Many people choose to leave money in their will to family, friends and often charities close to their hearts. So which environmental charities should you consider leaving money to in your will?
Environmental issues are very close to our hearts, as we begin to fully understand the importance of protecting our planet’s resources to safeguard for future generations.
While many of us donate to environmentally active charities on a regular basis, will writing solicitors say that they are seeing an increasing number of clients who are choosing to also bequest donations in their wills.
Although a popular choice, many find themselves confused as to which organization to leave their money to. So, in this article, we’ll look at the best green charities to leave money to in your will.
What’s the Purpose of a Will?
The purpose of writing a will is to leave a written record of who you want your money and assets to go to when you die. While most people will leave their money and belongings to their children, other family members, and friends, lots of folks choose to include organizations that they have supported during their lifetime.
With our planet in crisis, environmental charities are benefiting significantly from bequests left to them by loyal supporters.
What Are the Best Green Charities to Leave Money To?
There are some great green charities in the UK which rely on donations from like-minded people. They welcome financial gifts left to them in the wills of their millions of supporters. Some of the best of these are:
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Friends of The Earth
Founded in 1969, Friends of The Earth were defending the Earth long before it became a thing. One of the most well-known and proactive climate change charities in the UK, Friends of The Earth has over two million members worldwide. They have consistently led the charge in raising awareness for environmental issues through active campaigning.
Current campaigns include a drive to persuade the UK government to prevent the mass extinction of endangered species of animals. This includes the current ongoing sixth mass extinction of vertebrates, thousands of populations of which are on the critically endangered list.
Friends of The Earth is also extremely active on energy issues. Erich Pica, President of Friends of The Earth, said, “Keeping dirty energy in the ground means keeping polluters off corporate welfare.”
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Green Alliance
London-based Green Alliance was founded by Maurice Ash in 1979, and is focused on changing and improving environmental legislation and policies in the UK.
A charity and educational think tank, the organization works with business leaders, politicians, and climate change specialists in order to revamp outdated laws and introduce new ones.
Current work includes a bid to end the practice of giving tax breaks to fossil fuel companies. Maurice Ash, Founder of Green Alliance, said "We’re a bunch of optimists. We’re not the doomsters. We believe in the possibilities of the future."
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The renewable UK
When it comes to protecting the Earth’s resources, energy is a significant factor. Over a million homes in the UK currently generate power from solar or wind power. The renewable UK has been working hard since 1978 to increase this number substantially.
The charity’s aim is for as many homes as possible to switch to energy, which is created from renewable sources. The charity holds a number of events each year to raise awareness.
One such event for 2022 is the Green Hydrogen event to be held in Sheffield in May. It will, among other topics, discuss the government’s launch of its Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. Tim Farron, from the Liberal Democrats, said “We can make ourselves energy self-sufficient in renewable energy.”
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Blue Marine Foundation
Launched in 2010, Blue Marine Foundation is all about keeping our oceans clean and free of plastic in order to restore marine habitats and put an end to unsustainable fishing.
Experts estimate that there are around 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste in our oceans as we speak, with 8.3 million tons finding their way into the seas every year. These plastics and other debris are extremely harmful to ocean wildlife, as over 70% sink down into the ocean’s ecosystem.
Blue Marine Foundation’s aim is to ensure that 30% of the world’s oceans are under protection by the year 2030, with the remaining 70% to be managed in a responsible way.
Current projects include Blue Carbon which seeks to explore the link between our oceans and climate change. Rt Hon George Eustice said, “We have a great opportunity to think differently and creatively about how we can deliver for our marine environment.”
Help make a difference after your days on the planet…
Usually, when we leave money to somebody in our will, we do so safe in the knowledge that it will allow them to enjoy a better quality of life, whether that’s by being able to buy a home or having the financial freedom to travel and explore.
By including a green charity in your will, you’re able to help not just your own loved ones, but those of the third world. Find out how you can get involved with each charity’s work by dropping them into the search engine you use. Perhaps you can leave a legacy that may, quite literally, help to save the world.
