Better Tea Tree Oil

Operated by Earthoil (with part of the finance managed by ourselves), market-based solutions are driving a tea tree project near mount Kenya. Four hundred small-scale subsistence farmers in the region are producing a cash crop of tea tree for oils. With finance, effective supervision and mentoring from Earthoil extension workers, the farmers grow high value organic oil crops on plots between ¼ and ½ acre in size. The business is also providing support for farming organic food crops for farmers.

Better Product

The business has Community Trade Status and oils are sold to The Body Shop at a fair price.

Better Planet

The ecological benefits that the business offers to the region stem from the fact that only the leaves are used in the distillation process. This means that the remaining wood is available for cooking fuel, which in turn alleviates the pressure on the indigenous trees that are traditionally used for firewood.

Better People

In November 2008 The Better Trading Company commissioned a baseline survey of the business project participants and environment. The study evaluated current social and environmental pressures of the project and has provided insight into issues that have arisen which may be as a result of the venture.

Equipped with this information, Earthoil is able to take constructive action, including: boosting communications, introducing additional food and oil crops, and implementing practical and supportive initiatives aspects - such support to access rain water harvesting infrastructure.