Texas nonprofit empowers environmental action - for future’s sake

In 2011, Bastrop County, Texas suffered a historic tragedy when a raging fire scorched 34,000 acres of native Loblolly Pines. After the smoke cleared, community members came together with Treefolks – a local nonprofit and EarthShare Texas member – as well as AmeriCorps' TXCC and others to reforest. Their vital efforts galvanized thousands of volunteers and donors. After years of collaboration, over two million Loblolly Pines currently dig their roots in the once decimated landscape. Over 150,000 seedlings have also been distributed to community members to carry on this remarkably successful stewardship.

We know it is possible for people to protect the environment, steward the wondrous biodiversity of the Lone Star State, and enjoy each unique ecosystem in the process. Our capability to take action for the health and safety of our shared environment is limitless when we work together, and we have a responsibility to protect and cherish the natural systems and resources on which we rely. We have seen across Texas that we are most successful in these efforts when we cultivate collaborative alliances - like they did in Bastrop County over 10 years ago.

At EarthShare Texas, our alliance represents environmental nonprofits, businesses and eco-conscious individuals teaming up to create positive, sustainable collective impact for the benefit of all. Our vetted network of 30+ environmental and conservation organizations is a powerhouse that has collectively conserved 19,000+ acres of Texas landscape, removed over 2 million pounds of trash from waterways, and organized 169,000 hours of volunteer opportunities - and counting.

Nature is the prime example of collaborative alliance in action, a partnership that is ever-growing and evolving. For example, one oyster can filter 50 gallons of water daily. New oysters grow on top of old oyster shells that provide sanctuary. Like too many species, oysters are overharvested and cannot repopulate if their shells end up in landfills. To restore their habitat and revive the population, our member Galveston Bay Foundation organized an Oyster Recycling Program in partnership with 30+ local restaurants. Shucked oyster shells are collected and then returned to the water to help oyster reefs prosper. This intelligent collaboration has recycled 1,000+ tons of oyster shells and regenerated the life cycle of these magnificent mollusks.

Our priority at EarthShare Texas is to empower opportunities for partnership among our alliance and with the living planet. We provide unrestricted funding for our nonprofit members so their necessary missions and projects can flourish. This funding is made possible by the support of businesses and individuals committed to the environment. Our fundraising campaigns with Texas staples – the Reliant EcoShare program and H-E-B tear pad campaign – have raised millions of dollars to propagate the work of our nonprofit network.

Work that builds community relationships

A good example being Stewards of the Wild, organized by our member Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Participants of these eight chapters throughout the state develop their stewardship skills and knowledge through multiple outdoor experiences, while interacting with conservation professionals and enthusiasts across the state.

Work that invests in the green economy

The Permian Methane Analysis Project, developed by our member Environmental Defense Fund, provides accurate data and reports on oil and gas emissions in the Permian Basin – the largest oil field on the planet – so action can be taken. Vital action as the 86,000 square-mile field is “now the world’s largest source of oil and gas pollution, according to the pollution tracking consortium Climate Trace” (Earthworks).

Work that generates and inspires individual and collective environmental action

Annually, EarthShare Texas produces a state-wide sustainability challenge called My Earth My Texas. Hundreds of individuals and business teams complete simple, sustainable actions that generate collective impact at home, at work, and in their communities. In 2023, EarthShare Texas expanded the possibilities of a sustainability challenge when we partnered with Tokio Marine. We created a specific company-wide sustainability challenge that engaged 350+ employees across multiple states. In just a few weeks, Tokio Marine employees saved 216,000 KG of CO2 and 29,000 liters of water.

We know Texans are not the type of people to back down when faced with a challenge. From fighting forest fires and restoring precious plant life, to engineering a creative solution to plummeting oyster populations, Texans have the power to protect and conserve. Nature needs us, y’all. Join the EarthShare Texas community. Let’s cultivate our collaborative alliance and empower a sustainable partnership with the environment and each other - for future’s sake.