Every day, we see more heartbreaking evidence of the damage being done to our planet: climate change, plastic pollution, wildlife disappearing forever. But we also see the solutions all around us, practically begging us to adopt them: solar and wind power, electric cars and buses, more walkable and “bikeable” cities, reusing and repairing stuff instead of throwing it away, and on and on.
Environment Rhode Island’s mission is to transform the power of our imaginations and our ideas into change that makes our world a greener and healthier place for all.
Funded by supporters like you, we research the challenges confronting our environment and advocate for solutions. Through research reports, news conferences, interviews with reporters, op-ed pieces, letters to the editor and more, we educate the public about what’s at stake and what can be done. Our canvassers and organizers meet people where they are—in public places,door to door or online—raising awareness, recruiting new supporters and activists, and securing funds to support our work.
We make the case for our environment and help people like you make an impact—through petitions, emails, letters, phone calls and more, all delivered to the right people, just when it matters most.
Each of our campaigns aims to move us toward a cleaner, greener Rhode Island in a particular way. But they share a common approach. Each campaign strives to:
Put the environment first. A clean environment is not a by-product of American prosperity. Rather, a clean environment is the necessary precondition for true prosperity. Through our research and public education, we’re working to shift more hearts and minds over to this point of view.
Take a strategic approach. We must think big and act boldly, but progress comes one step at a time. We don’t make broad statements; instead, we work to protect our treasured landscape and make a difference in the lives of people here in Rhode Island by building support for specific shifts in public policy.
Build on what works. We’ve won policies that have resulted in landmark growth in solar and wind power as well as cleaner air, together with our national network we have reduced global warming pollution in 25 states including Rhode Island, and we have made cuts in single-use plastics. We know which policies work, how they can be improved and what it takes to win their approval. And we’re open to new ideas that could work even better.
Work together. We endeavor to unite people from all across the political spectrum, whether they are farmers who benefit from wind turbines on their land, homeowners who want to store and share the solar energy generated on their rooftops or restaurant owners who are finding alternatives to foam containers and straws to reduce single-use plastics. Our advocates in Washington, D.C., work with members of Congress from both parties. Our advocates here in Rhode Island and our partners in other states build coalitions that include business owners, doctors and nurses, religious leaders and community activists. Together, our organizers and canvassers engage hundreds of thousands of our members and activists in all 50 states.
Environment Rhode Island staff join our national team of more than 170 researchers, advocates, attorneys and communications experts to work together for more action and results. See our list of staff.
Environment Rhode Island, along with Environment America and its 29 state affiliates, are part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to getting things done.
Find out about Environment Rhode Island Research & Policy Center, our sister 501(c)(3) organization.