Diving Deep into the Forest: A Chat with One Tree Planted’s Louis Lagoutte
You know that feeling when you stumble upon a podcast episode that just clicks with you? That’s what happened to me recently with The Jetpack Episode #3 where host Kajetan Wyrzykowski had the amazing opportunity to chat with Louis Lagoutte the European Branch Director at One Tree Planted.
If you haven’t heard of One Tree Planted buckle up because you’re about to discover a seriously inspiring organization! Their mission is as simple as it is powerful: to plant trees and revitalize forests around the globe. We’re talking about reforestation projects habitat restoration and all kinds of cool stuff that directly impact the planet’s health.
And Louis is the absolute perfect person to tell us all about it. With a background steeped in environmental science and a heart brimming with passion for conservation he’s truly dedicated to making a positive difference. He’s been with One Tree Planted for three years witnessing its incredible growth from a small team to a vibrant force of 25 dedicated individuals.
Growing Up in the Wilderness: Louis’s Journey to One Tree Planted
We kick off the episode with a bit of Louis’s personal story.
He’s a guy who truly grew up in nature with forests and wilderness surrounding him.
He remembers vividly that one teacher who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of the natural world.
That’s where his passion for conservation first blossomed and it’s been a driving force throughout his career.
Before joining One Tree Planted Louis was the Head of Sustainability and Social Impact for a social enterprise in Ecuador working directly with indigenous communities to promote sustainable farming practices.
Ready to plant a seed? 🌱 This podcast is seriously inspiring. Dive in and learn how you can help!
He even got involved in a small reforestation project which led him to One Tree Planted.
Ready to plant a seed? 🌱 This podcast is seriously inspiring. Dive in and learn how you can help!
Planting a Seed: The Mission and Impact of One Tree Planted
One Tree Planted isn’t just planting trees. They’re actually funding projects all over the world connecting passionate individuals and businesses with organizations on the ground who are actively working on reforestation.
Louis sheds light on some truly mind-blowing facts about trees backed by solid research. Did you know that trees can actually help reduce violence and reduce speeding in cities? It seems they have this magical effect of creating calmer and more peaceful environments.
And let’s not forget the incredible cooling potential of trees in urban areas. Imagine a city where the air is naturally cooler with less reliance on air conditioning. That’s a huge win for both the environment and our wallets!
Ready to plant a seed? 🌱 This podcast is seriously inspiring. Dive in and learn how you can help!
But it’s not just about individual trees. Forests as entire ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating our climate. The Amazon rainforest for instance creates its own weather system! That’s right it essentially makes its own rain. This is something we often forget. When we cut down trees in these areas we’re not just losing trees; we’re losing entire climate engines!
Choosing Where to Plant: A Global Effort with Local Impact
One Tree Planted has projects all over the world each targeting specific needs and goals.
They work with a diverse range of partners including indigenous rights organizations environmental charities and even government agencies like the US Forest Service.
When choosing a location they consider a multitude of factors. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about restoring entire landscapes. They want to create diverse vibrant ecosystems not monocultures of the same species.
They also look at how local communities are involved in the projects ensuring they have a stake in their success and can reap the benefits. It’s about sustainable development and empowering people to protect their land and resources.
The Big Picture: Land Use and Sustainability Beyond Trees
Here’s something really important that Louis emphasizes: it’s not just about cutting down trees; it’s about how we use the land. Timber is a valuable resource when harvested responsibly but it’s the conversion of forests to other uses like cattle ranching that poses the greatest threat.
He highlights the importance of responsibly sourced wood and the role of businesses in promoting sustainable practices. If we’re mindful of our consumption choices and support companies committed to sustainability we can make a huge difference.
The Power of Partnerships: From Yoga Studios to Multinationals
One Tree Planted has thousands of partners from small businesses like yoga studios to major corporations like Netflix and Mastercard.
They’re passionate about working with companies that have a genuine commitment to sustainability and incorporate it into their core values.
Louis mentions a hat and clothing company in Switzerland that plants a tree for every product they sell.
It’s amazing to see how businesses are finding ways to tie their success directly to positive environmental impact.
The Future is Sustainable: Lessons Learned from COVID-19
Louis sees a glimmer of hope in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the pandemic itself was a tragedy it forced many companies to re-evaluate their practices particularly when it comes to travel and commuting.
He believes that this could lead to a shift towards a more sustainable way of working with less reliance on air travel and more emphasis on remote work. It’s a chance to reconsider how we operate and prioritize work-life balance.
One Tip for Becoming More Sustainable: Look at Your Supply Chains
If you’re a company looking to make a positive environmental impact Louis’s advice is simple: take a hard look at your supply chains. Are you sourcing products responsibly? Are you minimizing your environmental footprint?
He also encourages businesses to find ways to measure their impact and track their progress. It’s not just about making a gesture; it’s about making a measurable difference.
The Power of Collaboration: A Shared Vision for a Greener Future
The Jetpack Episode #3 is a powerful reminder that we can all play a role in protecting our planet. By supporting organizations like One Tree Planted and businesses committed to sustainability we can collectively plant the seeds for a healthier more vibrant future.
If you’re looking to make a positive impact remember the power of collaboration.
We can all work together to create a world where forests thrive and the environment flourishes.