The Shaw Institute, a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing environmental health and sustainability, has been named the May 2025 recipient of the Blue Hill Co-Op’s “Change for Good” program.
Throughout the month, community members who shop at the Co-Op will have the opportunity to round up their purchases at checkout to support the Institute’s vital work to connect the dots between the health of humans, wildlife and the ecosystems that we all share.
The Change for Good program highlights a different local nonprofit each month, inviting shoppers to “round up” their total to the nearest dollar and donate the change to the featured organization. The initiative has raised thousands of dollars for area nonprofits since its inception, fostering deeper community connections and meaningful support for local causes.
Founded in 1990, the Shaw Institute conducts internationally recognized research on plastic pollution, chemical contaminants – such as PFAS – and ocean health. With its primary research center based in Blue Hill, the Institute plays an integral role within the science community of Maine.
“Our entire team is so grateful to be part of this program,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director of the Shaw Institute. “Engaging with our community is so vital to what we do, so we certainly appreciate their support, which empowers our research, education and outreach throughout the entire region.“
Donations raised through the Change for Good program will directly support the Shaw Institute’s ongoing research, which includes studies that will help better understand that impact that plastic has on such diseases as cancer, Crohn’s ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Dementia; while also supporting their science education programs – which includes their already very popular all-new touch tank – and additional community outreach, their student internship program, and science-based initiatives addressing regional and global environmental issues.
To participate, shoppers at the Blue Hill Co-Op simply need to round up their purchase during checkout throughout the month of May. Every cent collected will contribute to the Institute’s mission and their ability to continue to be an invaluable resource to the communities they serve.
To learn more about the Shaw Institute, visit: www.shawinstitute.org
To learn more about the Blue Hill Co-op’s Change for Good, visit: www.bluehill.coop/change-for-good