Math Teacher, Priya Dua, Saves the Planet with a Simple Equation and a Company Called Chipkos Footwear

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Priya Dua has created a simple equation to preserve the planet's habitats, species and resources for generations to come. Her campaign titled "Stand for the Planet" consists of the adoption of one hundred square feet of endangered rainforest for every pair of her "Chipkos" sold. Since the company's founding in early 2011, Chipkos has preserved millions of square feet of land in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The company's campaign has also been widely publicized by TIME, NY Magazine, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Huffington Post and Glamour Magazine.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111201/LA15750)

"Math is a tool to solve real life problems. With over 50% of our rainforests gone, protecting these habitats is a real problem that needs a solution," says the former Richmond, California math teacher, Priya Dua. "The best part of our movement is that it is growing exponentially every day."

Chipkos takes inspiration from the eighteenth century Chipko Movement, which was one of the first group environmental
efforts. The term Chipko (sanskrit: to stick or embrace) was coined because the indigenous villagers protected land by literally attaching themselves to trees. This is also the origin of the term 'treehugger'.

Chipkos Sandals are inspired by Osho chappals, which first became popular in the 1960s' ashram scene of India. Chipkos are produced with environmentally-friendly materials and are available for men and women in multiple colors.

"Chipkos' hands-on approach to nature conservation has been lauded as not only the first of its kind, but also a results-oriented campaign to counter the threat of deforestation," says Norm Gershenz, Executive Director of SaveNature.Org. "Our partnership with Chipkos will continue to result in the preservation of our world's most precious habitats, resources and species, thanks to the support from Chipkos fans."

Chipkos Footwear is an eco friendly footwear line that protects one hundred square feet of the rainforest per product purchased. Chipkos and its 'Stand for the Planet' campaign have been featured by TIME, NY Magazine, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Huffington Post, TreeHugger and Glamour Magazine. Chipkos was founded by Priya Dua (Math: UCLA 2004) who currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and American Eskimo.

SOURCE Chipkos Footwear