Hello Jo

Jo is an inspired secondary school biology teacher. As a side project, he carves wood with a chainsaw. His sculptures are inspired by nature, often animals. Thus he tries to save the trunk, to preserve the carbon it contains longer. He's always looking for what he can (and wants to) do to live sustainably - and gets excited about Ray & Jules' mission!

Read more about Jo below the video

“I look at the piece of wood I have first, because every log has its own shape. Sometimes I think 'there could be a squirrel on there,' or 'there's a badger in here.' Then I find pictures of all the possible angles and print them off. I saw off the bark and make surfaces on which to sketch. Then the real work begins: bit by bit I take away pieces. Because what I saw off, I can't glue back ...

If I know that someone has cut down a tree, I ask if I can do something with it - because I know that otherwise the wood will be chopped down or burned. By making a sculpture of it, I try to save the trunk ánd preserve the carbon in it longer. And this way a lot of people can still enjoy it!”

“I care about nature, about climate change, but it remains a difficult topic. People quickly find it trite. I also notice this in class or at parties. It's hard to stay enthusiastic - even for myself sometimes. That's why I always look for an interesting angle.

I try to live my life sustainably, but I'm not an ascetic either. We avoid beef and our home is passive. I look for alternatives that work for our family. Coffee is a great example of that. I know it's an impactful product on many levels; origin, transportation, the ethical, roasting ... Ray & Jules looks at all aspects. When someone does that for you, it's easy.”

I hand out many cups of coffee, neighbors and walkers get a "cup of sunshine"

“I like strong coffee with an intense flavor. After trying several coffees, I knew: Powerful Peter is my favorite. I looked at how long it takes me to make my coffee and came out to about a kilo a month. So I took out a subscription; that way Ray & Jules thinks about it, on my behalf.

I am the only one in my family who drinks coffee, but I also hand out a lot of cups! Lots of neighbors and walkers come by, they get a “cup of sunshine. Personally, I don't have a favorite coffee cup, I just have many. Everywhere I go, I take a cup of coffee with me.”

“People sometimes laugh at how many thermos I have. Everyone gives me cups and thermos as gifts. Even with my name and my email address printed on them because I leave them everywhere. That way they always find their way back.

Recently I got this one for my birthday. It fits in the holder in my van, handy, so the coffee stays hot longer. When I am sawing here, there is always a coffee next to me. Sometimes with some sawdust in it, but that's okay.”

This is why Jo is a sunny person

“I liked the concept of 'sunny person' because it exudes cheerfulness. People often tell me that I can ignite and inspire others with my enthusiasm. I get cheerful from people who want to turn the planet into something sustainable and that's what Ray & Jules does for me.”

Jo's favorite coffee : Powerful Peter

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