Speedwell’s Green Promise

Why are we doing it?

Trees are essential for people, wildlife and the environment. Thousands of wildlife species depend on trees for food and shelter. Trees help clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and provide habitat to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Forests provide jobs to over 1.6 billion people, absorb harmful carbon from the atmosphere, and are key ingredients in 25% of all medicines.

Trees also play a key role in capturing rainwater and reducing the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides. A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of insect, fungi, moss, mammals, and plants. Through their leaves and bark, trees absorb harmful pollutants and release clean oxygen for us to breathe. In urban environments, trees absorb pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and sweep up particles like dust and smoke.

What does this achieve?

Each country has deforestation problems for a variety of different reasons, but the solution is the same for Speedwell regardless. Our planting project leads to higher soil quality, reduction in CO2 emissions, protected areas for local species and employment in impoverished areas.

Where are we planting them?

Speedwell’s planting project takes place in two countries: Madagascar and Haiti. Both countries were chosen based on deforestation rates and its resulting impact on the community. While Madagascar’s deforestation issue is species loss, Haiti’s is due to lack of sustainability.