See how Girl Scouts support sustainability.

Using resources wisely and making the world a better place is an essential part of what it means to be a Girl Scout.

Today’s Girl Scouts are leading movements that address environmental and social issues such as climate change, climate justice, and environmental stewardship. The increase in atmospheric temperature from climate change causes environmental, health, socioeconomic, and economic consequences for people across the globe.

The U.N.’s 2015 Paris Agreement established a global framework to limit warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Most scientists agree that an increase of 2°C above pre-industrial temperatures would detrimentally affect the global economy, food systems, and life on Earth. These are impacts that will be felt by generations to come, and it is our responsibility as stewards of the environment to do our part now. In many cases, Girl Scouts are already leading actions.

Girl Scouts of the USA’s (GSUSA) sustainability initiatives are built on our core values and our mission—supporting Girl Scouts in improving their own communities and developing as leaders. Environmental badges and Journeys available through Girl Scout programming teach girls about the environment and ways to protect it.

GSUSA encourages and supports local and national projects that focus on sustainability and environmental protection. With so many environmental and social problems becoming more pressing and frequent, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

We also recognize the importance of reducing the organization’s environmental footprint and know that true sustainability leaders use frameworks and set concrete goals. So, Girl Scout Merchandise and Properties teams have aligned operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), commonly used by organizations and government entities to frame their own sustainability goals. The SDGs address global challenges to sustainable international development and were set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly. The 17 goals and 169 targets span across social, economic, and environmental issues. The UN aims to achieve these goals by 2030.

Girl Scout Merchandise and Properties teams set targets to advance Goals 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and 13 – Climate Action over the coming years.

Girl Scouts of the USA Supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Our Girl Scout Merchandise and Properties teams set targets to advance Goals 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and 13 – Climate Action over the coming years.

Girl Scouts of the USA is working to maximize energy efficiency, and we plan to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2026 at our Distribution Center, Edith Macy Center, and Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace sites.

By 2021, Girl Scouts of the USA will launch a collection of sustainable and socially responsible product. We intentionally sourced these products from businesses owned by women entrepreneurs or Girl Scout alum, Certified B Corporations®, and companies with high ethical standards. This assortment also includes fair-trade products, made by workers under the safest working conditions, who earned a premium for their labor. As always, Girl Scouts prohibits the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), never sells products made using child labor or forced labor, and requires all partners to certify nondiscriminatory employment practices. We plan to continue sourcing as many products as possible using the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

By 2023, Girl Scouts of the USA will reduce plastic and paper waste in the life cycle of merchandise packaging by using 25% (plastic) and 75% (paper) post-consumer recycled materials. We will also encourage cookie consumers to recycle through improved messaging. We are working with our bakers to achieve maximum recyclability for cookie packaging and renewable electricity at their facilities. Moreover, our 2021 sustainable and socially responsible product assortment includes upcycled or carbon-neutral products, products made with recycled materials and organic cotton, and products with Forest Stewardship Council®, OEKO-TEX®, and bluesign® certifications. We increasingly work to offer durable products that supplant the need for single-use plastics.

By 2024, Girl Scouts of the USA will increase awareness about climate change among its employees, Girl Scout councils, and Girl Scout troops by integrating sustainability across our departments, considering climate impacts in business decision-making, and engaging in conversation with councils and troops.

We regularly reevaluate our sustainability goals to further improve. This process requires a deep understanding of current practices, gathering baseline data, implementing initiatives and best practices, and ensuring that key metrics are captured.

Learn more about how Girl Scout Merchandise and Properties teams are working toward these Sustainable Development Goals.

Product and Packaging Sustainability Briefing (PDF)
Properties Sustainability Briefing (PDF)

Continually inspired by Girl Scout’s concern for the world around them, the national organization is committed to enacting positive change in our communities and for our planet.