Our Philosophy
That the biosphere has been undergoing significant degradation due to the tremendous impact resulting from rampant industrialization, unleashed extraction of resources and energy, massive irresponsible pollution, and short-sighted approach to nature is now beyond doubt. It is easily proven that with today's population we are using 30% more of the earth's resources than the earth can produce. We are taxing the future of humanity, as the popular expression goes nowadays. Various ecological movements advocate radical cultural and economic changes to our treatment of the environment. Conservationists and sustainable development approaches are in favour of tougher anti-pollution laws and international agreements to reduce harm to the earth. We believe that these two seemingly different views on how to deal with potential future environmental catastrophe have more in common than generally acknowledged.
Of course, there are numerous ways through which we can adjust and change our everyday life activities in order to help improve the environment. Practicing the three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle), choosing a bike over driving a car, using rain barrels for water gardens, choosing organic products over those produced with the help of chemicals and other unsustainable means--these are some of everyday strategies that people have already incorporated into their life activities. Limiting our carbon footprint still remains a major theoretical and practical problem. Global climate change has now alarmed greens and statesmen alike, and has alerted the average citizen about the future of his or her children. Nevertheless, we have learned about the advantages of being Green, if not for ourselves, for our children.
In YourTree.com we have tried to develop a conservation and reforestation plan so that we can give back to nature in an effort to undo a small part of our damage. We hope this small step will grow into a model for expanding such projects, but more than that, we hope that our step will lead to future creative approaches that would turn back the ecological clock in the hands of the sober generations of tomorrow.
Specifically, YourTree.com's vision is to improve the ecosystem through reforestation and forest ecosystem restoration. In this process, we hope to get the involvement of local and urban communities, ecologists and environmentalists, and business. We are aware that there is cynicism about this approach: some argue that reforestation is only to ensure future income for global logging companies. We understand such concerns, but we are hoping by planting trees today, with rising awareness about the importance of a healthy relationship with nature, there will be legislation tomorrow that will ensure that nature will no longer be easy source of profit.
While YourTree.com runs as a company, its vision of forest (ecosystem) conservationism and restoration cannot be achieved without community, individual, and business involvement and commitment.
But much work and vision lies ahead.
Unlike tree farming, restoring a forest is done in the natural habitat, with species that are indigenous and therefore suit the climate and terrain. This increases the chances for the growth of the tree and the health of the surrounding ecosystem. What is also equally important is to launch revegetation, vegetation restoration, and river bank restoration. Accomplishing this requires sufficient funding to acquire healthy seedling trees, to ensure the work is done effectively and safely in conditions and surroundings that challenge the people doing manual labour on foot. One of our concerns is to respect the labour of tree-planters and see to it that they too feel like being a part of our common future.
Future projects require funds for research, time and effort to ensure a project that is viable, ethical, sustainable and protected by the appropriate agreement or covenant. As such, YourTree.com regards itself as only a stepping stone towards a greater and holistic project of natural conservation. McPhee Creek project has room for further expansion and it can become a model for similar conservationist projects. Your donation to this project will guarantee the sustainability of conservationist movement.
At YourTree.com, we have built a common ground for people worldwide to engage in sustainable economic activity that is at the same time ecologically ethical. We are working on major partnerships to ensure the future of conservation. Help us with the replenishing of our forests around the globe to ensure that we will make a better future for the next generation that will follow.
We encourage you to join us in our attempts to help our planet's forests grow again - one tree at a time.
