Volunteer to be different
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Tree planting to offset carbon emissions |
It's fantastic to see what people are doing to create a better world. And one of those efforts comes from Carbon Forestry who are working to help save British woodland. It works to address the problems caused to British ancient woodland by providing a well managed, sustabinable plan for carbon offsetting and address the lack of British forestry. It works in partnership with woodland organisations to restore & protect British woodlands. In the 15 years it's been running, they've planted a million trees, including a whopping 293,000 trees on a private estate in Norfolk.
How this tree planting works...
You decide exactly what you want to offset. It could be that you want to offset all the electricity you use this year, or the petrol/diesel you used to take that trip over the Easter weekend, or the flights you're going to take for your summer holiday. There's a to help you work out how much that is. You can offset your carbon for the whole year if you want. There's a calculator to help you work out your carbon footprint at home & for your business. You can work out your carbon footprint for
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electricity, gas & heating oil
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car travel during the year (or during a short trip)
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haulage travel by lorry or van
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train travel
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flights taken (domestic, 1-2 hours or long haul over 2 hours)
Carbon Forestry will then work out your tonnes of carbon you've produced and how many trees it would take to offset that carbon. You decide what you want to offset.
As a very general rule, Carbon Forestry will plant 4 trees per £15 - so just under £4 per tree - but this depends on the trees to be planted and the site & soil where they will be. Every single tree planted makes a difference.
British wildlife will benefit
One of the great things about planting trees is that you're not just helping to create a healthier planet. British wildlife will benefit too. Animals who love their woodland & forest have seen it diminish substantially over recent years. Plant new woodland, or help companies such as Carbon Forestry plant it, and it makes you feel good, knowing there are more homes out there for the animal kingdom, and that you've reduced your emissions to help create a healthier planet for animals & people. British woodland is important. And it covers just 12% of the UK, whereas in Africa woodland/forest covers 21%, in Finland 73% & in Spain 36%
Business can benefit too
If a company is looking for an inspiring way to show that really is trying to "think and act green", then this could be a great way to prove it. There are many benefits to business. More and more customers want companies to show that they are doing their bit for the environment, climate change, or the green movement. Trees tend to be very reassuring & soothing - nature is a great healer, and by having trees planted, it shows that you are taking strides to care for the world in which we all live. You don't have to offset all your emissiosn - you could choose to offset one side of the business which produces carbon. It could be your staff's business travel costs, or your electricity bill, your haulage costs or train travel costs. It's up to you. But remember, planting trees brings benefits.
Carbon Forestry works in partnership with organisations such as the Woodland Trust, the Forestry Commission & the National Forest Company
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