The Mercy Corps Blog
A daily look into the work, thoughts and ideas of our team around the world.
Blog Post Posted June 4, 2009, 11:29 am by Mary Tam
Riding the green wave
Children carrying firewood in the sprawling Buhimba displacement camp near Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Photo: Linda Mason for Mercy Corps
Last night, in my sustainability class, we read a case study on Kimpton hotels' EarthCare program. As we discussed the various benefits and challenges of green programs, I couldn’t help but be proud of the numerous contributions Mercy Corps is making towards the eco-conscious movement.
Harnessing innovation and community engagement, Mercy Corps has created programs that benefit both the environment and some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mercy Corps has constructed 20,000 fuel-efficient stoves for families that have been displaced by violence. The stoves reduce firewood consumption by 57-71 percent. Additionally, the decreased need for fuel creates a safer environment for women and children, who are often vulnerable to assault while gathering firewood.
Solar water heaters, biodiesel from cooking oil, green latrines, forestry projects, hydro-electric energy…these are all Mercy Corps projects that are increasing sustainability and improving the quality of life for thousands of people. Who would have thought that boutique hotels and international nonprofits had so much in common?
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How You Can Help
Donate $48: enough to train three displaced women in Congo how to build wood-efficient cookstoves that help preserve forest resources
Donate $110: enough to plant 20 trees in a deforested area of Colombia, as well as teach displaced populations how to create tree nurseries
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About Mary Tam
Mary Tam is a Development Associate for Mercy Corps in San Francisco.
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