Tree Planting with Circular Ecology

Eden Plus - employees

Trees play a vital role in combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing livelihoods, which is why we’re so passionate about planting more trees. In fact, at Circular Ecology, we’ve embedded tree planting into everything that we do. For every consultancy project, every tonne of CO2e offset, and every training course attendee, we’re planting trees along the way.

Trees not only sequester carbon but also release oxygen, enhance soil health, and regulate water cycles. One mature tree can absorb roughly 25 kg of CO2 per year and produce enough oxygen for two people. Trees also help reduce urban heat islands, potentially lowering city temperatures by up to 12°C in some regions.

Our Partnership with Eden: People+Planet
(Formerly Eden Reforestation Projects)

Circular Ecology is proudly a Forest Partner of the non-profit organisation Eden: People+Planet, a leader in large-scale global reforestation. By 2023, Eden had planted over 500 million trees, employing locals in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, Haiti, and beyond. Communities see both economic and environmental benefits, fostering long-term stewardship of the land.

Mangrove sapling in calm water
A young mangrove forest in Madagascar
A sprawling giant mangrove tree in Indonesia
Mangrove restoration - small saplings
Young mangrove saplings, Indonesia
A community of people planting mangrove saplings along the coast
A person planting a young mangrove sapling in Mahajunga
Mangrove forests, Eden Reforestation

Through our partnership with Eden, we have planted more than 500,000 (half a million) trees. That’s more than a small forest’s worth – but it doesn’t stop there.

We can arrange tree planting on your business’s behalf, so you, too, can take measures to improve your impact. That includes UK-based tree planting in various locations across the UK.

If you’re looking to offset or mitigate your footprint, why not browse our range of Carbon Offsetting Projects? With every tonne of CO2e offset through these projects, we’ll plant 4 trees. That’s just another way we’re bolstering your positive impact.

At Circular Ecology, part of our tree-planting efforts focuses on mangrove trees. These trees are particularly effective for combating climate change and restoring ecosystems due to their exceptional carbon sequestration abilities. Here’s why:

  • Superior Carbon Storage
    Mangrove trees can store 2-4 times more carbon than mature tropical forests, making them one of the most efficient trees for reducing atmospheric CO2.
  • Long-Term Carbon Capture
    Each mangrove tree absorbs an average of 308 kg of CO2 over its 25-year lifespan, with an annual carbon capture rate of 12.3 kg per tree.
  • Ecosystem Benefits
    Mangroves thrive in coastal areas with their extensive root systems, preventing erosion and protecting shorelines from storm surges. These trees also enhance biodiversity by providing habitats for marine life.
  • Cost-Effective and Resilient
    Mangroves are more likely to survive after being planted due to their adaptability to muddy coastal environments, making them an efficient and resilient option for reforestation.

While the benefits of mangrove trees are remarkable, they are just one part of the global reforestation movement. Across the world, initiatives like Eden Projects are making significant strides in restoring ecosystems by planting millions of trees annually.

Take a look at the video below from Eden: People+Planet’s YouTube channel, and see for yourself how they are planting trees to grow vibrant, sustainable forests.

How Tree Planting Helps

  • Absorbs CO2: Forests alone absorb 7.6 billion tonnes of CO2 every year [FAO, 2021].
  • Restores Ecosystems: Tree planting prevents erosion and restores soil health. For example, 1 hectare of mangrove forest can store around 1,000 tonnes of carbon [Fatoyinbo et al., 2017].
  • Biodiversity Support: Forests are home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, contributing to ecosystem stability and species survival [WWF, 2018].
  • Water Conservation: A medium-sized tree can intercept up to 2,380 gallons (10,819 litres) of rainfall annually, reducing runoff and protecting watersheds [USDA, 2002].
  • Economic Benefits: Trees in urban areas can increase property values by up to 18%, and well-forested areas encourage eco-tourism and sustainable industries [BrightView, 2018].
  • Social and Mental Health Benefits: Research suggests green spaces with trees promote mental well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving community cohesion. Studies also show that hospital patients with views of trees recover more quickly [National Urban Forestry Unit, 2001].
  • Other Benefits: They can ultimately provide food for villagers, shade, medicines, shelter for wildlife, and localised climate regulation.

Alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

Tree planting activities align closely with a great number of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly in the areas of environmental sustainability, economic development, and social well-being:

  • UN SDG 1 – No Poverty
  • UN SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
  • UN SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
  • UN SDG 5 – Gender Equality
  • UN SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • UN SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
  • UN SDG 13 – Climate Action
  • UN SDG 14 – Life Below Water
  • UN SDG 15 – Life on Land
  • UN SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
UN SDG 1 No Poverty
UN SDG 2 Zero Hunger
UN SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
UN SDG 5 Gender Equality
UN SDG 8 work and economic growth
UN SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
UN SDG 13 Climate Action
UN SDG 14 Life Below Water
UN SDG 15 Life on Land
SDG 17 Partnership for the Goals

Get Involved

Every tree you help plant contributes to capturing carbon, restoring ecosystems, and benefitting entire communities.

For example, a single mature oak tree can transpire over 151,000 litres of water annually, helping to replenish groundwater and regulate local temperatures. That’s equivalent to filling nearly 400 bathtubs. Now, imagine an entire forest of these trees – a powerful natural system managing water, cleaning the air, and sequestering carbon.

Plant trees today for a more sustainable tomorrow

At Circular Ecology, we’ve embedded tree planting into everything we do – from our consultancy projects to carbon offsetting initiatives, and even our e-learning courses.

For every tonne of CO2 offset or course attended, we plant trees to bolster our positive impact. This means that whether you’re improving your environmental performance through our consultancy or learning about sustainability, you’re also helping to restore forests around the world.

If you wish to discuss tree planting through Circular Ecology, please contact us.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we’ll plant the seeds of a better future.

Launch Webinar: Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) Database v4.0

Circular Ecology would like to invite you to a webinar on the 28th of November, [...]

ICE Status Update: Webinar Recap

Circular Ecology successfully hosted a webinar on Sept 26th, providing a Status Update on the [...]

ICE Database Status Update Webinar

Circular Ecology would like to invite you to a webinar on the 26th September, where [...]

RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment 2nd Edition Now in Effect

RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment 2nd edition is now in effect. Released in November 2023, [...]