If you ask us, the best way to celebrate Earth Month is by visiting one of the most beautiful places on the planet: lush, tropical Costa Rica. And we’re giving two lucky winners a chance to do just that. Read on!
What will the winners get to do on the trip?
The winners get to hike through the rainforests, visit the magnificent Arenal volcano and explore EARTH University’s banana fields and learn more about their commitment to training earth- and community-minded leaders. Most importantly, our winners will get to see exactly how buying and supporting fair trade products changes lives for the better.
So, what is EARTH University anyway?
EARTH University opens in a new tab is a four-year nonprofit agricultural studies institution focused on sustainable development and natural resources management. EARTH recruits students primarily from low-income, rural areas around the world who are dedicated to returning to and improving their communities after graduation. The coursework emphasizes values, ethical entrepreneurship and social commitment.
What’s the connection with Whole Foods?
EARTH University grows bananas for many of our stores. When you buy EARTH University bananas, a portion of the money goes directly to funding student scholarships (helping support over 50% of the university’s attendees) and supporting EARTH’s sustainable and organic agricultural research.
Their bananas are also backed by our Whole Trade Guarantee opens in a new tab, which means each purchase supports eco-friendly growing practices plus fair prices as well as better pay and working conditions for the growers. And if that isn’t sweet enough, a portion of the profits also go to support Whole Planet Foundation opens in a new tab.
EARTH sounds awesome! How else can I support it?
Besides choosing bananas marked with the Whole Trade or EARTH University symbol (we have tons of banana recipes opens in a new tab if you need to use them up), some stores also sell EARTH University Coffee (look for it under the Allegro Coffee label), and flowers.
You can visit the EARTH University site opens in a new tab to learn more about their mission, values and news.
Ready to take a trip to EARTH?
Click on wholefoodsmarket.com/triptoearth opens in a new tab, watch the short video, answer a few questions and you’ll be entered to win one of two weeklong trips for two to EARTH University in Guácimo, Limón, Costa Rica.
Don’t delay, the contest runs between April 21 and 30, 2014. Official contest rules and a complete trip itinerary are on wholefoodsmarket.com/triptoearth opens in a new tab.
Where on Earth would you love to go?
