FedEX has announced the details of its collaboration this year with the US National Fish andWildlife Foundation (NFWF), delivering money and resources for urban conservation projects in 12
major cities. This is the second year of their collaboration to address pressing urbanenvironmental challenges across the US, with FedEx contributing US$360,000 in grants to the 12initiatives this year.Through NFWF, FedEx said its grants have been awarded to local non-profit organisations thatwill “maximise FedEx’s philanthropic and volunteer resources”. The selected projects will improveair and water quality and enhance community spaces in Philadelphia, New York City, San Francisco,Boston, Memphis, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Washington DC andSeattle.
Jeff Trandahl, executive director of the Foundation said: “Last year, the National Fish andWildlife Foundation’s work with FedEx and local non-profit partners engaged 7,500 community membersand resulted in the planting of over 14,000 trees and 66,000 native plants.” He said their combinedactions reduced carbon dioxide output by around 150 tonnes.
“This is only an initial snapshot of the impact of our collaboration. We expect to have evenmore impressive outcomes this year as we double the number of involved organisations andcommunities.”
The FedEx contributions, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per project, will be implementedthrough NFWF’s Five Star Restoration Programme, Long Island Sound Futures Fund, the Chesapeake BaySmall Watershed Grants, and the King County Community Salmon Fund. Funds from FedEx will be boostedby support from federal and state government agencies, including the US Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA), as well as other private and non-profit partners.
FedEx team members will participate in a day of service with each NFWF grant recipient. Theywill help clear invasive plant species in Memphis, Seattle and Philadelphia; restore the PresidioCoastal Bluffs in San Francisco; plant trees in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh; work alongside localyouth on the Bronx River in New York City; remove trash and debris at Mattahunt Woods in Boston;plant native vegetation in Los Angeles and Dallas; pick up beach litter in Chicago; and install arain garden in Washington, DC.
“Our work with NFWF enables FedEx team members to collaborate and work directly with localnon-profits to improve the air, water and urban spaces that we share in the communities where welive and work,” said Mitch Jackson, FedEx’s vice president for environmental affairs andsustainability. “A significant portion of our operations, people and facilities are based inmetropolitan centres, and we value helping to connect the world in responsible and resourcefulways.”
The FedEx commitment to NFWF is part of EarthSmart Outreach, a FedEx commitment to environmentaland volunteer efforts that focus on environmental sustainability. Its wider environmentalcommitments include long-term goals to reduce aircraft emissions intensity 20% by 2020, increaseFedEx Express vehicle efficiency by 20% by 2020, and expand on-site renewable energy generation andprocurement of renewable energy credits.
