Grace Church is Using Eco-Palms for Palm Sunday

This year Grace Church is switching to using Eco-palms for Palm Sunday which are sustainably harvested palms. The harvest of palm products is an important income source for many tropical families and communities. For example, more than a half of the farmers in Guatemala’s Central Peten region earn income by harvesting palm fronds and more than a quarter support themselves exclusively by collecting palm fronds.

Over-harvesting can threaten the livelihood of these communities as well as the forests where the palm plants thrive. Similarly, decreased harvesting caused by reduced market demand could have a detrimental effect because forests that no longer provide a source of palm income are at risk of destructive conversion to large agricultural fields or pasture. Protecting these forests and jobs require a delicate balance between retaining a market for palm fronds and encouraging sustainable harvesting practices.

By purchasing Eco-palms we are supporting small farmers in developing countries and protecting the environment – a great practice in environmental stewardship and reaching out to those in need.

For more information visit: www.ecopalms.org

Peace,

The Rev. Noah H. Evans