Location: United States and Global, in 39 other countries

EcoRise integrates environmental education and project-based learning into K-12 curricula, equipping students with the skills to implement solutions to real-world environmental challenges and pursue related careers following graduation.

The organization’s sustainability curriculum gives teachers more than 200 free lessons on themes like water, waste, food, energy, and air. EcoRise also provides professional development training for teachers to ensure the quality of the curriculum’s delivery.

Students participating in the program use the organization’s Eco-Audit tools to evaluate their schools’ environmental impact and identify solutions that make their schools more sustainable while saving their schools money. Past projects have included changing fluorescent bulbs to energy-saving ones, which decreased a school’s energy bill by about 10%, and replacing single-use plastic cutlery with reusable flatware.

Since 2015, projects have diverted 1.09 million pounds of waste, saved 2.3 million gallons of water and 43.9 million kilowatt-hours of energy, and improved 2.4 million square feet of green space. In 2024, EcoRise student projects saved schools $209,333 in resource costs.[1]

EcoRise also has a curriculum for high school students that focuses on preparing them for careers in environmental sustainability. The curriculum trains students to earn the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate credential, a highly sought-after professional certification.

Learn more: https://www.ecorise.org/

For more organizations working to protect the environment, see Pristine Seas, which works to restore the health and productivity of the ocean, and Seacology, which works to safeguard the livelihoods and food sources of residents by protecting island ecosystems.