Trees. They're the backbone of our planet. They absorb harmful pollutants from our atmosphere, while releasing clean oxygen back into it. Strong trees act as carbon sponges, sequestering CO2 from the air we breathe. They're integral to every aspect of our lives, from the environment we run in to the water we drink.

Yet globally we lose between 46-58 thousand square miles of forest annually - the equivalent of around 48 football pitches every minute. Over 80% of the world's forests have already been destroyed, releasing stored CO2 back into our atmosphere. 

You spoke, we listened

We spoke to over 2,000 members of our Tribe to find out what really mattered to them. The answer was clear. What concerned you most was the levels of pollution in the air you breathe. Whether you run in cities, the wilderness or somewhere in between, the results were stark and unanimous. Something had to be done. 

Introducing One Tree Planted 

It wasn't long after this that we discovered One Tree Planted. Founded in 2014 by Matt Hill, One Tree Planted was created with a mission to give back to the environment. Their simple formula of one tree planted for every dollar donated allows them to support various planting projects around the world. So far, they have planted over 2.5 million trees globally. 

The answer for us was simple. For every order made, we would plant a tree. By supporting the One Tree Planted scheme, we're helping to clean the air we breathe today and for the runners of the future.

Supporting clean air worldwide

For 2020, we have chosen to support a project in Guatemala, focussed on the northwest region of Huehuetenango and the Pacific South Coast. The project aims to empower the local community with the knowledge and skills to become environmentally sustainable.

As trees in this part of the world grow continuously due to the tropical climate, they have the potential to absorb more carbon. This project also focuses on planting hardwood trees with thicker trunks, which are able to absorb more carbon once they are fully grown. This combination means the effects of tree planting in this area of the world can be felt globally - no matter where you run. 

The future

We believe trees are integral for our planet - and us - to thrive. We're proud to be partnered with One Tree Planted and support the work they do by planting a tree for every purchase you make. As a community choosing to make a positive change today, we can help preserve our planet for the Tribe of the future.

To learn more about One Tree Planted, visit their website.  

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Photo credit: One Tree Planted