Tree Planting – Trees for free by switching to Green Energy!!

How do I get Trees for Free?

Now you can get Trees for Free with EcoSwitch, although this is currently only possible within the UK. Shortly the free tree planting service will also be offered in parts of Europe and North America. In the meantime, if you wish to purchase trees to absorb your CO2 emissions, please click on the United Nations Billion Tree Campaign Programme and proceed to the checkout.

How to qualify for Trees for Free

To get Trees for Free, all you have to do is switch to a green electricity tariff from one of the three greenest electricity suppliers, either Good Energy, Ecotricity or Green Energy. In return for doing this, EcoSwitch will plant two trees for free in our Ugandan nursery, overseen by our Seed Technologist Theresa Komugisha Kabombora, based in Entebbe. To compare the greenest electricity suppliers and switch for free, you can read further here.

United Nations Billion Tree Campaign

All trees planted via EcoSwitch are registered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The programme's objective is for each of the 7 Billion people on the planet to plant a tree. So far 4.1 Billion have been planted by the Programme.

Questions and Answers about the Tree Planting project:

1. Is Tree Planting a real solution to Global Warming?

Nasa and the Kyoto Protocol accept that trees absorb approximately 1 ton of CO2 in their lifetime. Accordingly, 1 tree planted is the equivalent of 1 Carbon Credit. Human beings emit approximately 12 tons each per year in the UK and 18 tons each per year in the US. Accordingly, 12 - 18 trees should ideally be planted each year to absorb your emissions.

2. But shouldn't we first make our homes more energy efficient, cut consumption, switch to greener energy sources and then plant trees?

We endorse this approach which is why we only plant trees after you have switched.

Even though you may have cut your consumption, made your home more energy efficient (see Top 10 Energy Efficiency Tips) and switched to green energy sources, you will still have some emissions of CO2. And trees are often overlooked as the best way to absorb the CO2 you are still emitting. Trees are in fact the only known thing we can 'control' that absorbs CO2. They also offer a whole host of other benefits which will be explored in a separate article.

3. Why are Trees Planted in Africa?

* It is well known that trees grow faster in Tropical Climates, absorbing approximately 3 times more CO2. We'd rather invest in trees that truly serve the purpose.

* It is considerably more cost effective planting in Africa. You therefore get more trees for your money. Trees planted in the Northern Hemispheres, particularly in the Northern US, Canada or Europe are usually 3 times more expensive. Many sites charge £10-£15 or $19.95 US per tree for planting and management. We have managed to get it down to £5 per tree, whilst also supporting principles of Fair and Ethical Trade.

* Most of the wood has disappeared from Africa over the years, largely due to Western imports, particularly hardwoods for antiques and other uses. Whilst tracts of Rainforest need to be preserved in Tropical habitat such as the Amazon, Sumatra and Papua New Guinea, planting trees in Africa is an opportunity to give something back.

* Although the trees are planted in Africa, it will help the overall world climate, wherever you happen to be.

4. What procedures are in place to govern the Eco Switch Tree Planting Programme?

Seeds are initially planted in a nursery in Uganda, Africa and they are looked after and managed daily by local staff hired and trained by Theresa Komugisha Kabombora, MSc (Seed Technology).

In order to cater for demand, we are also currently building partnerships with organisations including Environmental Partnerships Ltd t/a Sponsor Trees and the Woodland Trust.

The following checks and balances are in place on the ground:

* Forest guards are funded to protect trees in open areas.

* An extra 20% more trees are planted in case some trees die during the planting process or suffer from disease.

* Management training is provided to ensure that natural resources are planted sustainably.

* Independent audits are carried out a few months after the rainy season.

5. What are some of the perceived myths regarding Tree Planting?

(a) 'It takes up to 100 years for a tree to soak up CO2 already released into the atmosphere'

Trees absorb CO2 at the fastest rate in their first three years of growth and they represent the only natural means of absorbing CO2 concentrations already emitted into the atmosphere. It is therefore essential that we plant as many as possible, hence the United Nations recognises the importance of tree planting with their Billion Tree Campaign.

(b) 'Some trees don't survive 100 years as they either die from disease or they get cut down'

Our Seed Technologist in Entebbe, Uganda, helps ensure the ongoing integrity and survival of the plantations. A mix of tree species suitable to the local eco-system are planted to help ensure their ongoing survival. For the purposes of CO2 offset, the calculations assume that trees will live for 40 years. Many trees live much longer than this - up to 100 years.

(c) 'Some tree planting operations are accused of replacing old-growth forest with eucalyptus plantations and monoculture spruce, which is sometimes linked to local hydrology disruption.'

Our Seed Technologist overcomes this problem by planting the right type of tree, where it is needed. For example, some trees may be planted in open community land with no less than 6 indigenous tree species suitable to the local eco-system. Other trees may be planted on river banks to reduce erosion and in dry areas to retain water and encourage the growth of crops. Either way, the policy is to plant in a manner that safeguards the integrity of the eco-system balance, bio-diversity and self-sustainability.

6. What the United Nations have to say about Tree Planting.

Keziah Kirika of the United Nations Environment Programme recently commented on the Eco Switch tree planting initiative:

"Greetings from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). We are delighted by your communication confirming that EcoSwitch.com has teamed up with other tree planting organizations to contribute towards the success of the Campaign. Kindly convey our appreciation to them all."

7. How many Trees do you need to plant to offset your annual CO2 emissions?
(Figures of CO2 emissions and population are derived from the UN statistics division):
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