Widgit Wilding: planting trees for a greener future

April 2024

Here at Widgit, we're passionate about making a positive impact on the planet. As part of our journey to B Corp certification, we've been busy tending to our environmental practices. We're excited to share that we've completed the groundwork for the ‘environmental’ aspect of our assessment, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability.

One of the key areas we've focused on is reducing our carbon footprint. We've made changes such as monitoring how we travel, offering EV charging points for staff members, and transitioning to environmentally friendly cleaning products, but we know there's more to be done.

In line with our dedication to sustainability, we recently launched our very own ‘Widgit Wilding’ project. To achieve this, we partnered with OblongTrees, a local rewilding not-for-profit, who are helping other organisations like Widgit to offset their carbon footprint.

Managing director Dan Whiteman believes that companies who fund just a handful of trees per year can make a big difference.

Trees store pollutants such as carbon and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Scientists say the effects trees have is mind-blowing. They can negate the emissions that are pumped into the air by human activities.

Working closely with Dan, our tree-planting initiative took root at Holt Farm near Widgit HQ, Warwickshire. Here, we began our mission to plant 40 saplings per staff member – totalling approximately 1,600 trees.

But we're not stopping there. We believe in the importance of supporting both our local community and global efforts to combat climate change. That's why half of the trees will be planted right here on our doorstep, while the other half will be planted in various eco-projects around the world, spreading our impact far and wide. Dan says:

With our international planters, most of them have a goal not only to plant trees, but to help the local wildlife. In Australia for example, they are planting corridors of trees to give koalas safer routes. Our North American planter is also planting trees along riverbanks to clean the water and increase the local salmon population.

As someone passionate about people and the planet, CEO Cate Rae felt that a re-wilding project was a great opportunity for staff to feel part of something much bigger.

As an important part of our B Corp journey, our Widgit Wilding initiative not only gives back to the environment, but to our staff members too. Whether here in Warwickshire, Malawi or Peru, we’ll be keeping a close eye on their progress for the many years to come as we each play a role in restoring our green spaces, one tree at a time.

Widgit trees being planted in Malawi, Kenya, Peru and Australa:

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to nurture our commitment to the planet.