VALUING THE ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH SOCIAL INNOVATION ORGANIZATIONS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Environmental stewardship non-profits are social innovation organizations that can have an extremely large and positive impact on the communities they operate in. In particular, organizations that promote planting trees or taking ownership of cleaning up streets, parks, and natural areas, can really benefit a community. In order to demonstrate the benefits of local environmental stewardship non-profits, this thesis will highlight a case study on Tucson Clean & Beautiful, a Tucson-based non-profit with a focus on preserving and improving our environment, conserving natural resources, and enhancing the quality of life in the City of Tucson and eastern Pima County. As part of the case study, this thesis will compare Tucson Clean and Beautiful to other similar organizations in order to understand the potential for larger scale activities. In addition, this thesis will evaluate best practices around how to value these activities to demonstrate impact. The overall goal of this thesis is to understand how environmental stewardship non-profits function as social innovation organizations to create positive economic, social, and environmental impact locally and globally.