WHOLE FOREST
Check out our latest posts related to the Whole Forest initiative:
Whole Forest Expedition February 2019
Whole Forest Expedition February 2019 Parrots perch on a banana tree, feasting on the still green fruit. In the distance, the howls of monkeys echo through the forest. A yellow viper, leaf-carrying ants, and colorful beetles thrive in the muddy hillsides. The unique...
Alta Andina works throughout the Andes, but calls Ecuador home. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and also one of the most at risk for deforestation and habitat loss. The tropical rainforest along Ecuador’s coastline has been clear cut to less than 10% of its original expanse. Deforestation is one the largest drivers of carbon emissions in the world. With loss of habitat comes loss of species. In order to conserve The Choco Wet Forest in Northwest Ecuador, Whole Forest must not only educate against illegal clear-cutting and logging, but provide an economic alternative for local communities that incentivizes collaboration and conservation. Out of Whole Forests 70 employees, 64 are Ecuadorian community members. Whole Forest’s model integrates local communities into both forest management and manufacturing their line of wood products, providing jobs that pay better than any clear cutting or logging alternatives.
Whole Forest produces stunningly beautiful hardwood flooring, tables, countertops and furniture, created with wood sourced responsibly from their managed forests. In total, roughly 2 trees per acre are harvested every 20 years from their managed forests. Instead of sourcing only the most popular wood for production, Whole Forest harvests a mix of the tree species creating unique colors and patterns and truly one of a kind products. Furthermore, trees are extracted from the forest using a system of cables, not roads, thus further protecting the natural habitat.
Alta Andina and Whole Forest share a common vision and an uncommon approach to that achieving that vision which is to create high quality, sustainable, responsible sourced and manufactured products. Sustained and long lasting economic opportunity is fundamental in effective conservation and lasting change. Alta Andina and Whole Forest will collaborate on conservation projects and collaborative product lines. Stay tuned for more as joined projects and conservation efforts take shape.
Check out Whole Forest’s unique product selection, and learn more about their incredible company story.