Trees play a pivotal role in helping keep our planet cool. By providing needed shade, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, trees help cities reduce temperatures and benefit over 50% of the world’s population living in urban areas. Moreover, a mature tree can absorb an average of 22 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

That’s why FirstBank is partnering with One Tree Planted to help reforestation efforts. . We sat down with Michelle Senthivel, Sr. Account Manager at One Tree Planted, to learn more about their work and impact.

How does One Tree Planted measure its impact on the environment and communities it serves? 

One Tree Planted measures its impact through various metrics such as the number of trees planted, the land area restored, the biodiversity enhanced, and the number of communities affected. Additionally, planting partners track the long-term sustainability of our projects by monitoring the survival rates of planted trees, the restoration of ecosystems, and the socioeconomic benefits to local communities. For instance, we can estimate the number of overall residents and visitors who will benefit from the plantings using public information. The socioeconomic benefits vary from community to community, ranging from increased tourism and access to green spaces to reduced heat in urban areas.

One example of our impact is the restoration of degraded land in the Amazon rainforest, where our reforestation efforts have not only helped to sequester carbon dioxide but also provided habitat for endangered species, improved water quality, and supported Indigenous communities by planting over 6.5 million trees since 2018.

Can you discuss the “Go Green” campaign and your partnership with FirstBank? 

The “Go Green” campaign is a collaborative effort between One Tree Planted, other planet-friendly causes, and FirstBank to promote environmental sustainability. For every checking account opened during the promotional period, FirstBank will donate to One Tree Planted, resulting in trees planted in Colorado, California and Arizona. * FirstBank has been a loyal and generous donor for over three years and has successfully supported the planting of over 110,000 trees across the southwest.

This partnership allows One Tree Planted to increase our impact by leveraging corporate resources, expertise, and networks. These partnerships provide funding for tree-planting projects, raise awareness about environmental issues, and engage employees and customers in sustainability efforts.

How does your organization prioritize its projects and initiatives? 

One Tree Planted prioritizes projects based on environmental needs, biodiversity conservation, community empowerment, and sustainability impact. We also consider input from local stakeholders and experts to ensure projects align with priorities and needs. Many projects have overlapping objectives contributing to the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. 

One Tree Planted continuously explores new initiatives and projects to expand our impact. We focus on specific regions or ecosystems, collaborate with new partners, and introduce innovative reforestation and environmental conservation approaches. 

In what ways does your nonprofit engage with the local community in Colorado, California, and Arizona to promote environmental awareness and action? 

One Tree Planted engages with communities through tree-planting projects, environmental education programs, and partnerships with local organizations. These initiatives raise awareness about environmental issues, empower community members to take action, and foster a sense of stewardship for the natural environment. Beyond our reforestation projects, One Tree Planted believes engaging people who want to get their hands in the dirt is critical to raising environmental awareness. That is why we also offer educational materials and ways for businesses to give back. By focusing on collaborative sustainability from the ground up, we hope to make a lasting and positive difference for the planet.

How can people get involved with One Tree Planted? Or make a positive environmental impact?

People can get involved with One Tree Planted by becoming a tree ambassador, spreading awareness on social media, donating to support reforestation projects, and advocating for environmental conservation in their communities. In addition, you can open a FirstBank checking account during the promotional period and participate in the “Go Green” campaign.

Individuals looking to make a positive environmental impact can start by reducing their carbon footprint, supporting sustainable businesses and initiatives, planting trees, advocating for environmental policies, and educating others about the importance of conservation and sustainability.

You can learn more about One Tree Planted by visiting www.onetreeplanted.org.

How can you help? When you open a FirstBank checking account, the bank will donate to One Tree Planted and other planet-friendly nonprofits.* Read “Make a Difference Today: Plant Trees, Save Bees, Win an E-Bike” at efirstbankblog.com to learn more.

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*FirstBank will donate $4 per FirstBank checking account opened online or in-person, up to $60,000, towards One Tree Planted, Project Apis m. and Western Resource Advocates. Offer is available to new and existing customers. Offer is only valid from June 1, 2024, through August 30, 2024.