Elevate Youth Becomes Massachusetts 1st Carbon-Neutral Non-Profit
“I am excited to announce that Elevate Youth is the first nonprofit organization in Massachusetts that has achieved carbon neutrality. In an age when climate change is at the forefront of global concerns, we need to see organizations stepping up to make a positive impact. Elevate Youth has taken a significant stride towards environmental responsibility but we still have a ways to go,” said Alec Griswold, Founder and Executive Director of Elevate Youth. This youth-focused outdoor organization has made history by becoming the first carbon-neutral nonprofit in the Commonwealth. Their journey towards carbon neutrality not only showcases their commitment to the environment but also sets a shining example for others to follow.
Elevate Youth is a proud member of the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance (FFCA), which is made up of fly fishing guides, shops, lodges, brands and nonprofits committed to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Why net-zero by 2050? Because according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we must halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change. So, the science says we must, but you don’t have to be a scientist to witness the effects of climate change that are happening in real-time in Massachusetts and across the US. Higher temperatures, increased flooding and more extreme weather will impact the daily lives of all Americans, which is why we are actively working to measure and reduce our carbon footprint.
The FFCA was founded by the sustainable business consultancy Emerger Strategies President Rick Crawford, who worked directly with Elevate Youth to calculate their carbon footprint and provide a pathway to carbon neutrality. Crawford had this to say about working with Elevate Youth and the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance: “I am humbled and grateful for the support of all of the FFCA members who genuinely love what they do and care enough to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk by going carbon neutral, and Alec and the Elevate Youth team are no exception. It was actually really fun diving into Elevate Youth’s carbon footprint and showing them some steps to take to not only reduce his footprint, but actually achieve carbon neutrality!”
As always, the first step in rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is to measure its carbon footprint, which is the total amount of greenhouse gas that are emitted into the atmosphere by Elevate Youth. Next, we set science-based targets, which means we will reduce our Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. Finally, we looked at ways to reduce the Elevate Youth’s carbon footprint with a Climate Action Plan.
The Impact
Alec Griswold, founder and Executive Director of Elevate Youth, states “becoming carbon neutral has been a transformative experience for Elevate Youth. Not only has it significantly reduced our carbon footprint, but it also has ripple effects within the organization and the community. Look, there is no perfect solution, but if you aren't committed to action then you are part of the problem. We are a small nonprofit but if we can influence larger orgs, and prove to our young people that they can make a positive change then this fight will be a success.” See below for the different impact areas this has created:
Leadership and Inspiration: Elevate Youth’s efforts serve as an inspiration for other nonprofits, local businesses, and even individuals to take similar steps towards carbon neutrality. They set a precedent for leadership in the fight against climate change and encourage others to follow.
Educational Value: Elevate Youth aims to use their journey as a teaching tool, showcasing to young people the real-world application of sustainability principles. This practical experience will leave a lasting impact on the young minds they serve.
Community Engagement: Their carbon-neutral status increases their engagement with the local community, as people recognize their dedication to environmental responsibility and sought to support their programs and initiatives.
Cost Savings: While there are upfront costs associated with making operations more sustainable, the long-term cost savings, especially in energy and waste management,will be significant, allowing the organization to invest more in their mission.
Elevate Youth's achievement of becoming the first carbon-neutral nonprofit in the Commonwealth is not just a monumental milestone for the organization itself but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. Their dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as well as their success in reducing their carbon footprint, exemplify the power of collective action in the fight against climate change.
In a world where climate action is more critical than ever, even small organizations can make a big impact and lead the way toward a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future. By embracing this challenge, they have not only enhanced their programs and operations but also empowered the next generation to be environmental stewards and champions for a healthier planet.
About Elevate Youth (EY)
EY is dedicated to sparking a lifelong love of the outdoors and elevating the next generation of diverse environmental stewards. EY collaborates with Boston area schools, community organizations, and volunteer mentors to facilitate outdoor enrichment programs for underserved youth as a way to foster agency, encourage holistic, healthy lifestyles, and equip youth with critical life skills so they can reach their full potential. EY programs are 100% free for all youth, and include transportation, equipment, instructors/guides, healthy provisions, and weather-appropriate clothing. Since launching in 2018, EY has empowered over 1200 students and led over 635 outdoor trips and enrichment sessions. To discover more, visit elevateyouth.org.
About Emerger Strategies
Emerger Strategies is a sustainable business consultancy whose mission is to solve the climate crisis by helping businesses go Carbon Neutral and Zero Waste. Emerger Strategies is the founding member of the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance, is a proud member of 1% For the Planet, and looks forward to helping your business solve the climate crisis. If you would like to learn more, please visit: www.emergerstrategies.com, or please email rcrawford@emergerstrategies.com.