Spring 2017 NEWSLET TER
NEW NEEM TURMERIC COLLECTION SUPPLIES TO TOGO
A letter from ose
Alaffia Reforestation Project, September 2010
As much as we may forget in our modern lives, human beings are part of every ecosystem and environment we live in. This is particularly true in West Africa, where people still rely on resources in their immediate surroundings for survival. And, because of this reliance, communities and individuals are ever more vulnerable to changes in the environment and access to resources. Alaffia is acutely aware of this, because we too are dependent on the continuing health of West African ecosystems. Our very base material comes from a wild tree, so if these trees are cut down for immediate needs or if rain patterns are interrupted by climate change, we would not be able to provide employment or carry out our empowerment programs. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons (climate change, population growth, urbanization, and others), deforestation in Togo and the rest of West Africa has accelerated in recent years. In fact, over half of Togo’s forests have disappeared in the past 25 years. This rapid deforestation, coupled with increased demand for fuel wood and charcoal, has put immense pressure on shea tree populations. Shea trees have long been protected due to their cultural and economic value, but as immediate needs become more pressing, we have seen them being cut down at an increased rate over the past ten years. In 2006, we established our Reforestation Project to help provide a solution to deforestation and the pressure on our resource. We have planted over 50,000 trees with farmers, shea nut collectors and students in our central Togo communities. Now, we are expanding our Reforestation Project by joining forces with other organizations, such as the Global Shea Alliance and our non-profit partner, the Global Alliance for Community Empowerment, in a three-year program that includes planting 250,000 shea seedlings with the mission to “significantly and measurably improve shea tree populations and productivity while protecting and improving the rights of women collectors to access shea kernels, trees and parklands� (GSA). We will also plant 150,000 alternative fuel wood saplings to help remove pressure from standing shea trees. Our ultimate goal is to establish sustainable communities. The tree planting is just a section of a bigger picture, and in order to successfully accomplish our goal, it is crucial we continue to educate. Therefore, our program includes community-based education for rural farmers as to the benefits of intercropping of shade-adapted crops with shea trees, and the impacts of eliminating shea trees for fuelwood or agricultural clearing. At Alaffia, we believe that the cooperation of people across the world is an essential part of building sustainability in all communities. Together, our choices and actions can improve current and future living conditions for our communities and planet. As always, thank you for joining us on our path to a sustainable future. In Peace,
Prairie Rose Hyde
Medical supplies donated,
ain-fed Neem Turmeric
The snow has begun to melt in Olympia, Washington, opening up trail paths dormant during the winter. There is nothing quite like hiking on your favorite trail, the quietness of the woods, the imposing mountains, and smells of pine, spruce, and fir. With the arrival of the new year and spring, we’re excited to introduce a line of products incorporating a new pairing – neem and turmeric. The smell alone, mint fresh and herbaceous, will evoke memories of your last day hike in the rain. Multiple studies have shown beneficial properties found in neem oil. Additionally, turmeric has also proven an effective adaptogen and antioxidant. Rose, co-founder and ethnobotanist, and Rahul, our pharmacognosist, have created a wonderful line with a beautiful, moss-green, rain-fed design. Intricate patterns and a colorful field of traditional cloths saturate one’s field of vision as a visitor to Togo. Our design team has been charged with the task of showing Togo to its consumers for a clearer understanding of what Alaffia does. We hope our new packaging will allow you to experience a stronger connection to our Togolese family – the dedicated group of leading ladies cracking coconuts, harvesting shea nuts, and providing safe childbirths for women.
Saharan Winds Bring Gauze Pads and Gurneys Traditional ironworkers dance at Alaffia's donation ceremony of medical materials in Bassar, Togo, Decemer 2016
The transition from December to January is marked by the home-to-home gorging of decadent feasts and dancing for the much anticipated nouvel an (The New Year), the beginning of the second trimester for students and teachers, and the arrival of seasonal winds swooping down from the Sahara known as harmattan. Additionally, December brought with it a new partnership for Alaffia with Project C.U.R.E., the largest provider of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries around the world. Their initial assessment of community needs and clinical infrastructure led to a donation ranging from gauze pads to gurneys projected to support the needs of 1.5 million individuals. We are very excited by this new partnership moving forward and the difference it will make in meeting the health needs of our Togolese friends. We also want to thank you for the continuation of our bicycle, eyeglasses, and school supplies program. Another shipment was sent in January that included the following: • 239 bicycles • 111 boxes of eyeglasses • 27 boxes of school supplies As students head back to school after a brief holiday reprieve and Togo moves into its rainless, hot season, these supplies help ensure students’ academic success, their ability to see the board from the back of the classroom, and help with students’ daily commute to school or the well to pump water. "Bravo, et grand merci!" We have another eyeglasses drive between April 1st – June 30th and a school supplies drive August 1st – September 30th.
Bassar, Togo, December 2016
If you would like to become involved, please contact our office at 360-866-0080 or reach out to us at communications@alaffia.com
Alaffia pays fair wages, empowers mothers and families, and utilizes sustainable wildcrafted ingredients. Funds from product sales help conduct the following empowerment projects in Togo, West Africa: (AS OF 01/19/2017)
REFORESTATION 57,575 Trees Planted SCHOOL SUPPLIES 32,842 Student Recipients BICYCLES FOR EDUCATION 7,482 Bikes Distributed MATERNAL CARE 4,463 Births Funded SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION 10 Schools Built 360-866-0080 or visit us at alaffia.com
ALAFFIA | GROW HERE AWARD Alaffia was chosen as one of three local enterprises by the Association of Washington Business (AWB) for the 2017 Grow Here Campaign. This recognition is given to Washington companies demonstrating a commitment to the environment, job growth, and improving the quality of life of individuals and communities. Learn more about the campaign and the good other local businesses are doing for their Washington communities: https://www.growherewashington.com/alaffia Many thanks for your support, Alaffia @AlaffiaSustainableSkincare @AlaffiaSkinCare @Alaffia @Alaffia
Alaffia Founders, Prarie Rose Hyde and Olowo-n'djo Tchala, Olympia, WA, January 2017