Is it possible to be both a villain and a victim? When it comes to deforestation, the answer is clearly “yes.” Let me explain. When you think of the victims of deforestation, what comes to mind? Animals? Trees? The Earth?

What about the people who cut down the trees?

“No, no, no- they’re the bad guy!” you promptly reply, waving your finger at the screen. Well, it’s not that simple.

Did you know that the majority of the world’s poor population is rural poor? That means most of the poor people in the world are farmers who rely on the land for livelihood. However, over-farmed lands in these areas eventually stop producing crops. Out of desperation, the inhabitants turn to cutting down the forests to sell firewood.

They have a choice that most of us will never have to face—destroy the earth or let their families die of starvation. See what I mean? Villain or victim?

The fact is, the real villain in deforestation is poverty. Poverty has its claws buried deep in millions of people’s lives, forcing them to do whatever it takes to survive. What would you do in their situation?

From Mail Boy to Executive Director

Approximately two decades ago, Scott Sabin travelled to Guatemala to fulfill his Master’s Degree foreign language requirement. During his stay, Scott’s eyes were opened to the issues of injustice and poverty that engulfed the country. With a new sense of purpose he returned to San Diego looking for a way to help the impoverished in foreign countries.

This hunt led Scott to the organization now known as Plant with Purpose. He laughed as he recalled how he started out stuffing envelopes for the organization. 18 years later, Scott now serves as Plant with Purpose’s Executive Director.

Plant with Purpose was founded on the undeniable link between villains and victims in deforestation. Their ultimate goal is to fight rural poverty by land restoration. Not only does that mean reversing deforestation by planting trees, but also teaching locals sustainable farming techniques that won’t destroy the land.

Scott admits that he didn’t get involved to help the environment. All he knew was that people were suffering and he wanted it to stop. Once he joined Plant with Purpose, he realized the connections between poverty and the environment. “I wanted to combat poverty and ended up helping the environment,” he remarks.

Accomplishments Thus Far

Through their unique approach, Plant with Purpose has accomplished much. They have empowered poor farmers to plant over 5 million trees in foreign countries. Thanks to the project’s work, the villains have become the agents of change by planting their own trees and practicing new, environmentally friendly farming techniques. Plant with Purpose goes in and builds deep relationships with the people, reversing poverty and deforestation from the ground up.

Impediments

While their work is fulfilling, it’s not always easy. “Incentives for the poor [to change] are essentially obstacles,” Scott remarks. He goes on to explain how as environmentalists and humanitarians, we see the overall problem as well as the long term solution. However, a poor farmer in a rural country doesn’t have the time to look at the big picture. “Frankly, they live meal to meal.”

Scott continues, “There’s a reason these people deforest. They need to feed their families, today.” And trying something new is difficult and scary. In a place like Haiti, there’s no market. No infrastructure. So Plant with Purpose has to cross cultural boundaries, form relationships with the poor, and convince them that there is a better way.

Looking Forward

  Scott and the rest of Plant with Purpose refuse to let the obstacles keep them from moving forward. In fact, this year alone they have planted over 750 thousand trees. They’re also in the middle of creating a new strategic plan. This plan, which includes Ethiopia and other African countries, will help them focus their future efforts and continue on their quest to end poverty and deforestation.

You can be a part of Plant with Purpose’s future strategic plan. Visit their website for multiple ways in which you can get involved.  You can also read more about Scott’s personal journey with Plant with Purpose in his new book, Tending to Eden, which placed as a finalist in the “Environment / Green” category of the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards. If you order the book through Amazon.com, a portion of the proceeds goes towards helping the rural poor.