Today's DAR
Though it is one of our National Society's oldest committees, the Conservation Committee is addressing the most pressing environmental issues of today. Established in 1909 by the 18th Continental Congress, our committee focuses on protecting and conserving our natural resources. Our mission -- to educate members about pressing environmental issues and to encourage good stewardship practices for a more sustainable future -- is both critically important and strongly compelling for many of today's Daughters.
Conservation Committee Focus: Reducing Plastic Pollution
The focus of the Conservation committee for the VanBuren Administration is Plastic Pollution Awareness. Why plastic? A few statistics taken from National Geographic:
- Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.
- Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
- Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
We kicked off this initiative with two challenges, one for members and another for chapters. The Member Challenge was “No Straw September.” Daughters were encouraged to skip the disposable plastic straw for the month of September. Daughters were so receptive to this challenge, that they have asked for more and have continued the challenge way past the month of September! Thank you and great job!
I am excited to announce that the Conservation Committee would like to add at least one more Member Challenge for April. Daughters are encouraged to submit their ideas for the challenge through the Chapter Master Report, on the private Conservation Committee Facebook group (all members are welcome to join our Facebook group) or by contacting their National Vice Chair. “No Straw September” will continue, but let’s add one more. How do YOU think our members can make a contribution to conservation? We want to hear from you.
Meanwhile, the “Sea to Shining Sea” Chapter Challenge encourages chapters to organize and/or participate in a community cleanup of a lake, river or ocean. The goal is for 250 chapters to organize a cleanup of a waterway. Chapters are already participating in these waterway cleanups and sharing their photos on our private Conservation Committee Facebook group. Check out our committee webpage for more tips for planning your community cleanup.
In addition to plastic pollution awareness, this committee will begin highlighting those individuals who have received the NSDAR Conservation Award on our Conservation Committee Facebook group. This committee is thrilled about the number of recommendations that we have received, and want to share them so that others can be motivated by their stories. Our members’ commitment to conservation is so inspiring. Thank you for all that you are doing to protect our natural resources and to Rise and Shine for America!
