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.”
Are you also a Sunny person?
Are you a fan of our coffee? Are you positive, hopeful and would you like to make a (small) difference? Then you are also a Sunny Person! Come join us, tell us why you are a fan and help us get our message out into the world!
