Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value here at ALPAKA. We believe in giving back and that’s why we’re proud members of 1% for the Planet.
The days of using business solely as a source of profit are behind us and we all have an important choice to make in deciding to ignore consumer shifts and Mother Nature’s needs or we can embrace our ability to choose and commit to making a difference in co-creating a brighter tomorrow for future generations.
We’ll be donating 1% of sales to NGOs that are making the world a better place by dedicating their time and resources to environmental causes.
WE PLANT A TREE WITH EVERY BAG SOLD
At ALPAKA, our goal is to offer you great bags & accessories, but we also think it is absolutely vital to take care of the planet. Not just to offset our CO2 emissions, but also to contribute to the regrowing of wildlife habitats and raising awareness. In a bid to offset our CO2, we partnered with our mates at One Tree Planted, a 501C3 non-profit with a focus on global reforestation. They've helped us plant trees in California, Australia, Indonesia, South America and different parts of Africa.
In the past we've partnered with Tree-Nation to support their forestry efforts in Africa. As we grow, our sustainability efforts will also grow with us.
WHY WE PLANT TREES
We’re in business to build the best products we can but we also know that any business activity - from office lighting to shipping - is part of the problem. Our end goal is to do business for good. So we wanted to make a positive contribution while involving our costumers in the process.
For every bag sold, we plant a tree on your behalf. Deforestation across the world is increasing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere causing havoc and accelerating climate change on our planet. Rising temperatures contribute to rising sea levels, with warmer ocean temperatures threatening wildlife & leading to extinction. We accept our responsibility to work towards offsetting our emissions.
California
California's forests provide innumerable benefits, including clean water and air, recreation, habitat, and beautiful scenery. Healthy forests also play an important role in addressing climate change. Five years of drought and a large-scale bark beetle infestation have seriously damaged California’s forests. 2017’s record-breaking wildfire season burned more than 1.3 million acres – an area the size of Delaware. 2020's fire season has consumed close to 3 million acres, resulting in hundreds of millions of trees that will need to be restored.
To maximize the impact of our donation, One Tree Planted's partner will determine the most appropriate species of tree to plant, depending on the time of year. Species planted include the Sugar Pine, California Redwood (State Tree), Maple, Elderberry, Willow, Birch, Dogwood, Cedar, Giant Sequoia, and Walnut.
Australia & New Zealand
One Tree Planted has planted trees in five of Australia’s states and territories and across New Zealand. Their projects are restoring forests following the destruction of the Black Summer bushfires; are rejuvenating critical habitat for wildlife like koalas and cockatoos; and safeguarding community watersheds through restoration of indigenous tree species.
Amazon Rainforest
Home to iconic species like the Jaguar, Macaw, Amazon River Dolphin, Black Spider Monkey, and Poison Dart Frog, the Amazon River Basin is a vast region with 1.9 billion acres of rainforest and over 1,100 tributaries — 17 of which are longer than 1,000 miles. With the world’s largest rainforest ecosystem, it spans 9 countries and is home to almost 30% of plant and animal species on Earth. And by holding an estimated 90-140 billion metric tons of carbon, its forests play a critical role in the fight against climate change. Unfortunately, due to logging, unsustainable agriculture, and forest fires, it’s also a high risk zone for deforestation and degradation. Planting trees in the Amazon Rainforest will help conserve habitat for its iconic wildlife species, provide sustainable livelihoods to local people, and stabilize the climate.
One Tree Planted will work with local farmers to establish sustainable agroforestry using shade-grown cocoa, native tree species, and productive timber species. They will also provide training and technical assistance for participants in the sustainable agroforestry model.
Asia
One Tree Planted's projects across Asia are helping rebuild the habitat of critically endangered species like orangutans, tigers, and more than 1,700 species of birds. These projects are creating jobs and providing sustainable, long-term income for communities so people and forests can live together in harmony. Reforestation efforts and projects are undertaken in Indonesia, India, and the Philippines.
Africa
One Tree Planted's focus in Africa is on rebuilding animal habitat, restoring soil and critical watersheds, all while improving the lives of the communities who rely on the forests the most. Our planting partners promote agroforestry and educate farmers on the benefits of improved forestry practices, providing communities with sustainable sources of food, wood, and income. Reforestation efforts and projects are undertaken in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.
HOW IT WORKS
So you've made a purchase or are thinking of making a purchase at our store, fantastic! After you've placed your order you will first receive a confirmation email from us about your order, with a receipt of your purchase. Every month we tally up the orders and make a donation to One Tree Planted's various projects.
