Our main purpose for this project is to sequester carbon from the earth's atmosphere. Carbon emissions is one of the leading causes for global warming, therefore by doing our part in minimizing our carbon footprint and that of others willing to participate we can have a great impact on the world as a whole. Carbon sequestration is also just one of the many positive outcomes derived from this project. This would not only allow businesses (local and otherwise), schools, and individuals from all over an opportunity to eradicate or minimize their carbon footprint, but it would also greatly improve conditions in Haiti in multiple ways. Haiti has long been suffering from severe erosion due to deforestation, mono-cropping, and charcoal harvesting, and every rainstorm that comes through the country, leaves the population susceptible to major mudslides. Not only this, but they have a very high unemployment rate, and they lack food as well. Much of their population lives on less than $3 a day
The way that this will work is that a few other student leaders and I will recruit business owners to buy carbon offsets that would diminish their business's footprint. This money would then directly fund Positive Ripples to buy trees to be planted in Haiti by a team of trained professionals. We will also be holding fundraisers and having opportunities for individuals to calculate their carbon footprint and buy offsets. Every little bit that we can do will have immense benefits for Haiti and the Earth as a whole.