Rainforest Eco has launched...

Well, it's been mighty quiet in blogland the last few months, since all hands have been on deck to both finalize designs and print samples for the opening eco textile line. Done.

The Generosity of the Universe sent me a stellar business partner who has skills in areas I lack, and he's working on the business plan and governance while I've done the design work now for the promotional materials, hang tags, identity and website for Rainforest ECO. In fact, just last night the website finally went live, as it's been impossible to focus on ALL fronts at once. I'm REALLY looking forward to having a team doing what one or two of us do now!

But there's now no question in my mind, that this is inspired work - for which I take no more credit than for listening and following what seems to be the most obvious thing that needs doing in the moment. The Breathing Life of the Cosmos and the Earth itself want this.

Have a look and see what you think, knowing improvements will be continual: www.rainforestECO.com. Nothing is for sale to the public yet, we're now lining up distributors - from online networks, to trendy chain stores, to interior design showrooms.

There's the beginning of a catalogue online now, no prices - just some photos taken at a friend's home and at Agape after a Choir Sunday on July 26, (yes, that's me wearing our pink fern fabric as a sarong - front row - pink Indian shirt - right in front of the Rev's left hand) with the genuinely beautiful inwardly and outwardly, Rickie Byars Beckwith modeling some of my fabrics after three services, starting with sound check at 6am - this picture taken around 3pm. This woman truly lives to give!



As the Rev says, "The Gift will make it's own way..."

The key is to just keep saying "Yes, use me some more..."

Mata Atlantica calls...

Well it's been sketchy internet access while I've had my first crash course in the value of Mata Atlantica - the Atlantic Rainforests of Brazil. Where to begin - this is going to be an unfolding story of great importance over the coming days as I'm able to add references from the sources who have become my authorities on this matter.

In the US, all we hear about when we hear of Brazilian rainforests, is the Amazon. Without diminishing in the least the import of the area, we have not been told about the Atlantic rainforest, of which only 7% remains. However, within this 7% is said to be even greater diversity than found in the Amazon due to the climatic differences.

Here slash and burn is the greatest threat, as I've heard a rumor that there are more cattle than Brazilians on the land. People are living for bare subsistence and must be shown the value of their land WITH trees (reforestation can take place in a relatively short period of time) and given sources of income for keeping the trees intact, while sustainably harvesting an abundance of small crops.

One of my sources of information, Antoni Karras - guardian of a magnificent waterfall and ecologist, has shared with my some grizzly news from a report presented to the University of Wisconsin, which stated that the Amazon is already in massive danger due to climate change melting the snow capped mountain that feeds the Amazon River itself, and the dense dark matter of the equatorial forest. So while every effort to preserve this forest is valued, it may be of greater importance in the bigger picture to REforest the Mata Atlantica and other previously forested areas of Brazil to replace the loss of Amazon over time.

Networking for the Amazon in Sao Paulo

It's been an amazing week of making connections for the Amazon rainforest. Yesterday I had a meeting with a Brazilian furniture designer, Fabiola Bergamo, who has been making trips into remote reserves to work alongside of native craftsmen to build gorgeous furniture and home decor items from scraps of exotic woods that were otherwise being wasted, grasses that would otherwise be burned, and creating economic sustainability for families.

We're very excited by the potential for collaboration, and she opened two new reserve partner possibilities to me.

I'm on my way to get my Yellow Fever shot as this trip to meet the organizations committed to the preservation process draws closer.

Um ambraco (a hug),
Alana

Invitation to Hileia Reserve

Dear Alana,

It was a pleasure to speak with you this afternoon and to hear about your plans to establish a business with an admirable vision. I am also very pleased to hear that you are considering a visit to Brazil, and know that your journey will be at once rewarding and informative.

Your goal to support organizations which are dedicated to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest is an area where we share a common interest. As I mentioned to you in our conversation, I have spent most of the last 4 years in the region of Manaus as we work to establish a fruit processing business which will redefine the business dynamic of the region in favor of a more ethical and equitable outcome for smallholders in the Mid Solimoes region. Our initiative involves an integrated approach to many of the challenges which currently exist in the region, and employs a long term strategy informed by both local and international stakeholders. You might be interested to have a look at our site, www.turiyaamazonia.com.

Our primary partner in Manaus is Associacao Hileia (www.hileia.org.br). Their grassroots, principled approach and profound understanding of the local conditions were fundamental in our choice to work with them. They have a reserve near Manaus which boasts an impressive level of biodiversity due to its location at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes. They work with local communities, the State government and the scientific community in their efforts to spread knowledge and protect the rainforest.

I feel that a meeting with the Director of Hileia, Dr. Erich Pabst and his team might be very useful for you as you undertake your due diligence. I would be pleased to connect you with Hileia should your travel plans be confirmed, and I have every confidence that your journey to Manaus will be pivotal to your understanding of how best to accomplish your specific goals.
Please keep me informed of your plans, and I can make all of the necessary arrangements to make your visit productive and worthwhile.

I am also hopeful that we might have the opportunity to meet either in Manaus or in LA before too long.

With best regards,

Ian Scanlan
Turiya Amazonia

Rainforest Eco is Born

Welcome to the humble beginning, of Rainforest Eco, the 100% conscious textile company dedicated to Brazilian rainforest preservation. In the days ahead you'll hear from some of our partners who are engaged in the rainforest preservation work, as well as watch our development from an inspired Vision into a massive Action plan!

My name is Alana Lea, and I am a Brazilian American botanical artist.



As I prepare for my first trip home since leaving as a baby, I also plant my intention to use my talents for the good of our children's earth, by creating sustainable products to generate revenues for the important rainforest preservation work being done by my partners in Brazil.