Schools across the country are being invited to help fight climate change and the biodiversity crisis by signing up to an international tree-planting campaign.
JUST ONE Tree Day encourages children to wear non-uniform and bring in £1 to cover the cost of planting a tree.
As part of their fundraising efforts, participants also learn about photosynthesis, the benefits trees bring to both people and the wider natural world, and the key part they play in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Established in 2019, the annual event is organised by JUST ONE Tree, a non-profit initiative dedicated to removing CO2 from the atmosphere and reversing biodiversity loss through global reforestation.
“JUST ONE Tree Day was born out of my passion to make a difference – not only for my young daughter, but for the future of all children,” said JUST ONE Tree founder, Amanda Bronkhorst.
“JUST ONE Tree Day has resulted in over 150,000 trees planted and I know that this year the ‘children’s forest’ can grow even bigger.”
The event will take place on Friday 15 October in most of the UK (Friday 1 October in Scotland) and has already attracted a lengthy list of participants from the independent sector, including Edinburgh’s Clifton Hall School, St John’s College in Cardiff and Mill Hill School in London.
“School participation is doubly important because not only do they raise funds, but the forest planted on their behalf helps compensate for a school’s environmental impact,” added Bronkhorst.
“Many children today struggle with climate anxiety, but JUST ONE Tree Day tells them that we can all make a difference with a simple action. By taking direct action it spreads hope and positivity. It’s important to involve our young, helping them tackle their worries of today while setting them up for a sustainable lifestyle that aids their future.”
Money raised supports reforestation projects in Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and Zambia, as well as fighting the decline of CO2-absorbing sea kelp in the world’s oceans.
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