“I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.”—Dr Seuss, The Lorax

If Dr. Seuss speaks for the trees, Nikki del Castillo, Haribon’s Membership Division Consultant speaks not just for the trees, but for the rainforests.

As a new mom, Nikki wanted to do her share in making sure that her daughter will have plenty of free, clean, fresh air and water when she grows up.

According to Nikki, “I believe in what Haribon does—work hard to raise awareness on what’s happening to our natural resources and to bring back our rainforests to keep our air fresh and have plenty of food and water; the reasons why I joined Haribon, as part of the team first and then also as a member. I’ve learned so much because of Haribon, which I impart to my daughter so she will become a responsible and caring little individual, to live simply and love nature and everything it has
to offer.

Nikki allows her daughter, Max, to be creative, and lets her imagination run free. “I enjoy explaining issues and ideas to her and seeing her facial expression that tells me something just clicked in her head so that it all makes sense”.

At the same time, Nikki is also campaigning Sustainable Waste Management, and she makes it a point to educate good practices like the 3Rs—reuse, reduce, recycle—and upcycling. “We turn everyday “junk” into jewelry, toys, clothes, bags and art projects”, added Nikki.

As a Haribon staff, Nikki was able to regularize activities such as birdwatching, and learning sessions, but on a personal note, her whole family, immediate and extended, now knows about Haribon, “which is a step in the right direction”. Nikki hopes that someday she could get them to be more actively involved too.

Nikki shared, “By being an active Haribon team member, I am stepping up my efforts. I also feel that saving the environment is a collective effort so I hope that by writing this profile, I can inspire others to support our movement”.

Our rainforest is lucky to have someone like Nikki.

If these rainforests could talk, what do you think they would tell to her? I say, Thank You.

Nikki del Castillo was born in the Philippines, but lived in Massachusetts, US. She worked for various corporations like Giorgio Armani, Disney, and HP Hood. Now, she resides in the Philippines, and works for Haribon and Mother Earth.