Supporting Japan

In my previous post I explored some of my feelings in the wake of the tragedies in Japan. Unfortunately, the news isn't improving and the challenges faced seem overwhelming. It is a country that is capable of amazing transformation and resilience, but the mountain of work seems to keep increasing.

Last post I mentioned my desire to be part of a tea community that honored our connection to that country with assistance. To that end, I wanted to let you know about a few recent announcements from the tea world.

* From Obubu Tea - While Kyoto Obubu Tea Plantations themselves have come through the tragedy without loss of employees, there are 50 of their customers about which they are very concerned. To support their community of Japanese tea lovers, they have established a donation program where you can buy virtual tea - "Sakura Sencha of Hope" and "Sakura Sencha of Cheer" - and send a message of support. (The messages will be translated by volunteers.) The funds will first support their customers, then other Japanese tea farmers and tea businesses, and then, with remaining funds, the Japanese Red Cross. I will be making a personal donation and another on behalf of Tea Pages. I hope my readers are able to help as well. Click the image to the right or visit this link.

* The blog Tea Happiness compiled a list of tea companies that are making contributions. You can find that list here. It includes American Tea Room (10% online sales), Yogic Chai, Vitalife Matcha, Just Add Honey, and the O Dor Tea House.

* East Pacific Tea is contributing 25% of sales of Japanese tea to the Red Cross.

* Yogic Chai will donate 30% of sales through the end of March.

* Pearl Fine Teas announced they were contributing 20% of sales of Japanese green teas to the Red Cross and searchdogfoundation.com They have now announced that they are increasing that commitment to 40% and will continue contributions through April 30, 2011. (The blog says May 11, so I'm not sure of the true end date. I will try to confirm.) Sales over $25 earn a $5 shipping credit.

* Tea Classics will contribute 20% of all online sales through the end of March.

* Samovar has committed 10% of all Japanese green tea sales as well.

* Tea Geek will contribute 20% of the sales of its Fukamushi Sencha to the Red Cross Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.

* Tea Spot of Boulder, CO is donating 25% of sales of Japanese tea and teapots to Doctors without Borders.

* Davids Tea of Canada will be donating the proceeds of this week's (week of March 20) Japanese sencha and gyokuro sales to the Japanese relief effort.

* In Pursuit of Tea will contribute 10% of all sales of Japanese tea and teaware to the Red Cross fund for Japan. Through March 31, shipping on these items is free with the code TSUNAMI.

* Adagio has announced that they will donate 15% of Japanese tea sales. For each Japanese told they are placing a "paper crane" online. They hope to "collect" 1000 paper cranes.

* The Taste of Tea will donate 100% of the profits of sales of their Sakura Karigane tea. Funds will be donated to Second Harvest Japan, a 10-year-old non-profit that provides food aid and other support. A matching donation of up to $10,000 has been offered by one of their supporters as well.

For other non-tea specific charities, USAID (US Agency for International Development) recommends this site from InterAction which lists disaster relief agencies working in Japan.

I also wanted to draw attention to another post I just read.  Zen Tara Tea has a really important piece about the need to think about long term support, about not forgetting about the needs of the people once the crisis drops from the 6 p.m. news.

And for something COMPLETELY different, you can read this piece by the co-founder of Tea Trade and Leafbox questioning the ethics of making donations based on sales. Definitely food for thought.