Girl
Scouts of the USA is proud to announce the results of Girl Scouts Forever Green
(GSFG), its signature 100th anniversary “Take Action” project
targeting waste reduction, energy conservation, and rain gardens. Alcoa Foundation provided a two-year, $1.5 million grant to
expand the program globally to 12 countries. This grant enabled U.S. and
international councils to work together and lead their families, schools, and
communities in improving the environment and protecting natural resources.
The
Girl Scouts Forever Green 100th Anniversary “Take Action” project
was created after Girl Scouts’ research found that an overwhelming number of
girls deem protecting the environment a top priority.
Harnessing
its members' passion for preserving natural resources and focusing on three main
projects: Reduce Waste, Earth Hour, and Rain Gardens, Girl Scouts and Alcoa concluded
the Girl Scouts Forever Green project after saving 639 million kilowatts of
energy, conserving 226 million gallons of water, and eliminating 1 billion pounds
of carbon dioxide and 120 million pounds of waste in total.
The
other environmental impacts include:
·
409,940
aluminum cans recycled
·
123,753
native plants/trees planted
·
2,462
wildlife fed and sheltered by rain gardens
"Although
our girls might be famous for wearing the color green, it's clear that they are
enthusiastic about ‘going green’ and working to preserve our natural
resources," said Anna Maria Chávez, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA. "As an
organization committed to helping girls becomes leaders who make a difference
in the world, we couldn't ignore their passion for the environment, and the
generous contribution from Alcoa Foundation provided an outlet for girls to
funnel their ecological energies."
Alcoa Foundation also sponsored nearly 700 Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from
12 countries within the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to "twin" together on
local and global environmental projects. All of the projects engaged at least
400 additional youth, and more than 200 Alcoa (NYSE:AA) employees across the
world served as volunteers.
“The
two-year Girl Scouts Forever Green collaboration led to measurable impacts and
impressive environmental projects by girls across the world,” said Esra Ozer,
President, Alcoa Foundation. “We are proud that more than 200 Alcoa employees
donated their time and expertise to volunteer with the scouts, and that several
troops were able to travel to other countries, visit Alcoa facilities, and
learn first-hand about our own commitment to environmental sustainability.”
The 12 countries with
girls who participated in the Together
Greening project are Australia,
Brazil, China, Guinea, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Suriname, the United
Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.