Earth Day Quiz: How Many Trees Do We Need to Offset CO2 Emissions Per Person?

Did you know that a single mature tree can absorb approximately 48 pounds of CO2 each year? Considering that the global average carbon dioxide emission per person is about 4 tons (or 8,000 pounds) annually, the need for substantial environmental action becomes clear. To offset their own annual carbon footprint, an average person would need to ensure the planting and growth of approximately 167 trees. As Earth Day approaches, we must transcend its traditional celebration and commit to meaningful actions that can genuinely reshape our world. Planting a tree is not just a symbol of hope and regeneration; it's a vital act of unity in the face of environmental challenges. 

Contribute to the offset of CO2 emissions one tree at a time.

Empowering Communities, Enriching Ecosystems: The Story of Sustainable Development in Colombia

The story of reforestation and community empowerment is deeply rooted in the "Transforming the Environment" project, initiated by FUNDAEC and supported by TwoWings, the Mona Foundation, and other partners. This commitment, which began in the fertile valleys of Colombia, has grown into a blueprint of how nurturing the earth can, in turn, cultivate community spirit and resilience.

In 2021, FUNDAEC embarked on a journey with the Social Responsibility project, aimed at bolstering local food systems for families grappling with the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is built around environmentally sustainable activities that not only support local ecosystems but also reduce carbon footprints, enhancing the resilience of both communities and their surrounding natural environments. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, FUNDAEC helps mitigate climate change impacts, contributing significantly to global efforts in saving the Earth. By 2022, FUNDAEC's mission expanded to enrich community development through neighborhood beautification and the formation of solidarity groups. These efforts are designed not just to provide aid but to empower communities to take the lead in sustainable agriculture and social cohesion, making them stewards of their environment. This strategy ensures that individuals are not just recipients of change but active participants, driving ecological and social transformation in their own communities.

Tutors and participants in one of many tree-planting workshops in Lorica, Cordoba, Colombia.

Beyond Planting: 2023's Achievements in Sustainability

As we reached 2023, the project’s influence extended well beyond its initial scope. An impressive 14,810 trees have been planted, surpassing the annual target, bringing not only shade and beauty but also a wealth of ecological benefits to numerous communities. Moreover, the initiative has profoundly impacted the lives of 2,186 individuals, predominantly women, who have embraced the role of environmental stewards, thus embodying the spirit of Earth Day throughout the year.

The project has matured into a robust educational program that provides comprehensive agroforestry training, enhances food security, and supports the development of small-scale nursery enterprises. This evolution illustrates the power of integrated efforts in tree planting and education in fostering a cycle of empowerment and economic opportunity.

14,810 trees have been planted through the Transforming the Environment program.

Earth Day Celebration: Your Role in Planting Hope

As the Northern Hemisphere welcomes the season of growth, your involvement becomes essential, like the rain that nurtures young seedlings. By supporting the "Transforming the Environment" project, you do more than contribute to reforestation—you help propagate a message that resonates with the core principles of Earth Day, emphasizing our collective responsibility to safeguard our planet.

Empowering the Next Generation: Creative Earth Day Activities

This Earth Day offers a unique chance for educators and families to inspire the youth toward a unified effort for global change. We encourage you to engage students and children in creative campaigns that underscore the importance of environmental stewardship. Organizing fundraisers or eco-friendly projects can raise both awareness and funds, supporting sustainable initiatives like "Transforming the Environment." These activities do more than educate—they empower our youth, instilling in them a vital role in the preservation of our planet, and the power of unity through a shared goal and vision.

Group of elementary school children running forward during a fundraising activity.

Why Every Tree Costs 30 Euros: Investing in Sustainable Futures

Every contribution of 30 euros towards a tree in the TwoWings project represents more than a donation—it's an investment in a sustainable future. This funding ensures the survival of each tree, covering costs from species selection to land preparation and initial care. Additionally, this investment supports educational programs that teach local communities about agroforestry and effective environmental management. Each donation guarantees that every tree continues to offer ecological, economic, and social benefits, marking a significant step towards our Earth Day goals.

Together, We Branch Out

Join us as we extend our reach, laying down roots that will secure a healthier planet for future generations. Your action today is a vital leaf in the vast forest of tomorrow's renewal. This Earth Day, let's plant the seeds of change. Together, let's support initiatives like “Transforming the Environment”. Your donation of 30 euros goes far beyond the soil—it supports the growth of knowledge, community, and sustainability.

Click here to contribute to a greener future, not just on Earth Day but throughout the year:

Planting Hope

Happy Earth Day! Let's grow a sustainable future together.