For 25 years, wildlife rescuers have used Dawn dishwashing liquid to gently remove oil from aquatic animals. Animal rescue groups choose Dawn because it removes the greasy oil—while being gentle on delicate feathers and skin.

I did not know this.

I know it now because Dawn is ramping up its support for animal rescue organizations and actively publicizing its efforts as part of the “Dawn Makes a Difference” campaign. Good for them! This could be an attempt to justify their altruistic activity to the shareholders by deriving some marketing benefit from detergent donations or it could be a cynical play for public goodwill, a coat of greenwashing. Who cares. If Dawn’s contributions help organizations like the International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) provide more effective care to oiled or otherwise defiled birds and other aquatic animals, they deserve consumer goodwill.

Besides donating detergent, Dawn is sending selected individuals to conduct rescue work with exceptional wildlife rescue organizations around the United States. Chosen from thousands of applicants to the Dawn Difference Diaries contest, Christy Buckley is the current Dawn difference-maker. Christy, an avid birder, is currently traveling the country, helping animals that have come into contact with oil, and writing about pollution prevention on her Dawn Difference Diary. Sounds like a phenomenal experience!