeable concrete and porous bricks, allow water to seep into the ground, reducing flood risks and recharging groundwater supplies.

Poor drainage management harms the environment by increasing water pollution and soil erosion. Adding permeable pathways and parking spaces can help mitigate these problems without negatively affecting urban needs.

Sustainable Wood Alternatives

Conventional wood materials, though natural, often come from unsustainable forestry practices. Bamboo, reclaimed wood, or alternatives made from plant fibers are durable and far more sustainable for urban landscaping use.

These materials are perfect for features like benches, fencing, and decking. Bamboo grows rapidly and requires minimal resources, making it a smart replacement for traditional hardwood.

Recycled Aggregates

Crushed concrete and reclaimed asphalt are examples of recycled aggregates often used in creating pathways, curbs, and retaining walls. These materials repurpose construction waste, lowering the demand for new raw materials.

They also reduce the carbon footprint associated with extracting and producing virgin aggregates. Incorporating recycled aggregates into designs can enhance the sustainability of urban spaces while giving leftover materials a new purpose.

Bringing Sustainability to Modern Cities

By choosing eco-friendly materials for urban landscaping, city developers can reduce environmental harm while crafting efficient, sustainable spaces. Integrating recycled materials and permeable paving improves the usability and health of urban environments. Small changes in material selection create landscapes that work with nature, not against it.

5 Ways Sustainable Packaging Machines Reduce Waste

Sustainability in packaging has become an important goal for businesses aiming to minimize their environmental impact. Reducing waste in the packaging process is one step toward that goal, and packaging equipment can make it possible.

Below, we’ll explore five ways sustainable packaging machines reduce waste and help businesses transition to eco-friendly practices.

1. Minimized Material Usage

Sustainable packaging machines are designed to avoid using excess material. These machines optimize every inch of packaging by choosing the right box sizes and accurately dispensing protective fillers. 

This minimizes leftovers and reduces the quantity of discarded materials after shipping. Over time, businesses see less waste and lower material costs.

2. Less Defective Packaging

Errors during packaging, such as improperly sealed boxes or damaged wrapping, lead to rework and excess material usage. Sustainable packaging equipment often comes with advanced technology such as sensors and automated adjustments to prevent such errors. This makes deliveries efficient and waste-free, as fewer defective packages need to be fixed or redone.

3. Increased Efficiency 

Another way sustainable packaging machines reduce waste lies in the materials they use. Using recycled resources is a sustainable practice that reduces demand for virgin resources. Many modern machines are calibrated to work seamlessly with thinner recycled films and corrugated materials.

By making the most out of reusable options, these machines directly contribute to cutting overall waste.

4. Optimized for Seasonal Demand

Preparing for peak seasons with the right packaging machine can also minimize waste. During high-demand periods, inefficient systems can lead to rushed, careless packaging or overusing materials. Sustainable machines streamline the process, even during busy times, helping businesses scale output without producing unnecessary waste.

5. Longer Equipment Lifespan

Investing in durable packaging machines reduces waste associated with replacing poorly made equipment. These machines are built to last, use energy efficiently, and require few spare parts. Their longer lifecycle means less waste generated by old or broken equipment that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

Efficient technology and designs in sustainable packaging machines are changing how businesses think about waste. Business owners that focus on sustainability in packaging foster greener habits throughout the supply chain. Choosing these systems not only reduces material consumption but also improves overall operations.

Most Prestigious Sustainability Awards for Companies in 2025

By Beth Rush

Sustainability has been a priority for many companies, with some going under the radar despite the growing calls to start operating more green. The top sustainability awards are a way to lift the businesses exerting efforts to help the environment, encourage others to do the same, and so much more.

What Having the Top Sustainability Awards Means

Having the top sustainability awards means you have contributed to minimizing your environmental impact or cleaning up the environment. Having an accolade can be an honor, as it verifies that you are eco-friendly and actionable. It sets you apart from others within your industry.

The top sustainability award is also an opportunity to attract more attention from the market. Forty percent of consumers examine sustainability practices regarding production methods and recycling, while 38% and 34% look at eco-friendly packaging and resource conservation, respectively.

9 Sustainability Awards to Aim For As a Business

Many well-known organizations are in charge of judging and handing out these prestigious titles. These are the top sustainability awards brands can aim for. 

1. ESG & Sustainability Awards

ESG & Sustainability Awards recognize enterprises prioritizing environmental, social and governance principles throughout their operations. It uses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as a baseline for judging performance. 

To apply, businesses must write an award entry that highlights the eco-friendly campaigns they carried out. It’s important to be human and concise when communicating your impact. Different categories may have different criteria, so it’s best to check the guidelines before submission.

2. Champions of the Earth Award

The United Nations Environment Programme is responsible for handing out the Champions of the Earth Award. It has been honoring sustainability-driven individuals and organizations annually since 2005, as conversations about climate change increase.

Every year, there’s a certain theme for the entities nominated. For instance, the 2025 awards focus on climate action involving methane, buildings and construction solutions like sustainable cooling. They can be anywhere from energy-efficient innovations to air cleanups.

3. International Green Apple Environment Awards

The International Green Apple Environment Awards — especially the Green World Awards — enable brands to win environmental recognition for themselves and their countries. It first began in 1994 before becoming one of the most prestigious award campaigns.

This program is unique, as it considers each applicant’s circumstances and level of commitment to the cause. Rather than just awarding big corporations, it recognizes smaller or less fortunate areas that exert effort to help the environment.

4. DFA Design for Asia Awards Grand Award for Sustainability

The DFA Design for Asia Awards is an impactful campaign recognizing those who embody Asian aesthetics and culture. The Grand Award for Sustainability is one of 10 Grand Awards under the organization, highlighting the need for eco-friendliness within the design industry.

Design projects are nominated by international and regional experts ahead of the awards. The Grand Award for Sustainability focuses on environmental impact, but factors such as overall excellence, commercial success and more are also taken into account.

5. SEAL Business Sustainability Awards

The SEAL Business Sustainability Awards recognize companies that practice sustainability, environmental achievement and leadership within their practices. There are numerous categories, like the SEAL Sustainable Innovation Award, which recognizes game-changing ideas championing sustainability for the future.

There’s also the SEAL Environmental Initiative Award, which highlights specific sustainability initiatives. From new life cycle management processes to innovative solutions, these awards highlight company programs that build up the environment. 

6. Reuters Events: Global Sustainability Awards

The Reuters Events: Global Sustainability is one of the top sustainability awards to aim for. Twenty-five judges examine projects across 18 different categories to gauge their approach to a greener future.

There are four main pillars across the awards for sustainability excellence. Climate & Nature discusses efforts to reach net-zero emissions, while Strategy & Leadership focuses on leaders who prepare their businesses ahead of the climate crisis. Driving Social Change addresses social inequalities, while Reporting and Investment examines sustainability reporting.

7. Energy Globe Awards

The Energy Globe Award is for innovative projects and technological advancements that bring sustainability forward. Projects come from more than 180 countries, anticipating both media exposure and conversion to prominent environmental activists.

Enterprises can apply for categories like Earth if they have conservational activities or sustainable agriculture, or highlight their clean energy production and distribution under Fire. Water is ideal if you’re focusing on waterway protection and wastewater treatment. For initiatives avoiding CO2 emissions, apply for the Air category.

8. Business Intelligence Group Sustainability Awards

The Business Intelligence Group hands out Sustainability Awards to brands focusing on preserving the planet. It reviews them regardless of industry, location and size to get a full view of who’s minimizing their environmental impact.

The performances nominated must have a clear impact, which can be done through concrete measurements or analysis. It should also have occurred during the last 12 months and not duplicate other people’s work.

9. Global Good Awards

The Global Good Awards is accredited as an outstanding program by the Awards Trust Mark. It was founded in 2015 to recognize sustainable and ethical leadership. It also hopes to build a platform to learn and share ethical practices and ideas.

The UK-based program is all-inclusive, taking in submissions from entities of all shapes and sizes from different countries. It works with individuals experienced in pursuing sustainability to keep the judging process fair.

Champion Companies Who Prioritize Sustainability

Green companies deserve recognition for changing their operations and starting initiatives that help the environment due to their large-scale impact. Keep an eye out for those with the top sustainability awards and support them!

About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!

The Security Risks of Using Outdated Drone Firmware

Farmers are revolutionizing their approach to crop management with the growing adoption of drones in agriculture. From monitoring fields to optimizing irrigation and even applying fertilizers, drones bring efficiency to farming tasks like never before.

However, neglecting to update their firmware can leave farmers vulnerable to various security and operational risks. These are the security risks of using outdated drone firmware.  

Vulnerability to Malware  

Outdated drone firmware provides an open door for malware. Hackers often target older systems because they are vulnerable. A compromised drone can lead to unauthorized access, allowing bad actors to disrupt operations or steal valuable information. 

Hackers could even alter the drone’s functionality, rendering it ineffective at crucial moments. Protecting against malware is essential for uninterrupted, secure farming practices.  

Data Breaches  

If your drone’s firmware is outdated, you expose sensitive farm data to significant risks. Drones gather a wealth of information, from soil health data to crop conditions and planting patterns. Weak security measures in older firmware can make the systems storing this data susceptible to breaches. 

Stolen data could end up in the wrong hands, jeopardizing competitive advantages or business partnerships. Updated firmware is vital for strengthening the security of your drones.  

Operational Glitches  

Outdated firmware can also lead to operational glitches that might disrupt your workflow. Critical actions like crop spraying or surveying fields often require precise drone performance. Old firmware might struggle to communicate properly with the device or execute commands efficiently, leading to errors or downtime during high-stakes tasks. 

Reliable drones are one piece of equipment driving sustainable agriculture, but you can’t realize the full benefits if systems fail due to outdated software.  

Compliance Issues  

Regulations around drone use in agriculture are becoming stricter. Many countries require drones to have the latest firmware to meet legal standards for security and performance. Operating drones without current updates risk fines and might invalidate insurance claims. 

Compliance matters are about more than following rules. Farmers need to stay up-to-date to signify professionalism and a dedication to responsible operations.  

Firmware updates are essential for securing your farm’s data, ensuring smooth drone performance, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. You should update your drone’s firmware regularly to avoid these potential challenges.

Protecting your investment in agricultural technology is as simple as making firmware updates a routine part of your farm’s operations. Stay ahead, stay secure, and keep your drones ready to perform when you need them most.