Many eco-friendly clothing and shoe companies have prices well beyond many people’s spending limit, so we are very excited to see that Payless ShoeSource has come out with an eco-friendly brand named zoe&zac. zoe&zac products are made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton and linen, recycled rubber, water-based glues, plastic bottles, and natural hemp. To go beyond just the product, zoe&zac shoes are sold in 100% recycled shoeboxes with soy ink printing. All shoes in this brand are sold for under $30.  We love the styles. You can purchase zoe&zac women or girls shoes at any Payless ShoeSource store or on-line. If you have AAA, you can even get 10% off your regular purchases at Payless ShoeSource!

In addition, for each zoe&zac product or reusable bag sold, Payless ShoeSource will donate $1 to the Nature Conservancy’s Plant A Billion Trees program. Big green thumb up for Payless ShoeSource and their affordable eco-friendly initiatives!

Between having ties to Brazil and wanting to save our planet, we thought we should share this great project with you. It is a project called Plant a Billion Trees which was started by The Nature Conservancy. For every dollar donated, they will plant a tree in The Atlantic Forest of Brazil.

Why this forest in Brazil? The Atlantic Forest is now only 7% of its original size due to many problems such as illegal logging,  urban expansion, and coastal development. Many species are in danger, and our climate is too. Tropical forests such as The Atlantic Forest are responsible for containing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and releasing enormous amounts of oxygen. What will happen if all of this carbon dioxide is released and the production of oxygen disappears? Check out this link for more facts.

How do we fix this problem? The Conservancy’s goal is to conserve millions of acres of land and plant a billion trees. While doing this, they will work with the local communities and the ruling authorities to make changes in their policy and help protect the forest through time. With these changes, The Conservancy states that the amount of carbon dioxide removed from our atmosphere every year will be the equivalent to take 2 million cars off the road! Not only will our atmosphere be cleaner, but watersheds for the people of Brazil will be plentiful again. For more on what the Conservancy plans to do follow this link.

What can you do? Act now! You can make a donation, a monthly gift, or give a gift of trees to someone else. You could also download a widget to support wildlife and show others what you stand for, post this program on your website, or even send e-cards. Spread the word: $1 to plant 1 tree!

The forests in Brazil are almost as important to you as they are to the people of Brazil. We rely on these large tropical forests to help sustain a healthy climate around the world. Help save the planet one tree at a time.