Trees for Travel
In our modern world, flying is a given. Unfortunately, the cost to the environment is even higher than the price of that ticket to New Zealand.
A new program called Treeflights.com hopes to help offset the use of non-renewable fuel sources and the enormous carbon emissions that result from air travel by planting trees, and in the process, help curb global warming. Founded in late 2006 in Wales by Ru Hartwell, the program allows air passengers to plant one tree (or more) for every flight they take. Choices include willow, wild cherry, beech, ash, oak, silver birch, alder, and black poplar. Saplings are planted in accordance with organic standards, in settings that encourage wildlife diversity. Hartwell, who owns an eco-powered site in the Cambrian Mountains of Wales, has been planting trees for over 20 years.
He estimates that to date, he's put 17,000 saplings into the ground. Each order is confirmed with a certificate that includes directions as to exactly where a participant's tree has been planted. The cost is just under $20 per planting. For more information visit Treeflights.com
