Another Krispy Kreme opening, another chance for our Forest Heroes organizers and volunteers to tell customers the not-so-sweet side of the doughnuts story.
This morning, Krispy Kreme threw a grand opening event for a new store in Kingsport, Tennessee. Like other recent grand openings in Delaware, Tennessee, and Florida, Forest Heroes was there.
To show support for this early-rising crowd of dedicated Forest Heroes, please sign this petition telling Krispy Kreme that delicious doughnuts don’t have to come with a side of deforestation!
Partnering with an amazing crew of volunteers from East Tennessee State University, Forest Heroes organizers greeted the crowd of more than 100 customers gathered in the pre-dawn twilight. Our crew canvased the crowd, educating Krispy Kreme’s loyal customers about the sad reality of the deforestation caused by the palm oil that the company uses to fry its doughnuts, and asking them to urge the company to make a commitment to deforestation-free doughnuts.
Before long, the local police escorted the Forest Heroes volunteers off the private property, but not before 100 cards were handed out and many enlightening conversations were had.
The Forest Heroes crew then moved to the public sidewalk and unfurled these banners, just as the store was about to — for the very first time — turn on its famous “Hot Now” light.
Forest Heroes spokesman, Shelby White, did a live interview with WJHL News Channel 11 and a taped interview with WCYB News Channel 5. We’ll share this video when its available online.
Once again, to show support for this early-rising crowd of dedicated Forest Heroes, please sign this petition telling Krispy Kreme that delicious doughnuts don’t have to come with a side of deforestation!
Update: Here’s coverage of the opening and action from local television station WCYB, including this quote from Forest Heroes organizer Shelby White:
“We are not doughnut haters, we just want Krispy Kreme to use sustainable practices and not harvest from forests that are in the rain forest or use child slave labor.”
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