Tag Archive for 'Superforester Damani'

The Trickle Up Effect

jackson published on October 24, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Good Afternoon SuperForest!

Jackson Here.

I was talking the other day with the ever-amazing SuperForester Damani, (he of the Good’s for Goods Campaign.) We were discussing Dean Kamen’s two new inventions.

Specifically, we were discussing how many folks in the US would happily cut their energy usage to live more sustainably, and how these machines will, in addition to stabilizing the quality of life for many African men, women, and children, it will also allow many of us “First Worlders” (shudder..) to live a life untethered to a power bill, or a water bill, or any sort of grid whatsoever.

Simply put, a victory for one group of humanity now translates into a victory for all of humanity. If we work together, and convince the powers that be to mass produce Mr. Kamen’s devices, then we can all get the chance to benefit from them.

This year, the One Laptop Per Child Project will release version two of their laptop. Last year, they had a great deal, where every laptop bought in the US meant that a matching laptop would go to a needy child. This year I believe they’re doing the same.

Apply that thinking to the distribution of the Freedom Two (as I will now be calling the pair in absence of a formal name from DEKA.) I buy a pair, a village in Africa gets a pair. One purchase frees two hundred people from the grid. Drinking water for a hundred on their end, and the same for me and my peeps. Bargain.

That really excites me, as the will to get behind the Freedom Two is clearly evident in the success of micro-loan sites like Kiva.

The time is right for a great reorganizing of priorities and vision, and this product, idea, movement, is a clear indicator of the growing social will to help others, and in turn, help themselves.

Exciting times, y’all!

Whooopppeee!

Have a great day, and a wonderful and safe weekend.

Love,

SuperForester Jackson

Goods for Good!

niki published on October 15, 2008 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Goods for Good is an amazing organization that was started by an old friend of mine, Melissa Kushner. She is doing a remarkable job doing something we all wish we had the stamina and determination to accomplish.  
She approaches corporate companies to see what excess materials they have (anything from clothes, pens, paper etc.) and ships them to Malawi and Liberia,where she works with local groups to distribute these materials to kids who need them. It seems like a perfect plan: We have tons and tons of extra stuff, let’s see you needs it! The ultimate in recycling! 
SuperForester Damani, just went to Malawi to document the progress Melissa and her team have been making. 
Here’s the unbelievably beautiful video:

“Goods for Good turns excess into progress. Our slogan is straightforward because our mission is straightforward. We collect surplus goods for targeted distribution to vulnerable children in Africa.

Through partnerships with companies in the United States and local organizations in Africa, we are able to provide much needed school supplies, clothing and health and hygiene products to orphans and vulnerable children, while at the same time reducing waste at home.

We rely on donations of surplus goods from a wide range of companies. Our volunteers help to sort the items and our donors fund the shipment. In Africa, we build on the success of local schools and community centers by supplying them with the tools they need to care for and educate children.

Many of the items we ship to children were gathering dust in warehouses or were slated to be destroyed. On the other side of the world, these same products have an immeasurable worth to disadvantaged children. Together with our international and local partners, we work to develop sustainable care for Africa’s youth.”

If you can offer any help, please do! 

Absolutely inspiring and remarkable!
Niki