Consider green charities for end-of-year donations

We all have the power to make changes in our own lives that benefit the planet. But consumers are only part of the solution. We need governments and businesses to step up to the plate too.

As the deadline for making tax-deductible donations quickly approaches, consider supporting one of the many organizations working tirelessly to enact broader change.

Here's how.

• You can quickly and easily donate or research organizations online.
• Do your homework to make sure your money is going where you want it to. Follow these 10 tips on giving wisely and get help figuring out how much to give.
• If you're still shopping for gifts, consider a Good Card. It can be redeemed as a donation to more than 1.5 million charities.

Don't have time to do the research? Here's a sampling of environmental organizations that earn top marks from Charity Navigator.

• Beyond Pesticides promotes the use of non-toxic alternatives to pesticides.
• Conservation International is dedicated to conserving global biodiversity.
• Environmental Defense Fund works with businesses and government to find solutions to pressing environmental problems.
• Environmental Working Group is dedicated to protecting public health and the environment.
• Global Green USA focuses on creating green buildings and cities.
• Healthy Child Healthy World aims to protect children from harmful environmental exposures.
• Natural Resources Defense Council has six main priorities including curbing global warming, reviving oceans, reducing toxic chemical use, and helping China go green.
• Rainforest Alliance is committed to global conservation.
• Union of Concerned Scientists focuses on air, energy, and food.
• World Wildlife Fund protects endangered species and animal habitats around the world.

Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green's users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com.