Phosphorus is like fire: Beneficial when properly contained, but terribly destructive when unmanaged. It is both an essential nutrient upon which global agriculture depends and the most devastating pollutant of our planet’s freshwater resources. The primary driver of freshwater eutrophication and algal blooms, phosphorus also contributes to coastal dead zones where most marine life dies or flees.

The Phosphorus Sustainability Challenge is an environmental sustainability initiative to inspire meaningful government and corporate commitments to reduce our collective phosphorus footprint and the ill effects of phosphorus pollution on our waters. In return for their commitments, participants receive public recognition for their leadership, see how their own efforts contribute to larger scale impacts, and network with likeminded organizations through sector- or topic-specific action networks.