We’ll be the first to admit it — our work can be difficult to explain in a succinct sound-bite or tag line. (A comprehensive approach to any problem usually is.)
Not to worry, we’ve developed these message templates and instructive talking points to help you articulate the essence and impact of our work.
But before you get started, here are a few important messaging tips to keep in mind:
We are the Rainforest Alliance…
- Always use our full name: the Rainforest Alliance.
- Never RFA, RA or any other abbreviation.
- Never capitalize “the” unless it’s the beginning of a sentence.
We collaborate with businesses…
- “Working with” and “teaming up” are also acceptable.
- “Partner with” is acceptable when it is a preferable term, especially in messaging targeted to a layperson audience for whom “collaborate” may not be ideal.
Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms/tourism businesses…
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- Always capitalize “certified.”
- Always use the “TM” symbol in the first use of the phrase.
Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and tourism businesses meet standards for sustainable practices…
- Never say these operations “are sustainable” — the path to sustainability is ongoing. Certified operations are audited annually to ensure that they are continuing to make improvements.
Rainforest Alliance Certified to Forest Stewardship Council standards…
- Always spell out “Forest Stewardship Council” if it’s the first use, “FSC” anytime after.
- Always use FSC first, then Rainforest Alliance Certified.
FSC/Rainforest Alliance Certified forests meet standards for responsible management…
- Always use the term “responsible” when referring to FSC standards to comply with their messaging preferences.
[Product type] from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms…
- Not “Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, paper, etc…” — it’s the farms that are certified, not the products. However, we permit this use where space is a consideration.