J
ade Yoga’s Dean Jerrehian learned the
values of giving back from his family;
his mother emphasized the importance
of giving back while his father instructed the
family, “You don’t do good deeds for atten-
tion.” That being said, bringing attention to
good deeds can create a positive ripple effect.
Their commitment to good deeds is more than
simply producing an environmentally-friendly
product out of renewable materials or making
a donation to a good cause. The intention is
to make a difference and hopefully to inspire
other people to contribute as well.
When it comes to planting those trees, Jade
Yoga has partnered with the nonprofit global
organization Trees for the Future since 2006.
To date, close to 1.5 million trees have been
planted in the partnership. Business Develop-
ment and Partnerships Associate Daniela Fu-
nez, says the following about Jade, “They have
been pioneers in many ways. Private companies
can get involved to tackle the world’s most
pressing problems like deforestation, hunger
and extreme poverty. It helps bring attention to
issues all should be aware of today.”
Trees can change the life of a community.
According to Trees for the Future, “There are
many ways that trees are beneficial to both
people and the environment. Trees are habitat
for biodiversity. Trees create much of the
planet’s oxygen. And trees help combat climate
change. The list is nearly limitless, but we
focus on the role trees play in agroforestry and
in helping farming families improve their land
quality and productivity.”
The nonprofit currently works in Tanzania,
Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, and Cameroon where
their efforts reach beyond simply planting trees.
With an eye to future sustainability, Trees for
the Future trains farmers in agroforestry and
invests in seeds, tools, and the materials neces-
sary for planting. Trees for the Future focuses
on what they call a Forest Garden Approach
looking not only at planting trees, but creat-
ing sustainable ecosystems with species that
include living fences to protect animals and
fields, trees for lumber and firewood, and fruit
trees for food.
Decisions about tree-planting are made with
the farmers involved and some of the trees
chosen include mangoes, avocado, jujube,
mahogany, acacia, cassia, albizia, citrus, and
cashew, among others. Farmers and communi-
ties participate in training with Trees for the
Future, focusing on initiatives such as Garden-
ing for the Family, Growing Fruit Tree Seed-
lings, Gardening for the Market, and more.5 Practices for Creating Your Own
Forest Garden
Trees for the Future encourages everyone to take
a look at their Forest Garden Training Center.
This free resource provides the 411 on how to
create your own forest garden!
In addition, implement these 5 practices in
your own forest (or urban) garden:- Compost.
- Save rainwater to use in your gardens.
- Use native species.
- Use integrated pest management techniques.
- Rotate your own crops to create more
revitalized soils and see the results of
planting complimentary crop and tree
species near each other.
For more information about Trees for the
Future’s Forest Garden Training Center, visit
training.trees.org/Conscious Business
Jade Yoga is also dedicated to continually
evaluating their initiatives and conscious busi-
ness practices. For example, at the Philadelphia
Environmental Film Festival in April, Dean was“Buy a mat, plant a tree.” This tagline is part of the story of Jade
Yoga. Yet it is far more than just a tagline. This initiative is part of
the mission of the family-owned and run company. From tree plant-
ing to other programs, Jade Yoga recognizes our interdependence, in
business and practice. There is a connection to karma yoga, to giving
back, and to the ideals of yoga being bigger than the practice.