Every Leaf Counts

When we decided to start this project, and every time we apply for a grant, we are faced with the same questions: Why are we doing this? Why is it important? What makes it unique? What difference does it make?

I am hopeful that, over the years it will take me to write this blog, I will begin to scratch the surface of why we founded ReTreeUS, why our project is important, how it is different from any other environmental effort, and how our mission could change the world. I certainly don't believe I could sufficiently address these questions in a single blog entry, but a conversation Richard and I had last night inspired me to (at the very least) explore the issue.

We were discussing events in the news and the world's major religions. The fact that they all have so much in common and all hold peace and love in the highest regard means they all have huge potential for good. Yet all major religions have also been involved in violent struggles over the course of their history.

When the source of these conflicts can often be traced back centuries, and when international policy seems so far of of reach, what can an average American citizen do to promote peace? As much as we both hope for peace, the conversation naturally evolved into a debate about our own lives.

What are we doing to promote peace? 

To answer that question, we recognized that everything is connected, and that every moment counts. So, we started with the little things: we grow our own food and support other local farmers (which reduces pollution and the use of finite resources), we limit our use of fossil fuels (such as gasoline), we reuse and avoid disposable items...and we contribute in abstract ways, as well. For example, we create! Whether it is our music, our visual art, our food, or our friendships, these are positive contributions which can inspire others to express their emotions, spirits, and beliefs more peacefully.

Playing some positive music. It may not be much, but it's something.

The list above may seem paltry in the scheme of things, but it is nonetheless important for all of us to assess what we do well, to strive to do better, and to dwell in the positive rather than allow ourselves to be discouraged when we feel our reach is relatively small.

Even the smallest leaf on an apple tree helps produce food for the whole.

And what about ReTreeUS? How does our mission not only promote the environment, but also the idea of peace? 

It's important for all of us to remember that there are many factors causing environmental and social degradation, and there are likewise many remedies. Why do we pollute our planet, and why do we hurt each other? The list of reasons may be infinite, but the solutions may be infinite, too.

While working for his college radio station, Richard had the opportunity to interview musician and activist Michael Franti. In answer to one of Richard's questions, Michael pointed out that "when people have jobs, and have homes and electricity and fresh water to drink, they're a lot less likely to pick up a gun or strap a bomb to their car and go exploding."

Michael Franti performing. Click on the photo to hear one of his songs.

These words of wisdom came from Franti's trip to Iraq during the war. And while that war is over, his words ring true for every conflict, from an international...to a classroom scale.

When two parents can't feed their kids, or their water is polluted by a nearby mine, those parents are going to focus on feeding their kids and finding clean water. And that is a big enough job. What we need is to provide--for everyone--a way to provide for themselves within a sustainable system. And when everyone's needs are satisfied, everyone then can pay attention to the needs of the planet, or of another country where people aren't getting along.


So, how does our mission help accomplish this? 

Of course, we do not purport to solve all of the world's problems in one single mission statement. But we are certainly making a difference, and here's how:

Starting this year, ReTreeUS will provide nutritious, organic produce for families of all income levels, which fills a basic need for human communities and protects our resources for future generations by maintaining soil richness and using earth-friendly methods.

We will also provide workshops for families who would like to grow their own food at home, all in the inspiring setting of these orchards our sponsors and members helped to create. These orchards will be a place of learning and respite for families, teachers, and mostly those students who are just sending out feelers into the world.

In these orchards, students will have a place to get away from the drama of their social lives and the stress of their studies. Students will work as a team to build and maintain the orchard, fostering their friendships, self-acceptance, emotional well-being, and tolerance of differences they see in others. Here, the hungry child will nourish herself alongside the child of privilege.


And what about those students who are already privileged? All of their basic needs are provided, so what is their motivation to develop a global perspective?

The orchards are equipped with all the soil, worms, sunshine and mud and child needs to get real. A true interaction with nature--to know and be a part of all the organisms working together for success in an orchard--will often be a vital experience in the process of understanding their impact on the global community.

We hope to inspire both children and adults to use their own gifts for the greater good. Just like all of the major religions in the news, each of us has great potential for good. And, if we use our lives wisely, there is no limit to the growth of our goodness. 

I'm not saying we can change the lives of every single child, but we certainly can make a difference in this world.

And you can help! You can help by doing those little things, like carpooling and reducing waste; you can help by staying aware of world issues; you can help by nourishing your own body, mind and creativity; you can help by supporting ReTreeUS. Every tiny leaf counts, and even just $1 helps, too. 

Many donors have already gotten our Kickstarter campaign off to a great start. We are almost halfway to our goal of raising $1,000 for educational signage to help kids like the ones I mention here understand what they're a part of. You can help us finish, or raise even more than our goal, by visiting our Kickstarter video and campaign site.

These are the Kickstarter donors so far.

Thanks to everyone for reading and supporting! You can help grow a healthier planet in a myriad of ways, and becoming a ReTreeUS member is just one.