Trees not Tees - Creating Greener Events
As humans, on this planet, we all carry great responsibility.
We're so inspired by the legends from Trees Not Tees and are proud to share this game-changing initiative:
What is the Trees not Tees concept?
It's in the name! Plant a tree instead of choosing a tee (t-shirt)
“We work with race and event organisers to give participants the option of planting a tree rather than getting a t-shirt they won’t wear.” says Trees Not Tees Founder Jim Mann
“Millions of event t-shirts are produced and given away each year that are never worn. Let’s plant millions of trees instead.” Instead of buying too many t-shirts, the organiser pays Tees Not Trees for the cost of the t-shirt and we plant a tree for the participant instead.
Why is it important?
We’re in a climate crisis. The environmental cost of making a t-shirt is huge. It takes the same amount of water that a person drinks in 2.5 years to make a single cotton t-shirt, plus over 2kg of eCO2. If it’s never even worn, all of those precious resources were spent for nothing
‘The environmental benefit of planting a tree is huge, it helps us fight against climate change by taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, it provides a home for a diverse range of species, and it gives us clean air to breathe.’ Trees Not Tees Co-Founder, Jim Mann
How can I incorporate it in my event?
In your event registration flow, simply add an option that allows participants to choose a tree, either in place of their t-shirt, a medal, or as an optional extra
Participants who want a t-shirt still have the option of getting one.
How would this work with Register Now?
We recommend offering this option through the Optional Items tab.
How does is work:
We're glad you asked - click the video below to learn more:
or copy and paste this link: https://youtu.be/WB9GwHaA1JM
One clever way to make it easier for the participant is to create the "Tree" as the default option. As Jim Mann explains, "It's easier than giving out a t-shirt” After your event, you send us a list of all participants who chose to plant a tree.
If the participant wants a t-shirt, then they choose that, and select their size.
Who can lead this?
You! Race directors and event organisers can demonstrate they are serious about tackling waste and show their green credentials. The world gets more trees, with all the carbon sequestration and ecosystem benefits they bring. We all waste fewer resources making things people don’t need. New forests are created, and ultimately we help the planet fight against climate change.
Image by For Wild Places
Where is Tees Not Trees?
There are four forest sites in the UK, and in 2022 they will begin planting in USA on the ambitious roadmap for planting 50 million trees by 2025. While there are no current plans to expand to Australia or New Zealand, there are many companies who are operating here:
Australian and New Zealand opportunities:
Plant it Forward
Simply choose to donate the finisher t-shirt or medal component of your event entry fee towards an organisation re-wilding the world through tree planting, land rehabilitation or environmental conservation. Every contribution has a double impact. Firstly, a reduction in production, consumption and waste. And contribution to an organisation who is re-wilding, rehabilitating or conserving the planet.
Find out more about Plant it Forward
ReForest Now
As a reforestation organisation, their primary services are planting trees and bush regeneration. ReForest Now also produce various resources for working with endangered species. Trees donated will be allocated to sites that have been chosen as key areas of importance to support the existing fragmented rainforest. Trees are planted within weeks of donation (outside of the dry season).
Find out more about ReForest Now
More good people doing good things:
For Wild Places
For Wild Places aims to reconnect trail runners with the places they love to explore, and through education, awareness and action allow them the agency to become sports Activists. They hope to connect people in a life-long love for the outdoors, so the wild places we all enjoy as trail runners are not only protected, but able to flourish. Community building, individual empowerment and harnessing movement will allow athletes to re-discover their agency, so collectively necessary changes can be made.
Half Cut
HalfCut is a peer to peer, social and environmental movement that engages all people to raise funds for forest regeneration and conversation. We create visual disruption by wearing a Halfcut look to start conversations about conservation.
HalfCut aims to protect crucial forests for habitat for threatened and endangered species, protect Traditional Owners land titles, start mass tree planting projects and ultimately be part of the solution to the growing climate emergency, ensuring a safe future for all species on Earth.
Green My Plate
An Australian owned company supplying reusable, light-weight, plates, bowls & cutlery as well as wash stations, staff and compost bins to events, schools & anyone else wanting to minimise their waste. Perfect for food vendors and hospitality suppliers to events. Plus, less waste on-site = less organisation required!
Greenfleet
Greenfleet is a leading not-for-profit organisation focussed on protecting our climate by restoring our forests. We're Australia’s first carbon offset provider and have been taking climate action for nearly 25 years.
Since 1997 we've planted over 9.6 million trees and created more than 500 native forests across Australia and New Zealand. We plant legally protected biodiverse forests that fight the impacts of climate change while restoring native ecosystems and creating habitat for koalas and other precious wildlife
If you would like any further information or contact details for any of the above organisations, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team support@registernow.com.au
Register Now is commited to choosing greener, more environmentally friendly alternatives and increased awareness towards our impact on this planet.