In Defense of a Sustainable Future
Sausalito, CA
Our Mission
In this age of climate change and mass extinction, it is paramount that we do everything within our power to preserve what we have left of our natural world, it's resources, and the animals that we cohabitate with. From the coral reefs to the glaciers, our planet is on the brink of losing its ability to recover from what is now known as the Anthropocene Era, the era of man-made destruction. The survival of what is left is dependent on our actions as human beings. Nature Defense Foundation’s goal is to support organizations that make an effort to preserve and protect what remains.
“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.”
- Jane Goodall
About the Founder
Sarah Shaw, a San Francisco native, is the founding Director of the Nature Defense Foundation and Sindisa Sanctuary. Sarah graduated from Boston University with a BA in Political Science and her post graduate degree was earned at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Upon earning her design degree Sarah worked for Levi Strauss as a Designer before opening her own San Francisco retail store with subsequent locations in Marin County and Sonoma County. Throughout her career Sarah has been active in the philanthropic community, serving on the Board of Elephant Aid International and The Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation. Since retiring from retail in 2015 Sarah has been dedicating her time to Sindisa Sanctuary where she provides a forever home for farm animals.
What we do
Through collaborative partnerships in California and Hawaii we work towards heightening awareness and stewarding change. We fund nonprofits large and small whose goals are to preserve and protect the environment by any means necessary. This includes projects in new and sustainable energies like biodiesel, rehabilitating domestic and wild animals, and protecting vulnerable landscapes.
Principles
To empower communities to advocate for ecological health
To advance sustainable farming practices
To expose the truth behind meat agriculture
To offset carbon footprints through alternative energy
To protect endangered flora and fauna of California and Hawaii
To encourage zero waste lifestyles
There is no mistaking that biodiversity is slipping and away and animals are suffering needlessly for humans greed. We need to educate ourselves and share our knowledge with others in order to effect change. The science is there we just need to solidify its critical importance to the world.
The Facts
77%
Of Earth’s surface is used to grow crops and raise livestock.
23%
Of the world’s land surface (excluding Antarctica) can be considered wilderness.
70%
Of the world’s assessed plants are in jeopardy of extinction.