As one of the planet’s longest-living plant species, trees are essential for our planet’s survival. With a growing number of notable and destructive wildfires, an increasing number of people are exploring how to help plant trees and get involved.
That said, it can be difficult to know how exactly to help plant trees and whether planting trees can help reduce climate change. Knowing where to start with this type of volunteering can be tricky, as many nuances, such as travel costs and program requirements, come into play. This thorough article will guide you in your next steps on how to participate in tree planting volunteer programs abroad and support mitigation efforts in potentially reducing climate change.
Volunteering to Plant Trees: How You Can Contribute
It’s time to make a positive impact on the environment by learning how to help plant trees.
Planting trees and restoring forest ecosystems are pivotal and cost-effective measures that not only combat forest destruction but also address associated crises. Deforestation contributes significantly to human-caused carbon dioxide emissions—every year, approximately 4.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide are released into the Earth’s atmosphere as a result of it.
However, by volunteering to plant trees, we have the potential to remove a substantial amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and climate impact.
Even though in the past, tree planting was primarily associated with farmers, gardeners, or those with a specific interest in gardening, this is no longer the case today. It is recognized that, regardless of age, gender, or location, tree planting is an inclusive activity open to everyone who shares a passion for making a positive and permanent impact on our planet’s health. While tree planting is not a standalone solution to tackle climate change, this awareness has been invaluable given the urgent need for green cover due to deforestation and land abuse.
How to help plant trees at home and abroad
Volunteering to plant trees, whether at home or abroad, involves thoughtful planning to make the most of your experience. From choosing the right time and place to budgeting and preparing travel documents, these key steps will help guide you through every step of the process.
1. Decide when to go
Selecting the right time to volunteer to plant trees is crucial. You will need to take into account factors like weather conditions, planting seasons, and personal commitments to ensure an optimal experience.
2. Decide where to go
Explore the best destinations for tree planting volunteer work by researching regions with critical reforestation needs or areas where your efforts can have a significant ecological impact. Some of the best destinations based on weather conditions include Peru, Thailand, and New Zealand! Take some time to compare volunteer programs and destinations to find the best fit.
3. Choose a program
It is key to find a program that aligns with your objectives when it comes to helping plant trees. A few factors to take into consideration include program duration and cost, environmental focus, and skill requirements. For example, while some programs may involve more physically challenging labor, others might not require such skills.
4. Make sure you meet the requirements
Check that you meet program requirements before applying to ensure you can make a meaningful contribution.
It is crucial for you to review the eligibility criteria of the programs you’re interested in to make sure you meet all the necessary requirements to become a volunteer tree planter. These might relate to age, physical fitness, and language abilities, as many programs are likely to require all volunteers to speak fluent English. It is also important for you to check your own availability as well, as most tree planting initiatives tend to require you to commit to a minimum of one week.
5. Apply for programs
Once you’ve narrowed down which program is perfect for you, you can start applying! The majority of volunteer tree planting programs have their application process entirely online. Your main responsibilities are ensuring you pay close attention to deadlines and submit all required documents on time.
6. Create a budget
It is important to create a budget before your program begins. This will help you ensure that you cover all the essentials, including program fees, accommodation, meals, and travel and transportation costs. Make sure you leave enough room for miscellaneous expenses to ensure a smooth volunteering experience for yourself!
7. Apply for a visa if necessary
If your desired destination to help plant trees requires a visa, make sure you initiate the application process well in advance. This includes making sure you have all the necessary documents in order. You’ll also need to make sure you budget for additional visa expenses.
8. Book flights
Once you’ve completed the application process and your application (as well as your visa, if required) has been approved, all that’s left for you to do is book your flights. Take into account your program start and end dates, get your passport ready, and prepare to begin your journey as a tree planting volunteer!
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How much does it cost to volunteer to plant trees?
Money may not grow on trees, but taking the time to make a budget will let you volunteer to plant them!
Creating a comprehensive budget for your experience volunteering to plant trees involves considering various factors to ensure you account for all potential expenses. Here are some major factors to include in a volunteering budget:
- Program fees: While program fees vary depending on which program you choose, a rough estimate for a 3-week program to plant trees is around $1,000 to $1,300.
- Travel expenses: Flights to and from the volunteer destination and additional transportation costs during your stay also need to be accounted for in your budget.
- Visa requirements: Make sure you do your research and budget for visa fees, if necessary, and any required vaccinations for the country you’ll be volunteering in.
- Accommodation and meals: If your program of choice offers a homestay experience and/or if meals are included, you might not need to budget for accommodation costs and meals, but it is crucial to check to make sure.
- Miscellaneous expenses: It is also smart to budget for any personal spending during your stay for souvenirs, leisure time, and other activities.
3 tree planting programs to consider
If you’re ready to take the next step, there are incredible tree planting volunteer programs around the world offering meaningful ways to support conservation and create lasting environmental impact. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Environmental Conservation in the North Island, New Zealand
Why? With this program, you’ll get to partake in various tasks such as tree planting, endangered species protection, heritage restoration, and environmental monitoring to help in the conservation of New Zealand’s beautiful natural landscapes. You can choose to stay for a week or extend your stay for an even bigger impact!
Where? Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington, New Zealand
Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
2. Volunteer in Outdoor Projects in Thailand
Why? This program is perfect for those who like to get their hands dirty, as it requires a lot of physical but highly rewarding labor. Outdoor work projects in Thailand range from building and construction projects to tree planting and conservation projects. You can choose to stay for up to 12 weeks, depending on your financial ability.
Where? Chiang Rai, Thailand
Read International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] reviews
3. Jungle Conservation—Volunteer in Peru!
Why? With this program, as a volunteer in the Peruvian Amazon, you’ll get involved with reforestation efforts such as planting trees, shrubs, and orchids, as well as removing various non-native plant species. This program offers great flexibility as it is designed to let you choose a shorter experience or extend your time abroad for additional time volunteering!
Where? Amazon Rainforest, Peru
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Ready to make the world a greener place?
Volunteering to help plant trees will be a rewarding experience.
As you follow this guide and make key decisions regarding when and where to go, and you gather all the necessary information about finances and visa requirements, you’re well on your way to making your plans of volunteering to plant trees a reality. With careful consideration and the selection of suitable species in appropriate locations, tree planting becomes a valuable practice in reducing climate change!
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