Sep 1, 2015
While much has been written on this vast stretch of plastic soup in the ocean, we know relatively little about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and its impacts on the ecosystem. The recent Mega Expedition hopes to give researchers a better picture of the problem and what we could do to solve it. In the meantime, Rachel’s Network members are supporting the organizations that are fighting plastic pollution at the source and developing more sustainable packaging and supply chains.
May 21, 2015
While queen conch has been a central part of Bahamian culture, economy, and cuisine for centuries; growing demand from the US has jeopardized local populations of the species. Rachel’s Network Member Martha Davis fell in love with queen conch while doing field work for her master’s degree. Now, through her organization Community Conch, she’s gathering and publishing vital information about this unique animal. With Martha’s help, and the commitment of her partners, volunteers, and local fisherman, the Bahamas can build back its dwindling conch population.
Oct 23, 2014
After our Fall Retreat on water issues in Milwaukee, we reached out to influential figures — including activists, authors, artists, and business leaders — to share how they would like to see more funds directed to water issues. Their responses show how water touches all parts of our life, and point to the importance of building coalitions and citizen power to protect this vital resource.
Oct 16, 2014
Rivers and lakes supply the majority of the water we need in our daily lives, to produce the goods and services we rely upon, and to provide places for recreation and reflection. But these waters are in trouble. Nicole Silk, executive director of The River Network, spoke with Rachel’s Network members about the role of grassroots empowerment in driving large scale protection of our waterways, and answered these questions for us.
Sep 26, 2014
The Great Lakes of North America form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, holding more than 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater and 95 percent of North America’s. Despite the incalculable value of this resource, they’re in serious trouble. Climate change, invasive species, and wetland loss all taking a terrible toll on a watershed that provides life to so many people and species. Now, companies are using the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway as a carbon corridor for a newly aggressive North American energy industry. This poses the greatest threat yet to these waters.
