Florence Reed Wins E-chievement Award!
The popular weekly radio show, Etown, will be featuring SHI's Founder and President, Florence Reed, this month. Flo is the winner of their prestigious e-chievement award for her work in bringing sustainable alternatives to destructive slash-and-burn farming to more than 70 communities in Central America. In the past seven years, Flo has lead Sustainable Harvest International to take great steps forward in the battle against poverty and deforestation in the tropics. Flo's debut on the show will air from November 10th through November 16th. Please visit Etown's website to find a station airing the show near you!
Vegetarian Times Magazine Features SHI
Vegetarian Times magazine celebrates its 30th issue in November/December 2004. In a new section titled who2give2, the editors feature five charities that exemplify vegetarian values. We are pleased to find SHI among such important groups as Project Open Hand, Hearts United for Animals, Bread & Jams, Inc. and our partner organization in Belize, Plenty International. SHI has been selected for this article because of the support we offer farmers who want to grow food for their families using sustainable methods. Mayan farmer Domingo Shol started working with SHI after he found that cattle farming was destroying his land. Domingo tells us:"I used to have many acres of land that was put aside for pasture but when I began working with SHI, it was a significant change for my family. We have been doing the best we can to reforest the portion of land cleared for pasture. I thought before that my plan of venturing into pasture was a great business but I found that it was bad for the environment and not a good way to go. I have now learned not to clear the trees along the waterways for watershed. I have understood all that so what I did was to sell the cattle I had. I began reforesting the area with fast growing trees and fruit trees. I was once a slash-and-burn farmer but now, I am clearly beginning to see and understand the need to stop the habit and to reverse to more meaningful and good sustainable practices."
Pick up a copy of the Vegetarian Times at your local newsstand or bookstore or visit them online.
Teach Nutrition in Belize Spring 2005
February 21st - March 6th
This spring, SHI launches its first Smaller World volunteer-driven service trip to Belize. We will be helping economically disadvantaged families grow nutritious vegetables that will not only improve their health, but create an additional source of income.Participants will start their experience in Belize with a training workshop where they will learn about local produce, cooking, sanitation and family needs for proper nutrition. The group will then travel to remote Mayan villages and hold educational workshops of their own for local community members. Participants will stay at a rustic eco-lodge in the jungle and will have the opportunity to truly experience Mayan culture. During the two week trip there will also be a weekend excursion that may include snorkeling, rafting, hiking and visiting Mayan ruins.
Before departure, trip participants will be asked to hold community fundraising and awareness events. The group of volunteers will be asked to raise $3,000. These funds will be used to purchase educational supplies as well as materials to share with the communities such as seeds, chimneys for wood-conserving cook stoves, silos, pipes for irrigation systems and gardening tools.
The cost for this trip will be $1,200 per volunteer. This price includes food, lodging and transportation to and from the village sites in Belize, SHI staff assistance and administrative costs. Airfare is not included in this price, but we are happy to help you arrange your flight.
With your help, farmers in Belize will be able to grow nutritious food for their families without cutting down more of the forest. Click here to view travel itinerary. If you'd like to learn more about this, and other Smaller World Tours, please contact our office.
Give Hope
Please consider giving a gift of hope this season by making a donation to SHI in the name of a friend or family member. A beautiful card will be sent to your loved one and your financial support will help SHI's 2,000+ participants address the issues of poverty and deforestation.Suggested Gift Amounts:
- Plant 100 trees.....................$40
- Farm 3 acres sustainably.........$75
- Grow an organic garden..............$150
Sustainable Harvest International • 81 Newbury Neck Rd. Surry, ME 04684 • 207.374.2002 (phone) • 207.374.2093 (fax) • info@sustainableharvest.org • www.sustainableharvest.org