We Plant a Tree With Every Order Over £20

Planting Trees: The Benefits

The importance of trees in our ecosystem cannot be overstated. Trees play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, sustaining biodiversity, and providing livelihoods for millions of people around the world. The benefits of planting trees are numerous, ranging from reducing carbon emissions to promoting clean air and water. In this Journal update, we will discuss the environmental benefits of planting trees and how Botanic & Wild is contributing to this cause.

What is reforestation, and why is it important?

Forests are home to well over half the world's land-based species of plants and animals. They have a vital role to play in the fight against global warming. More than a billion people depend on them for their livelihoods and around 300 million people actually live in forests. 

According to the World Wildlife Fund, we lose an area of forest the size of a football pitch every two seconds. Deforestation accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change.

Reforestation is the practice of planting trees in areas where forests have been destroyed or degraded. It is an essential tool for mitigating climate change as trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. Trees act as carbon sinks, locking in carbon for years and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But if forests are cleared, or even disturbed, that carbon is released as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Forests also help to cool the Earth's surface and reduce the heat island effect in urban areas and play a vital role in regulating water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining soil fertility. There are also many social and economic benefits to reforestation which can create jobs in rural areas, help to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic growth.

How does planting trees benefit the environment?

1. Carbon sequestration

As mentioned, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. By doing so, they act as a natural carbon sink, helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that contributes to global warming. One mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, making them one of the most effective tools for mitigating climate change.

It is estimated that reforestation and afforestation (the creation of new forests in previously unforested areas) could remove two-thirds of the carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activity since the industrial revolution. By planting trees, we can actively work towards reducing our carbon footprint and fight against climate change.

2. Biodiversity

Forests are home to millions of species of plants, animals, and insects. The destruction of forests has led to a decline in biodiversity and a loss of essential ecosystem services, such as pollination and soil conservation. Planting trees helps to restore habitats that have been destroyed or degraded, providing a home for countless species that are at risk of extinction. Forests also act as corridors, allowing animals to move between fragmented habitats, promoting genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of species.

3. Regulating Climate and Water Cycles

Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and water cycles. Trees help to absorb and store rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. They also release water vapor into the air, contributing to the formation of clouds and the regulation of local and global weather patterns.

Forests also help to regulate temperature and humidity, creating microclimates that are essential for many plant and animal species to thrive. By planting trees, we can help to restore and maintain these vital ecosystem services.

4. Soil health

Trees help to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion by stabilising the soil with their roots. They also provide organic matter as they shed leaves and branches, which decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients.

5. Providing Jobs and Food Security

Forests provide a source of income and livelihoods for millions of people around the world. By planting trees, we can support local communities and help to create new job opportunities, particularly in areas where deforestation has led to economic hardship.

Forests also provide food security, as many communities rely on forest resources for their survival, including wild fruits, nuts, and game. By preserving and restoring forests, we can help to ensure that these resources are available for future generations.

How is Botanic & Wild contributing to reforestation?

At Botanic & Wild, we are committed to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable practices. You can read more about our products and packaging sustainability initiatives here.

We have partnered with Ecologi, to plant a tree with every single order however big or small placed on our website. Ecologi is a platform that enables individuals and businesses to take climate action by offsetting their carbon footprint through tree planting and supporting carbon reduction projects. They work with trusted partners to plant trees and fund initiatives that aim to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. The platform provides a transparent way for users to track their carbon offsetting and see the positive impact of their contributions through project updates and metrics.

To see how our forest is getting along and the projects we have helped support click here.

One of the forest projects Botanic & Wild’s has contributed to is located in Madagascar, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and home to numerous endangered species, including lemurs. By collaborating with Ecologi, we are not only mitigating carbon emissions but also investing in the betterment of local communities and striving to build a more sustainable world.

To read more about Ecologi, read how they promote sustainable living and raise awareness about environmental issues through educational content and campaigns, click here.

You can also make a donation by clicking the “Gift More Impact” button and choosing how many trees you would like to plant in one of our forest projects.