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UPDATE: On October 11, 2012, Disney announced a comprehensive paper policy that maximizes its use of environmentally superior papers like recycled and eliminates controversial sources like those connected to Indonesian rainforest destruction. For more info, visit www.ran.org/disney.
The third graders at P.S. 321 in Brooklyn know why rainforests matter.
One student in Sara Greenfield’s 3rd grade class broke it down to the basics: “Rainforests give us food, medicine, even the air we breathe. Why would anyone cut them down?”
Good question. When I got the chance to visit these students amidst their rainforest-themed classrooms and projects last April, I was pleasantly surprised to see not only how many facts students knew about rainforests, but also how passionate they were about saving them. These students were thrilled about our Rainforest-Safe Book List, and were shocked to hear that a company as famous as Disney would have the audacity to print books on paper that comes from rainforests.
Fortunately these students know how to spring into action for what they believe in!
Not only did they take a great class picture reminding Disney to protect rainforests, they also helped to raise funds to support the Rainforest Action Network’s efforts during their annual Walk-A-Thon fundraiser. This year, P.S. 321 students, faculty, and families helped to raise a whopping $3,400 to support Rainforest Action Network, and also raised similar amounts for nonprofits working on other crucial issues around the world. Wow, thanks!
P.S. 321, thank you, on behalf of everyone here at RAN. Not only for helping us to cover the costs of sustainably-printing materials, doing research, and making education materials… thank you for inspiring us and reminding us that not only are we doing this work to protect forests and their inhabitants, but the health and well-being all of our world’s future generations.
We won’t let you down!
