A Message From All of Us at Rikumo

Did you know that city trees tend to live for an average of 13 years less than country trees? Or that loss of forests contributes between 12 percent and 17 percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions? Trees are some of our most powerful renewable natural resources, and some of the best weapons in our arsenal against global climate change. But deforestation efforts and a lack of proper forest management have weakened their population for decades. Without human intervention, there’s a very real chance that trees themselves will become an endangered species.

Wood has always been a source of inspiration for all of us at Rikumo. From the over 260 wooden products we sell to the hand-built shelves, tables, and walls that outfitted our first store, we always find comfort in the little natural oasis wood creates in our homes. That’s why we’re partnering with Plant One Million, an ambitious multi-state tree-planting campaign, to restore the tree canopy cover in the Greater Philadelphia Region to 30 percent. Plant One Million represents 13 counties in southeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey and Delaware: crucial areas that have lost millions of trees to development in recent years. During the month of April, Rikumo will be donating a portion of our proceeds from the sale of wooden products to continue Plant One Million’s efforts. This includes everything from our new Tsumugi Wooden Bowls to a packet of Hinoki Bath Salts.

April is a particularly environmentally-focused month: Earth Day is on April 22nd, and Arbor Day falls just a few days after on the 28th. Each of these holidays celebrates the gift of being alive, and the responsibility we all share to take care of this planet. We hope you will join us in our mission to make Philadelphia a little more green, one tree at a time.  
 

WORDS BY MAGALI ROMAN