Partnerships: The key to lasting solutions

We can't change the world alone.

If we want to preserve ocean life over the long haul, we know that fishermen must be part of the solution. If we want to protect ecosystems for coming generations, we need help from the people who own and work the land. 

And if we want to transform the way we produce energy, we have to work with those who make it and use it.

Long history of partnerships

In the late 1960s, we were the first environmental group to team scientists up with lawyers. In the 1990s, we were the first environmental group to partner with a major corporation.

Today, we’re working with everyone from private equity fund managers to oyster fishermen to create lasting solutions.

Highlights from current partnerships

Smart grids: Tomorrow's energy systems

Pecan Street is a pilot project in Austin, Texas, that explores how a smarter electrical grid will work. We've teamed up with a long list of community partners and technology companies to bring a smart grid to life.

Farmers + new data = better water quality

We're helping farmers in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic get tools to manage nutrients more efficiently. For example, corn stalk tests can guide them in how and when to apply fertilizer, so less of it runs off into lakes and rivers. 

A songbird gets help from a U.S. Army base

The golden-cheeked warbler had just one large tract of land left to nest on. Unfortunately, that land was prone to disruption by artillery exercises and tank movement. We worked with the Army base to find a way to let the birds thrive.

Walmart: Assessing chemical ingredients

One of our joint projects with Walmart was GreenWERCS. This new software tool allows both Walmart and their suppliers to identify and reduce the use of toxic chemicals in everyday products.