Plant Trees and Change Lives with Amana

As you know, we love to talk about all things fashion, DIY, kiddos and more. And with travel being a shared passion between Kristin and I, we’ve had the opportunity to visit places around the world that were truly eye opening in terms of the poverty and struggles that other people go through to make it day-to-day. That’s why we are excited to share with you the work that Amana is doing with Trees for the Future. Amana created this infographic that explains just how Trees for the Future works.  In addition to making great energy efficient appliances, Amana is donating the cost of a tree for each appliance purchased through 2014.  That’s a lot of trees! But it’s the success stories that really demonstrate how impactful their work is. After witnessing just how badly illegal logging and unsustainable land management left villagers in the Philippines with land that could not produce enough crops to feed their village, founders Dave and Grace Deppner provided tree-seed and training to an overwhelming positive response. Entire villages could save their homes and way of life. And so began, Trees for the Future. Omar’s story from Senegal is one that really touched me. When he inherited his father’s depleted farmland, he knew that continuing to plant peanuts in this overused earth would only provide $200 once a year, continue to diminish the ground and place his family in a downward spiral. And he was not alone; many of his neighbors were in the same boat. With the help of Trees for the Future, Omar was able to learn a new way of farming, using fast growing trees to improve the soil. Within four years, Omar’s forest garden was generating fruits, vegetables and tree products that yielded $1,000 a year from his two acres of land. And he has been able to go on and teach others how to do the same, saving their livelihoods, the land and providing for their families on their own. What great “before and after” stories!

You too can learn more or donate directly with Trees for the Future. Disclosure: While we are passionate about Trees for the Future, this is a sponsored post written on behalf of Amana.