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Verve's
commitment to environmental and social justice is twofold; first,
we closely monitor the environmental and social impact of our own
business practices, and second, we create products and curriculum
that help children think about environmental and social issues in
innovative, interesting, and developmentally appropriate ways.
Our finished products are designed to help people think about where
products come from, how raw materials and natural resources can
be used responsibly, and how communities around the world depend
upon one another to help build a healthier future.
Verve uses
recycled cardboard packaging on its products because it is 100%
biodegradable. The result is easy on the eyes, to be sure, but
it’s also eco-wise! Verve is also a dedicated member of
Green America and
1% for the Planet. Accordingly,
we donate 1% of all sales to organizations which help to
conserve the environment. And, to help empower the next
generation, Verve offers six academic scholarships per year to
the sons and daughters of Mexican chicleros engaged in the study
of environmental issues and sustainable forestry.
New for 2008- 2009, Verve has partnered with
Trees for the Future to plant
trees in Central America. Trees for the Future is an
agroforestry resource center that introduces sustainable land
management programs throughout the world, primarily through tree
planting initiatives. Since chicle-harvesting can only protect
the sapodilla trees which produce it, this program will help to
expand other forests and create more opportunities for
environmental sustainability.
Additionally
we proudly support the following organizations working to create
a better future for all of us:
- The
Cloud Forest School locally known as the Centro de Educación
Creativa, is a bilingual school located in the tropical cloud
forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Founded in 1991 to increase
educational opportunities for a growing population of school-age
children in the area, this independent school offers creative,
experiential instruction to over 200 students with an emphasis
on integrating environmental education into all aspects of the
school. "The mission of the school is to encourage a new
generation of ecologically aware, bilingual individuals with the
skills and motivation to make environmentally and socially conscious
decisions on a local, national and global scale."
- The
Forest Foundation promotes sustainable livelihoods through
environmental education and “green” business development. "The
mission of The Forest Foundation is to assist artisans, producer
groups and other entrepreneurs living in and around areas of high
biodiversity."
To learn more about the sustainable
harvest of chicle, please click
here. To learn more
about supporting the rainforest, please click
here.
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