I am really excited about the Rain Tee Collection by Andira International!

Not only are these organic tees stylish, organic, fair trade, and beautiful, they were designed by children surrounded by the destruction of their rainforest.

These t-shirts were inspired by children themselves.  Andira International donated school supplies to children living in endangered rainforests in South and Central America.  The children were asked to illustrate what they saw occurring around them. The result is the Rain Tee Collection.

My Rain Tee Collection shirt is the “Tree of Life”. This tree is crying leaves that symbolize tears. It was designed by an 11-year-old girl living in Peru named Mariela.  According to Andira:

The illustrations we feature, such as “Cut Down Trees” (left) are only part of the powerful message given to us by youth living with environmental destruction.

These children are teaching us that we are all connected. What happens in their home absolutely affects what occurs in ours.

For every Andira Rain Tee sold, a child in Costa Rica participating in Kids Saving the Rainforest will receive a tree to plant in an area of their forest that has been destroyed. The statistics on the destruction of the rainforests of Costa Rica are alarming:

1. Fifty-five square feet of rain forest is destroyed for every hamburger that comes from cows raised on this cleared rain forest land.

2. Animal agriculture produces more greenhouse gas emissions than automobiles. Raising cows for beef, both in rain forest regions and the United States adds dramatically to climate change.

3. In the past 20 years, Costa Rica has lost the majority of its tropical forests to beef cattle ranching which is believed to account for 50% of rain forest destruction.

4. Half of all the trees on the planet are cut down to make paper. Using less paper and buying 100% post-consumer recycled paper are great ways to help save our rain forests.

5. Mahogany comes from the Amazon, and wood from teak, ebony, rosewood, and zebrawood are taken from rain forests around the world as well. We have the power to preserve these forests by choosing not to buy products made from these types of wood.

6. According to the UN, the illegal trade of wild animals for profit ranks as the world?s third largest illicit activity behind drug and weapon smuggling. Over 80% of smuggled Amazon animals die before they reach their destination or are killed for their fur. Remember to buy animal free and cruelty free product and help by adopting a rescued Amazonian animal through our charity, Merazonia by clicking here.

7. Oil drilling destroys rain forests, but we use oil in everything from manufacturing our clothes to fueling our vehicles. We can reduce our use of oil by using recycled plastics and limiting our usage of gasoline and plastic products.

8. Scientists estimate that over 99% of the plants in our rain forests have never been studied for their possible medical benefits.

9. Currently 1 out of every 4 medicines in pharmacies comes from the rain forest and are used to treat cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and childhood leukemia.

Each t-shirt is handmade in South America, and of course fair trade practices are followed.  I love my Andira Rain Tee, and although it may sound silly, I feel a connection to the child that created its design.  Mariela, I think of you each time I wear my “Tree of Life” t-shirt.