Ministering to the environment and farmers by purchasing power.
This year, more than 2,130 congregations across the USA will use "eco-palms". From a pilot program of 5,000 in 2005 to the 600,000 eco-palms ordered (usatoday/news/religion) this year, the March 16 celebration brings new meaning of sustainability to the century old Christian tradition of Jesus walking the walk.
Like fair trade teas, which tie together ecosystem sustainability and a fair cost to farmers , "eco-palms" are purchased with the idea that the harvesters are wasting less, and farmers providing palms are given better compensation for their labor.
While eco-palms can cost a church twice of a typical palm, it may offer a congregation some encouragement that they have elevated the quality of life in some part of the world for people who don't have the power to grab it for themselves, while encouraging and educating low waste harvesting techniques that help sustainability.
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