In the past 50 years, there has been a shift in environmental awareness. Environmental movements such as Earth Day, which began in 1970, promoted the idea that our environment, in fact, does impact our lives in ways we previously were not aware of.
We live in a world of what seems to be opposing teams. One that produces pollution, waste, and a growing number of endangered animals and plants; while the opposite side strives to preserve, protect and revive.
There is no denying that our environment truly feeds us and plays an important role in our lives.
- How important is our environment?
- Do we take the land’s life-giving properties for granted, or are we preserving and restoring—teaching future generations to do the same?
- Are we rejuvenating life that has been buried, revealing a beautiful landscape and healthy environment, or do we think it’s someone else’s responsibility to sow the seeds that grow?
These questions have crossed the minds of many, especially those who live by the philosophy of… “When I take care of the Earth, it takes care of me.”
Our relationship with our environment is a reflection of how any relationship works in our lives. When we sow seeds of compassion and wait patiently, these seeds flourish. What seeds are you sowing?
Here are a number of reasons to take care of our environment:
- Planting provides economic sustainability. This may not be a reason that comes to mind when you think about saving the environment. But your actions of planting and preserving the environment actually create jobs for a number of people. A great deal of organizations plant trees as a one-time event. However, when those trees aren’t nurtured, they eventually dry up and produce nothing.
Therefore, there must be ongoing care for the trees. This maintains not only the work you have put into planting but jobs for those who pick up where planting left off.
What’s more is to find a plant life that can provide years of job sustainability like the olive tree. Did you know the average lifespan of an olive tree is 500 years? This is a tremendous return on your investment, not only for the environment but also for economic stability as well!
- Planting leaves a legacy. The legacy of planting trees makes an impact on both those who are physically close to the trees, as well as those who sponsor the trees. For My Olive Tree, the olive trees we plant beatify a once barren land, and through our Wall of Honor, you and your family are able to see your name amongst others who have made an impact on Israel.
This physical act of restoration sends a message to those in the land, as well as to those around you. It says that you care about the world’s people and the environment. What a legacy to pass along!
- It is important to be bio-diverse. There are a number of organizations that promote reforestation in a variety of ways. However, there are few that plant olive trees in Israel and provide the humanitarian aid that My Olive Tree
Israel is known for their innovative approach to technology. One major contribution to agriculture and the environment was the invention of drip irrigation. Simcha Blass, a Jewish inventor and chief water engineer of Israel in the 1930s, made the accidental discovery of drip irrigation resulting in a process that provided plants with healthy water flow while conserving water.
Israeli drip irrigation technology is also being used on farms in California today. During the drought of 2015, farmers in the United States were searching for innovative ways to conserve water; through drip irrigation, some used 35% less water compared to those with surface or sprinkler irrigation. One farmer reported getting “70% more tomatoes per 1,000 gallons of water,” according to an article published in The New York Times.[i]
When innovative minds come together to better our Earth there is more diversity and opportunity for conservation.
- Planting reflects our character. We’ve all heard of it… and it came from Jesus, a Jew Himself, out of the land of Israel.
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…”—Matthew 7:12
When we live by this Golden Rule, there is great movement! My Olive Tree does this in several ways. We sow seeds into the land that reap a literal harvests. We also are able to sow seeds of hope into lives that might otherwise be forgotten. A number of our projects are designed to provide hope for those impacted by the Holocaust, and for generations to come.
This act of ‘doing unto others’ is literally helping widows, children, and those weak in spirit. Will you provide hope for a human life, as well as the life of the Earth?
How can you join the cause and plant a tree?
There are a number of efforts and organizations that promote a greener future. But My Olive Tree is unique in our approach. My Olive Tree is multi-faceted. We are partnering with the influential Middle Eastern country of Israel to plant olive trees that will support their economy for generations, and that sow seeds of security for our own.
The United States is connected to the nation of Israel in various ways. One being homeland security. Israel houses some of the world’s top defense systems and trains with the United States Armed Forces, which provides shared intelligence. My Olive Tree actually plants trees in some of Israel’s military bases!
Because the olive tree’s lifespan is hundreds of years, it simultaneously provides economic growth for the nation. You see, when we take care of our environment and our international relationships we literally reap what we sow.
My Olive Tree projects include:
Commemorative Tree: You can plant a tree in Israel to honor people, places, events, and institutions.
What event in your life would you like to commemorate?
As well as commemorating important aspects of your life and culture, the trees raise money for sustainable agriculture in Israel.
Sponsor an olive tree in the land Israel and join us in helping provide employment for Israeli families, as well as funds for humanitarian aid projects in Israel. Each year our farmers keep the olive harvest proceeds as part of our effort to help build their agricultural economy, and My Olive Tree in-turn donates a minimum of 10% of all oil sales from these trees directly into humanitarian aid projects—thus, blessing Israel for generations to come!
Memorial Tree: Most memorials are cold and lifeless. This is unfortunate given that memorials are intended to commemorate life.
Because of the increase of environmental awareness, tree planting has increased as a way to memorialize a life, and for good reason. The resonating power of trees are used to bring people together and to create lasting, living memorials.
A living memorial is fitting to members of our family, to our community, and to those who served to protect us. Olive trees thrive in well-drained, sandy soil. They need full sun, a long, hot growing season, and a winter of at least three months with temperatures ranging from 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grown in these conditions, olive trees will begin producing olives at around four or five years of age. Olive production increases with time and will become most effective when the tree reaches 40 or 50 years old.
This is a beautiful way to commemorate a life even into the next generation!
A Holistic Approach to Going Green.
Much like our whole body, our world—both the land and its people—is intricately integrated to depend upon each part for survival. When one part of the whole begins to break down, it leaves the others compromised and weakened, threatening life.
When you partner with My Olive Tree you are doing more than providing a tree… you are making a way for jobs, growth, honor, legacy, and so much more. People from across the world are coming together for a greener tomorrow. Be a part of our pioneering community!
[i] https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/opinion/sunday/how-california-is-winning-the-drought.html