ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND

EDF HISTORY

• Founded in 1967 by a small group of scientists who were aiming to ban a deadly pesticide (DDT) that was used to kill of mosquitoes in the mid 1960's
• The group of scientists advocated against the pesticide use because it was actually killing off birds and crustaceans and could possibly impact the lives of people who were consuming the food that was sprayed with the pesticides

EDF HISTORY

• 1966, the court banned the pesticide use. Because this was a unique case, it gained national interest in environmental protection programs
• The scientists decided to make the group and formally accept donations for projects to improve wildlife and human life on earth.
• Now, there are over 1 million members as the organization continues to grow.

MISSION STATEMENT

PEOPLE INVOLVED

• The core is a group of scientists, scientists are also those who started this group.
• This is a non-profit organization that runs off of donations and members who work towards improving the environment.

EDF FUNDING

• Funded by common people involved with the cause and members of the group
• Member donations make up around 54% of their funds with only 38% federal grants.

INCENTIVES USED TO ATTRACT POTENTIAL MEMBERS

• Partnerships to get attention in media. For example, partnered with McDonalds, FedEx, Walmart, etc.
• Active social media groups to stay modern
• Emails reaching out to people
• Personal updates by email of topics you may be interested in

POLITICAL PARTISANSHIP

• The Environmental Defense Fund tends to favor democrats
• Democrats tend to be more active in environmental issues
• The EDA is funded more by democrats

CURRENT ISSUE

• New chemicals (over 1,000) need review and the bill has no deadline for discussion or resolution.

THE NEW BILL WOULD...

• Be supported by industry
• Fail to ensure that chemicals are safe
• Fail to set meaningful deadlines for safety reviews
• Fail to set deadlines for bans or restrictions when needed
• Fail to provide the EPA with adequate resources
• Deny states the ability to protect public health and the environment.

PUBLIC POLICY

• The EDF is opposed to the bill protecting chemical companies and wants a new bill that regulates chemicals and tests them quickly and efficiently.
• The EDF tries to shape public policy by attempting to set the agenda with environmental problems at the top of the list.
• Chemicals are integral in today's industry and need to be reviewed thoroughly to prevent harmful effects to all wildlife and human life.

CH. 10 VOCAB APPLICATION

• There are many people in the public who could be POTENTIAL GROUP members because they do support EDF, but aren't actual members. (Like us!)
• Everyone who is a part of EDF, along with financial contributors and scientists, are part of the ACTUAL GROUP
• EDF is a big supporter of COLLECTIVE GOODS because it supports things like clean water and air, safe chemicals and pesticides, and healthy wildlife and humans.

MORE VOCAB

• It is easy to identify FREE RIDERS of EDF because they do not give rewards or special benefits to its contributors or members in general-- but they are fighting for the greater good of everyone.

PSA