We take a principled approach to environmental responsibility and protection.

We take steps to minimize our environmental footprint. We choose the products we work with, and the processes we utilize based on lowest possible enviromental impact. This means asking ourselves the daily question: "Will this action raise or lower our environmental footprint?"

Materials

We focus on fast growing bamboo as our favoured working material; for example bamboo umbrellas, parasols, hand fans, wooden toys and other bamboo household items. Wood from plantation fruit trees; vases, candle holders, bowls, trays and other household items made of mango wood. Paper from fast growing mulberry trees; umbrella covers, paper sheets, greeting cards made of mulberry paper.

To a smaller extent, some of our less  environmentally favorable materials may not cause a threat or harm in terms of environmental impact, must contain a high level of handmade craftsmanship, and must relate to items of special educational or esthetic value; for example wooden puzzles and brain teasers, wire art models and silver jewellery, using respectively agro-industrial monkeypod wood, aluminum wire and silver.

Process

We focus on handmade processes, with least amount of machinery. We minimize the use of harmful substances. We use effective non-toxic methods to prevent insects and molds. We cannot fully eliminate the use of certain glues and paints, while we ensure their safe use in terms of environmental impact. For our farming activities we use selfmade organic fertilizer; we do not use commercial chemical pesticides.

We use an electric pickup trike for local pickups and deliveries of materials and parts. Our hydroponic installation runs on solar energy. Our website runs on a solar powered server. Our lights are 90% LED. We've planted a private 1.6 hectare (4 acre) mixed deciduous forest where land is affordable. We're preparing to convert production workshop and office to solar energy. Our next motor scooter will be electric. Once the first affordable fully electric vehicle is available on the market here we plan to go for it.

How difficult is it?

This is, obviously, different for everyone. Taking our own principled approach - do what you believe - we at JEDI moved from the city to a small meadow, now named Sansaket Farm. Our office is here, our base for production, export and business advice services - in a set of traditional wooden pole houses, equipped with some modern amenities. We also plant crops, trees, raise chickens and fish, grow lettuce and herbs, enjoy our own tropical fruit... Needless to say, this exposure to all things growing and living in the natural world has raised our awareness and appreciation of the wonders of nature, and the need to ensure its preservation. Once you experience this kind awareness, you begin to understand that today's unbridled, modern world consumerism much focuses on flawed priorities.

You probably know that already. But it's a web that is difficult to evade.

Doing what you can, now

Of course, you're probably not moving to a meadow right this minute. Yet you can still raise your own awareness, and your motivation to take action in preserving the natural environment and the planet. Create less waste, avoid throwaway plastics, see how food waste can be turned to animal food. Make your own soap (or buy it in bulk) and use less one-way plastic while saving money; save money, materials and avoid unwanted chemicals buy making your own deodorant; replace plastic containers and bottles with glass; reuse more items instead of throwing them away. Don't allow yourself to fall into the ever present commercial advertising traps. Get LED lights, put your website on solar hosting, set up a solar panel, get a mini wind turbine, get an electric motor scooter or electric car. Set up a green spot for yourself and grow some lettuce, or even a tree or two. Or, in arid conditions, delicious Peruvian Apple or tasty Nopal cactus.

Quite a lot can be done. You just need to want do it...