Innovative Solutions: Rainforest Foundation US and Save the Rainforest Bars
Rainforest Foundation US
Nearly four decades ago, Sting and Trudie Styler committed themselves to safeguarding the Kayapo people of Brazil against the dire consequences of deforestation. Today, the Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS)—a grassroots initiative they established in 1988—continues this mission in Brazil while extending its efforts to support Indigenous populations and protect rainforests in Peru, Guyana, and Mesoamerica.
A rights-driven approach
With approximately 1.5 million Indigenous individuals living within the Amazon rainforest, RFUS emphasizes not only the preservation of the forests but also the rights of those who call it home.
“Empowering Indigenous peoples as the principal stewards of the rainforest is central to our mission,” states Executive Director Suzanne Pelletier. “This initiative transcends mere forest conservation; it is about championing their rights, livelihoods, and cultural practices.”
Indigenous-focused policies
Upholding the rights of Indigenous communities has numerous advantages—not just for the health of rainforests but for global welfare amid the ongoing climate crisis.
“Deforestation ranks as the second largest contributor to global carbon emissions,” Pelletier explains. “Research shows that forests managed by Indigenous peoples function as superior carbon reservoirs compared to national parks, experiencing less deforestation overall.”
RFUS aids and empowers Indigenous groups through initiatives for territorial surveillance, land stewardship, policy advocacy, and legal action.
Promoting Indigenous rights has been a foundational principle for RFUS since its beginning. “We were among the first organizations to merge Indigenous rights with large-scale environmental conservation efforts,” Pelletier remarks.
“In the past year, we assisted over 200 Indigenous communities in enhancing their governance and financial management capabilities,” Pelletier adds. “This integrated strategy not only helps mitigate deforestation but also strengthens Indigenous groups to effectively oversee and protect their ancestral lands.”
Save the Rainforest Bars
With an awareness of having created a unique product in the form of a satisfying superfood bar, co-founders Lauren Feingold and Ashanty Williams aimed to give back to the Amazon rainforest, from which many of the bar’s nutrient-rich ingredients are sourced.
Honoring Mother Earth
In their quest to craft a superfood bar, Feingold and Williams were committed to maintaining superior ingredient quality.
“Many of our superfoods are sourced from the Amazon rainforest. We gradually educated ourselves about our supply chain,” Feingold reflects. “In the process, we became increasingly aware of the impact of deforestation on the Amazon region.”
Feingold attributes her introduction to RFUS to a business associate, who connected her with the executive director there. “We were instantly moved by the vital efforts RFUS has undertaken and continues to carry out to safeguard the ancestral lands within the Amazon rainforest,” she shares.
A successful collaboration
Each time Save the Rainforest Bars are sold, 5% of the profits are contributed to RFUS.
“We realize that the advantages of consuming nutrient-dense, functional ingredients can only be achieved by taking care of Mother Earth, the true source of our extraordinary ingredients,” Feingold remarks. “Partnering with such a significant organization is a privilege, allowing us to play our part in promoting the planet’s health through our donations and efforts to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the rainforest.”
Nourishing ingredients from a thriving rainforest
“The uniqueness of our ingredients differentiates our bars from others on the market,” asserts Feingold, a dedicated athlete and culinary enthusiast.
Produced in a raw, paleo facility and available in flavors such as Mango Cashew, Mexican Chocolate, and Blueberry Matcha, Save the Rainforest Bars offer a delicious and energizing way to enjoy organic rainforest superfoods while supporting the important environmental and human rights initiatives of RFUS.
This article originally appeared in the September-October 2024 edition of Daitrl magazine (US edition).
