Dow & Rivers are Life: A Foundational Partnership

From the beginning, Dow has been aligned with our goals at Rivers are Life, sharing our vision for a sustainable future. Our partnership exemplifies a mutual commitment to driving positive change in the face of pressing environmental challenges. Together, we showcase how collaborative efforts can lead to significant advancements in river sustainability and innovation. 

Our Focus at Rivers are Life

At Rivers are Life, we wholeheartedly believe that rivers are the lifeblood of our planet, vital for both ecosystems and human communities. That’s why we exist—to share the stories of those who are committed to protecting and restoring river ecosystems through innovative solutions, impact projects and community engagement.

Our vision is grounded in the belief that healthy rivers are essential for a healthy world. We aim to share stories of individuals, businesses, communities, and organizations dedicated to protecting, preserving, and exploring our world’s rivers. Through our platform, we hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of these vital waterways and how they can be better stewards for them. 

The Role of Dow as a Founding Member 

As a founding member of Rivers are Life, Dow has played a pivotal role in guiding the organization's direction and ensuring its success. Dow’s dedication to using science as a tool to improve processes that impact the environment align with our objectives and make them an instrumental partner. From the beginning, Dow has provided invaluable support and access to their resources to enhance the organization's impact.  

In the words of Bob Plishka, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dow, “Dow founded Rivers are Life because we recognize that through the knowledge of science, the application of technology, and the power of human determination, the world’s rivers can be protected and conserved for the well-being of communities, natural ecosystems, and humanity.” Dow's involvement with Rivers are Life goes beyond financial support; they have contributed invaluable expertise, networking opportunities, River Hero connections, and community initiatives that empower Rivers are Life to expand its reach and enhance its impact. 

Engaging and Empowering the Community 

A key element of this partnership is a shared commitment to community engagement and empowerment. Both organizations understand that meaningful change arises from the active participation of local communities, regardless of their location, and that no story is too small to make an impact. 

In the summer of 2024, our collaboration led to a remarkable Water & Nature weekend both on and off the track at the NASCAR, Enjoy Illinois 300 race. This partnership brought together BeAlive, Dow, Ducks Unlimited, Living Lands & Waters, Louisiana State University, Friends of the Fox River, Rivers are Life, and the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Team, including Austin Dillon and his pit crew, to highlight the importance of water and land conservation. 

The weekend kicked off with an energetic river cleanup led by River Heroes from Living Lands & Waters. About 40 dedicated volunteers joined forces to remove an impressive 1,780 pounds of trash from an island in the Mississippi River. This effort not only restored the area's natural beauty but also raised awareness about the needs of our water and nature ecosystems. By inspiring participants to act, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the health of our local waterways. 

After the cleanup, participants gathered for a Conservation Summit focused on water and land initiatives. This summit provided a platform to explore collaborative solutions and highlight the importance of protecting our planet's rivers and ecosystems. Rivers are Life is proud to partner with businesses, educational institutions, and NGOs that offer essential research and resources to promote river sustainability. 

The Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR race was a thrilling opportunity to promote our mission. The RCR Team highlighted Rivers are Life on the No. 3 Dow Chevy, driven by Austin Dillon, featuring custom artwork on water and nature conservation. It was exciting to see our logo racing at over 200 mph, emphasizing our commitment to protecting natural resources and bringing the initiative to a new audience. Through education and collaboration, we empower communities to make a positive impact. To learn more about this event, visit https://riversarelife.com/weekend-focused-on-water-nature. 

Strengthening Commitments and Setting Future Goals for Growth 

Looking ahead, Dow and Rivers are Life are dedicated to expanding our efforts and impact. By collaborating on goals and fostering innovation, we aim to see positive impact develop on a global scale, with a strong focus on improving our freshwater systems. One of Dow’s primary objectives is to increase the number of protected river ecosystems, ensuring clean and healthy water for all. The possibilities are endless with partners like Dow, as they recognize that water conservation is inherently linked to nature conservation and beyond. Undoubtedly, partnerships like these are paving the way for greater collective action and a more promising future for our planet. 

As Rivers are Life continues to grow, so does our need for essential partnerships. Dow recognizes our collective responsibility to preserve and protect precious global resources, highlighting the power of collective action in driving positive change for a sustainable future. We share this belief and are committed to making a difference together.  

We encourage business leaders, industrial innovators, and sustainability advocates to draw inspiration from this partnership. By collaborating, we can unite to safeguard our planet's natural resources for future generations. To learn more about this impactful partnership and how your company can get involved, visit the Rivers are Life website. Together, we can cultivate a better future for everyone.