The Aloe Tree

Our work is to establish and conserve permanent native woodland in Ireland, encouraging land regeneration and biodiversity. What inspired you to work with Hometree?
The Aloe Tree's mission is to spread awareness and provide the healthiest choices for the consumer and planet alike. This seemed like a pretty healthy choice for us all.. It was a very easy choice to work with hometree which is located on the outskirts of our town. Not only are we supporting reforesting of native Irish woodlands but those woodlands will surround and protect our valley. Our grandchildren will literally swing in their branches. 

You will not see some of the trees you are planting reach maturity, what has inspired such a long term vision?
As we are more and more aware of the impact our every day has on the world it becomes obvious that we have many choices on how to lesson this impact. We make these choices easier for our customers. We make it easy to shop package free and organic, choose from locally supplied produce, recieve a discount for bringing your own coffee cup and drink that coffee knowing that choice is going towards planting a native Irish tree. It helps alleviate the fear and worry of what future we are leaving for our children and ancestors, knowing the choices we make now can provide such a long term positive impact. I believe each step will spread awareness and sense of responsibility for your actions. 

Have there been any key moments you can share about how you or your organisation decided to support a more abundant and healthier world?
Freaking out in college after reading Amy Klein's book "no logo" and feeling the world was doomed and it was impossible to avoid supporting the cycle of child labour and evil corporations. Eventually I found a balance of how I could do my bit by supporting the right causes and keep my integrity of what I supported mainly by where I spent my money. Opening a health food store was a natural progression. It gives me power to only put on the shelves what I am comfortable with.  Sure there have to compromises sometimes but I can say that Nestle, big pharma or Monsanto are not profiting when people shop in The Aloe Tree. 

Would you like to share any key lessons life has taught you?
Spreading awareness is much more possible when spread with compassion rather than wagging fingers at people.  Not everyone is ready to be totally plastic free or out there planting trees but most are willing to change, at their own pace and contribute what they can. Fear and blame are too negative and not productive!