Big Spoon Roasters is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Carolina Tiger Rescue, an NC-based organization dedicated to saving and protecting wild cats, protecting endangered species, and preserving natural habitats. In addition to driving support for Carolina Tiger Rescue’s core mission, the partnership seeks to raise awareness about the palm oil industry and how its rampant destruction of wildlife habitats throughout Southeast Asia is threatening the survival of not only the majestic tiger, but thousands of other species.
Beginning today, Big Spoon Roasters will donate proceeds from every purchase of their Good Food Award Winning Lum Lum Thai Curry Peanut & Cashew Butter directly to Carolina Tiger Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, to help fund projects such as:
- Rescuing and providing sanctuary for threatened animals
- Educating visitors, particularly children and students, through tours and programming
- Advocating to policymakers against the wild pet trade, the breeding of wild animals, and poor animal welfare practices
In addition, Big Spoon Roasters today introduced a new SAVE TIGERS t-shirt that carries the messages AVOID PALM OIL and EAT BIG SPOON to encourage people to “vote with their dollars” by seeking out products free of palm oil.
Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world, accounting for 65% of all vegetable oil traded internationally, and it is also a major driver of deforestation and climate change. Thanks in large part to a growing demand for “no stir” nut butters and shelf-stable cosmetics, worldwide demand for palm oil is expected to double again by 2050 to 140 million tons.
Even by conservative estimates, it is estimated that the equivalent of 300 football fields of pristine wilderness is cleared every HOUR to make way for more palm oil production (source: World Wildlife Fund). The last of Indonesia’s tigers – the Sumatran Tiger - has lost more than half its natural forest habitat, primarily due to palm oil production, and the species has been given 3 years before it becomes extinct. Only 400 remain. In addition, 90% of orangutan habitat is gone, and those gentle creatures have been given 5-10 years before they go extinct at this rate.
"We believe businesses can be forces for good, and we are thrilled to support the important work Carolina Tiger Rescue does to protect endangered animals and our shared ecosystem," said Big Spoon Roasters Co-Founders Mark and Megan Overbay. "Through this partnership, we hope to raise awareness about the destructive nature of the palm oil industry and make it easier for our customers to contribute to meaningful conservation with every purchase."
Carolina Tiger Rescue will also collaborate with Big Spoon Roasters on educational campaigns, sharing content on both organizations’ websites and social platforms to spread awareness about the importance of wildlife and habitat preservation.
“We’re excited to partner with Big Spoon Roasters because their values align with ours—working toward a sustainable future where wildlife and people can thrive together," said Executive Director Kris Marino of Carolina Tiger Rescue. "With Big Spoon’s support, we can further our mission and make an even greater impact."
The fundraising campaign begins today and will run through the life of the Lum Lum Thai Curry product’s lifespan, which Big Spoon Roasters hopes to be many years to come. Big Spoon Roasters also updated the packaging of both 13oz and 3oz jars of Lum Lum to feature a message about the partnership and QR code that will allow customers to donate directly through a dedicated landing page hosted by Carolina Tiger Rescue.
For more information about the partnership or to learn how you can contribute, visit bigspoonroasters.com or carolinatigerrescue.org.