Woolworths sponsored the planting of over 3,000 indigenous trees during Arbour week from 1 to 7 September 2011.

The trees were planted through the Wildlands Conservation Trust. The project aims to teach children and adults how to grow trees. The children and adults, referred to as “tree-preneurs” can then trade the growing trees for food, clothing, agricultural goods and tools or school and tertiary fees. These trees are then planted back into communities or in the Wildlands forest restoration projects.

The benefits of trees

Apart from other benefits, trees absorb carbon and therefore help to reduce emissions into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change.

Woolworths distribution centre in Midrand also be planted 160 trees and the Maxmead distribution centre planted a further 10. Various other tree planting activities also took place across the business at a store level.

“Arbour week helps to raise awareness about the need to reduce carbon emissions. South Africans are among the highest emitters of carbon per capita in the world. Planting trees helps us to reduce our emissions, provides food and makes our environment more appealing,” says Justin Smith, Woolworths Good business journey manager. A total of 14,000 trees have been donated by Woolies in 4 years.