We've never heard anyone suggest that saving the forests will save the planet, but we've also never heard it argued that we can save the planet without saving the forests. 'Treehuggers' may be a mocking term, but the facts suggest they know something that the rest of us may sometimes forget: life depends on those trees.
There are many good organizations that help plant trees around the world, but this morning we wanted to call your attention to The Pachamama Alliance. Their mission is to "preserve the Earth's tropical rainforests by empowering the indigenous people who are its natural custodians" and to "contribute to the creation of a new global vision of equity and sustainability for all."
Pretty lofty goals, but they put their money (that is, the money that people like you generously donate) where their mouth is: Charity Navigator gives them a four-star rating. In this case, that's because over 80% of their revenue goes to program expenses.
It's time to rethink the connotations of 'treehugger.' Maybe we should consider it the highest form of compliment.
written on Friday Nov 9, 2007
hug a tree.
