Environmental Giving

Beyond Clean Air and Water

Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our doors to support environmental initiatives by others in 3M communities. Our vision of sustainability is meeting the needs of customers, employees and communities today, while respecting the ability of future generations to meet their needs. To learn more about this commitment, visit 3M’s Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability report.

We support programs that make meaningful contributions to the sustainability of the Earth’s ecosystems. At the same time, 3M employees and retirees volunteer to restore natural sites, preserve habitats and clean up open water areas in their communities.

Why We Give for the Environment

• To preserve biodiversity.
• To positively impact climate change.
• To provide access to natural areas.
• To offer opportunities for local volunteer involvement.

Highlights

Supporting Projects in China
Conservation International established the Forest Restoration for Climate, Community and Biodiversity to assess ecological and economic benefits of reforestation in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces with a $3 million grant from the 3M Foundation. The planting schedule is being finalized to complete the reforestation of 3,000 hectares. A native plant nursery in Yunnan province is experimenting with more than 20 different tree species and seedlings have been planted at one of three demonstration sites.

Supporting Projects in the United States
To continue our support of the Paint Rock River Watershed in Alabama, an additional grant of $1.5 million to The Nature Conservancy will be directed to the Sharp-Bingham Mountain Preserve. Restoration projects on private and public lands will improve aquatic habitat and protect the Paint Rock River.

Supporting Local Projects in 3M Communities
Arkansas – A $10,000 grant to The Nature Conservancy to conserve the aquatic biodiversity of the Saline River and Caddo River Watersheds in the Ouachita Mountain Ecoregion

Massachusetts – A $12,000 grant to Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust will support the Concord River Greenway providing access to the river, connection to established trails and protection of native habitats

Wisconsin – A $5,000 grant for Earth Day Challenge 2006 through the School District of Menomonie involved 1,500 K-12 students and community residents in lakeshore and park cleanup efforts, wildlife shrub/tree planting, wetland restoration project, oak regeneration plantings and wildlife nesting boxes.

Photo courtesy Conservation International and Nature Conservancy.