A little story in today’s New York Times about farmers in the Chiapas state of Mexico who grow, select and process palm fronds for U.S. churches who use them on Palm Sunday. These “eco-palms” keep the forests in better shape and because the farmers add value in improved quality and packaging, make a better income. U.S. churches seem to sponsor the economic activity, or at least promote it: the article is unclear. Lutheran World Relief, which has other fair trade projects, has some connection and an informative slideshow. Ditto the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
But there’s a problem. The variety of palm — sago, I think; again, some detail would be nice — doesn’t have the long ribbony fronds you need to make palm crosses. An opportunity for palm growers in other regions, I’m betting.
“U.S. Churches Go ‘Green’ for Palm Sunday” (New York Times)
