River Island announces app-driven tree planting initiative

River Island has today announced a tree planting initiative in partnership with climate action platform Ecologi.

During the month of September, River Island will plant one tree for every new email registration and app download. Each of the trees funded through this action will be planted by one of Ecologi’s trusted partners in their project sites across Africa and South America, helping to support local communities and biodiversity.

Ecologi funds climate action around the world, from reforestation to carbon reduction, working with businesses to help drive climate solutions. Since its launch, the social enterprise has funded the planting of over 47 million trees and the reduction of over 2.2 million tonnes of CO2e through certified carbon reduction projects.

The B-Corp social enterprise runs a subscription service to reverse climate change, funding projects from carbon reduction to reforestation. Its mission is to reduce half of the world’s projected greenhouse gas emissions in 2040 by 2040.

This is the second time River Island has partnered with Ecologi. Together they have already planted almost 160,000 trees. The initiative is the latest project forming part of River Island’s Kind Society, which shares the business’ sustainability goals as it works to help make fashion a force for good – aligned to the four pillars of People, Planet, Principles and Partnerships.

Linda Adams, Head of Partnerships at Ecologi, said: “The prospect of thousands of new trees being planted through this partnership with River Island is hugely exciting. Not only will this improve biodiversity in these areas, it will also support local livelihoods. But planting trees is just one part of the solution to the climate crisis. To make progress on the scale urgently needed, we also need to drastically reduce emissions right now.”

This project is just one part of River Island’s sustainability strategy, and the business has introduced additional carbon reduction initiatives across its network: for example, using 100% green energy in stores, head office and distribution centres. By 2040, River Island is aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions.