I created Krystal when I was 17 to "leave the world a better place than I found it". So far I have failed miserably in that task!

The recent IPCC report has been described as a “code red for humanity”. It makes it clear that without drastic action to curb global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius we’re on our way to a range of non-good futures.

If you know us, you’ll know that our Green Ethos is a cornerstone of our identity. We’re always looking for new ways to help our planet.

In January 2021, we co-founded the Million Tree Pledge with other businesses deeply concerned about the path we’re on.

The Million Tree Pledge is a simple 2-parter:

1. Commit to planting 1 million trees, as soon as possible.

2. Find at least 2 others (people or businesses) to take the pledge.

Trees remove CO2 from the atmosphere AND produce oxygen, something no other carbon-capture technology can boast! By leveraging the network effect this two-fold pledge has the power to build a movement that could have a significant impact in the fight against climate change.

There are currently around 3 trillion trees remaining in the world, about HALF the number that existed before human civilisation. Scientists have modelled that IN ADDITION to cutting emissions, re-planting some of these trees could be the fastest and most economical way to help restore equilibrium.

They estimate that 1 TRILLION trees could be planted without impacting land needed for agriculture and urban areas. It’s an ambitious target, but we’re talking about saving our home here, so “Go big or NO home!”
 

One small step

I'm delighted to report that Krystal has planted its millionth tree today!

We’ve satisfied the first part of the pledge, now we need to complete the more important second part. Will you answer the call?

You can plant trees via any number of providers and you can take as much time as you need (just bear in mind the old adage about the best time to plant a tree!)

We’ve planted trees with both Trees for Life in the Scottish Highlands, and Ecologi, who plant fast-growing mangrove trees in Kenya, Mozambique and Madagascar.

If you decide to take the “Million Tree Pledge” please let us know (via replying to this email or interacting with our Twitter or Facebook post).

Here are 2 other things you can start today that will make a difference.

1. Switch to a green energy provider, e.g. Ecotricity

Ecotricity, who Krystal switched to in 2017 for all our hosting consumption, are Britain’s greenest energy company. They actually construct renewable power facilities in direct response to increased adoption. It doesn’t take long to switch and is often cheaper too. Win/win! 

At Krystal we give staff who switch to a renewable energy provider a £50 bounty and we’re currently putting the final touches on being able to incentivise clients. Stay tuned! (you’ll be able to claim your reward if you’ve already switched).

If you’re a business and can incentivise your clients and/or staff to switch too that would be amazing. (All about the network effect!)

Switching to Ecotricity takes minutes, just click here to use our referral code, which we’ll use to plant more trees!

2. Become "Climate Positive" via Ecologi

For less than £5/month and 2 minutes you can offset your entire carbon footprint via Bristol-based Ecologi. They’ve got packages for both individuals and businesses.

With the mantra “plant trees, save lives”, Ecologi reduces extreme poverty and restores healthy forests by employing local people (often women) to plant millions of trees every year. Only trees native to the region are planted, with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity.

It’s easy to donate and you get your own dynamic profile page (see Krystal’s) so you can quickly track and share the impact your donations are having. There’s even a leaderboard that invites a healthy level of competition! See you at the top soon?!

To offset your impact visit Ecologi to get started and do your good deed for the day. If you use our referral link they’ll plant a bonus 60 trees!

In Conclusion

It's clear that only with a monumental and coordinated effort can we hope to bring about the least-bad of outcomes.

Krystal is committed to this fight, it’s why we’re in business in the first place and I hope that you’ll decide to join us. Together we can, and must, make a difference.

As always, please get in touch if you'd like to talk.

Thank you for reading,

Simon Blackler - CEO & Founder