It's Earth Day, in case no one told you already, and all the businesses plotted on the map above (also listed here) have vowed to contribute 5 percent of their gross receipts today to local non-profits devoted to ecological preservation and the environment.
Here are the six beneficiaries with descriptions from their websites:
"Hill Country Conservancy marshals public and private resources to preserve the natural areas and scenic vistas, aquifers and springs, rivers and streams, working farms and ranches, and the rural heritage of the Central Texas Hill Country for people to enjoy and cherish for generations to come."
"The Texas Land Conservancy (TLC) is a non-governmental, 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of land in Texas. In essence, we are in the business of protecting natural areas from the negative effects of land fragmentation and poorly-planned development. Land conserved by TLC will be protected forever from becoming a subdivision, strip mall, or parking lot."
Friends of Barton Springs Pool
"The Friends of Barton Springs Pool creates a community of people dedicated to restoring, improving and maintaining the pool and surrounding grounds through organizing, advocacy, volunteer work, education and fun."
"TreeFolks grows the urban forest of Central Texas through tree planting, education and community partnerships. We invite businesses, schools, government, community groups and individuals to join us in creating a healthier environment and enhancing the quality of urban life. "
"Clean Water Fund's programs build on and complement those of Clean Water Action, a 1.2 million member national organization which has helped develop, pass, strengthen and defend the nation's major water and toxics laws such as the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Superfund and others, including their state-level counterparts."
Sierra Club, Lone Star Chapter
"The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club is an outdoor recreation and conservation organization representing approximately 24,000 Texans and 10 regional groups from Big Bend to Houston. Our State Conservation Office, located near the State Capitol in Austin, serves as a lobbying office and grassroots communications center supporting advocacy and education about our environmental priorities."
