Recyclable Boxes Help to Save the Rainforest

Conservation has been a hot topic for some time. Back in 1999 in Costa Rica, two 9-year-old girls came up with the idea to save the rainforest in their “backyard” and to protect the wildlife that call it home. Over 20 years later, Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) continues to operate as a non-profit corporation in Quepos, Costa Rica. The organization works to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Over 45% of rescued animals are ultimately returned to the wild, and KSTR provides a sanctuary for those who are unable to be released. 

KSTR’s Animal Rescue Efforts

Many people might not know the rainforest is actually home to more than half the living things in the world. As the first point of contact when an animal needs to be rescued near Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, KSTR’s sanctuary hosts a variety of wildlife. Some commonly rescued animals include two- and three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, marmosets, kinkajous, and parrots. However, the organization is always ready to rescue any animal in need, and they have even saved a sea turtle who was able to be released back to the ocean.

In addition to wildlife rescue, KSTR works to implement protection programs, including wildlife bridges that are installed to offer safe passage in locations where animals are at risk of getting hit by cars or electrocuted by high voltage electrical wires. Though many more blue rope bridges are needed, over 130 have been installed and these have already helped to significantly increase the Squirrel Monkey population. Over 22 different species have utilized these bridges for safe crossing. 

Since the beginning, KSTR has worked to educate people around the world about the importance of the rainforest, its plants, and inhabitants, and they continue to prioritize education. KSTR is also engaged in reforestation and has already planted over 18,000 trees, with plans to plant thousands more.

Supporting the Mission of Rainforest Rescue

Of course, all of the good work accomplished by KSTR comes at a price, and Wildlife Sanctuary Tours are one way that KSTR promotes awareness of their mission and funds the work that they do. Guided tours highlight the beauty of the rainforest, and feature stories of some of the unique animals in the sanctuary. Visitors can also volunteer for the day as a way to give back and experience wildlife rescue first-hand. 

But if your travel plans don’t include a trip to Costa Rica, you can symbolically adopt an animal from the rainforest in KSTR’s new adoption kit. The box includes a plush animal, trading card, certificate of adoption, adoption letter, and an NFC scannable tag that features a digital bio and updated journal entries from the animal’s point of view, so you can follow the journey of a specific animal currently in the sanctuary. 

With the organization’s focus on conservation and sustainability, a corrugated box made from recyclable content was chosen for the adoption kit, which fits nicely in a BoxUp Gable Box. “We wanted something bright that would stand out on a shelf and be easy for kids to spot. BoxUp’s small Gable Box is sturdy, bright, and colorful, and the perfect size for the plush and other items,” shared Zach Bova of KSTR. “We love the handle that makes it easy for kids to carry. And the unprinted kraft brown interior has a natural, recyclable look, which was another selling point for us.” 

Designing a Gable Box with BoxUp

While Zach designed the final box offline, he really liked BoxUp’s 3D design capability. “It’s tough to visualize from the flat image what the assembled box will look like. The website was very easy to use and the 3D designer was super helpful to create some design options to share with our team for their feedback and approval.”

The Squirrel Monkey adoption kit is available in KSTR’s gift shop, and is also available to order from their online Store at https://www.kidssavingtherainforest.org. Shipping is just $10 to any location. You may also find Spider Monkey adoption kits at some zoos in the US. Additional adoption kits are planned for the future. All proceeds fund KSTR operations and help spread the message of wildlife conservation. For more ways to help save the rainforest, visit the KSTR website.