Last year Jiminy’s announced our partnership with veritree to launch a tree planting program. It’s the next step toward our objective of achieving climate neutrality with our products.
We use insect protein and it’s enabled Jiminy’s to save land and water while eliminating greenhouse gases through our dog treats treats and food brands - but there’s still work to do. Climate change fights hard and we need to be hitting back on every front. Our production goal is to achieve carbon neutrality – a state of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions – and be our best climate partner. It won’t happen overnight, but we’re taking key steps that will move us toward that goal.
This year we’re planting more trees. In fact, from now through the end of April (Earth Month) we’ll be planting 40 trees for every order that we receive on our website. It’s a very exciting start!
WHY TREES? 🌳
It bears repeating - forests are the lungs of the earth. They stabilize local weather patterns and help control the global climate. There’s too much CO2 warming our atmosphere and protecting and restoring trees are two efficient and cost-effective ways to fix that.
Unfortunately, there isn’t ‘one answer’ to tackling climate and biodiversity crises. Based on their size and long life, however, trees are a powerful tool for carbon sequestration. Scientists have modelled that IN ADDITION to cutting emissions, the conservation, restoration, and replanting of trees could be the fastest and most economical way to help restore equilibrium. When trees are planted properly - e.g. planting the right trees in the right places - they also provide a wealth of additional benefits beyond carbon sequestration alone.
TYPES OF TREES PLANTED 🌱
This year, we again had the choice of several different types of tree projects. Some of them focus on reforestation due to forest fires, logging, clearing for long term cattle farming, etc. There’s also afforestation which involves planting new trees or sowing seeds in an area that was previously treeless so a brand new forest arises. Other projects focus on restoring biodiversity to an area which is vital piece to the puzzle.
Beyond the simple necessity of trees, it’s just as important to factor in the types of trees with their impact locally. We decided to focus on two types of initiatives.
1 – Mangroves in Kenya and Madagascar. We love mangrove trees! Studies show that mangroves sequester carbon 2 – 4 times greater than mature tropical forests and contain the highest carbon density of all terrestrial ecosystems. From a carbon perspective, we feel that we can make the most impact with these trees.
With the ability to store vast amounts of carbon, mangrove forests are key weapons in the fight against climate change, but they are under threat worldwide. By protecting mangroves, we can help protect the future of our planet.
2 – Reforestation in British Columbia. There was a devastating forest fire in the area that we chose. Since Jiminy’s is based in California, we’ve become very familiar with forest fires and it’s hard to ignore their increasing frequency and intensity. The 2021 Caldor Fire was just outside the Bay Area and destroyed 80% of the trees caught in its wake. Rebuilding areas hit by these fires will be a priority area for us moving forward.
A walk through the Sierra Nevada foothills after the Caldor Fire was finally contained last summer.
IMPACT – BEYOND THE OBVIOUS BENEFIT OF MORE TREES
The key benefit of planting trees is the role that they play in taking in CO2 and converting it to oxygen. Some trees also sequester CO2 in their roots and mangroves are particularly good at this. Happily, there are other benefits too. Here are a few more:
Provide habitat for wildlife
Again, we’ll focus on mangroves. Mangroves form a tangled web of above-ground roots, creating a unique and complex habitat for all sorts of marine life. Numerous marine species, including fish and shrimp, use mangroves as nurseries during early life stages. An accumulation of bacteria amid mangrove tree detritus provides plenty of food for growing youngsters while the thickets of the mangrove roots hides juveniles from larger predators. When the mangrove refuge is no longer required, these animals venture out into the adjoining reefs or the open ocean. In this manner, mangroves act as a critical source to replenish some of the ocean’s fish population.
Reduce erosion and water runoff 💧
Trees are increasingly recognized for their importance in managing runoff. Their leaf canopies help reduce erosion caused by reducing the velocity of falling rain. They also provide surface area where rain water lands and evaporates. Roots then take up water and help create conditions in the soil that promote infiltration.
Provide Jobs
The mangrove project is an “employ-to-plant” model whereby locals are provided with consistent, good-paying jobs to plant trees. Over 75% of the population of Madagascar lives on less than $2 USD/day and poverty is one of the leading causes of deforestation. Local communities cut down trees for firewood, shelter, to sell as charcoal or to make grazing land. Unfortunately, this directly leads to soil erosion and habitats can be destroyed which then leads to even more poverty. By educating local communities on the importance of planting trees and then employing and engaging them in the restoration, communities can create a viable local economy that will be sustainable long term.
WHY PARTNER WITH VERITREE?
Our business is making pet food and treats, not planting trees. We wanted to give back and plant trees but don’t have the skills in-house to do it right. We chose veritree because they not only help plant trees, but they also work hard with local communities to ensure the trees survive to maturity. Each step is equally important.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Buy Jiminy’s! We’ll plant 40 trees for every order placed through the end of April (Earth month). It’s truly Happy Pets, Healthy Planet. 🐾