Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.
I’ve been writing my Philanthropy Friday series since October 2011(!). As I gain readers and interest in the series, I thought it would be fun to take a look back on past posts every now and then. There are some great stories that have no doubt been lost in the shuffle. This post features the first company I wrote about for the series, Yellow Leaf.
The following post was originally published on NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Relax and Do Good

Yellow Leaf is a social enterprise focused on bringing people together to enjoy their leisure time while also contributing to the greater good. Yellow Leaf believes wholeheartedly that its customers can “Do Good. Relax.” and revel in the very best version of multi-tasking.
How is this done? By kicking back and relaxing in an “insanely comfortable” hammock, Yellow Leaf customers can participate in what the company terms a “hammocking revolution.” Purchases of their hammocks help support sustainable economic opportunity across the world.
As “Chief Relaxation Officer” Joe Demin puts it, “We’re on a mission- not only to help stressed out Americans rejuvenate in the most awesome hammocks on the market, but to build and expand sustainable economic opportunity for marginalized ethnic groups such as the endangered Mlabri Tribe and simultaneously combat deforestation, cultural degradation and social inequity.”
Read the story of the Mlabri and Yellow Leaf Hammocks
Demin says if his company sells just 2,000 hammocks in the U.S. this next year, they will be able to provide enough income and work for the entire Mlabri Tribe to “escape indentured servitude, end child labor and leave slash & burn deforestation behind.” If that happens, the plan is to expand further into working with other regional hill tribes and create new opportunities for the next generation.
The hammocks are also gorgeous, by the way. The prices are pretty good too. Sounds like a win – win purchase to me. Check out the Yellow Leaf Hammocks – they come in different sizes and colors, and you can even create your own.
Who doesn’t want to own a Yellow Leaf hammock after reading this post?