AgTech start-up pledges support to global reforestation project
Leading AgTech specialist Light Science Technologies has announced a partnership with One Tree Planted that aims to plant millions of trees around the world for landscape restoration in 2021.
For every light or sensor provided to its customers, LST will donate $1 to One Tree Planted to plant one tree and support projects that help sustainable agriculture. This is part of a joint commitment to champion global reforestation efforts and raise awareness of the importance of ecosystem restoration.
The ‘One for One’ initiative, started by One Tree Planted Founder Matt Hill in Vermont in 2014, works with reforestation partners around the world to plant trees to restore forests and protect habitat for biodiversity, as well as to create jobs and build communities. In 2020 it planted 15 million trees, more than triple the amount in 2019, and this year is looking to continue this exponential trend.
Trees are vital to life on earth by providing oxygen, storing carbon and absorbing other harmful pollutants, filtering the water we drink, and providing habitat to over 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. They are also known to have medicinal properties, with essential ingredients in 25% of all medicines.
It was LST’s synergy with the charity’s mission that sparked its involvement, as a company with sustainability at the heart of its agenda. Established in 2019, the Derby-based firm delivers lighting, science and research-proven plant monitoring solutions to provide indoor growers with long term sustainable solutions to help control cost, improve efficiency and increase yield. As land becomes scarce, the earth’s resources run low and the global population is set to reach 9.7 billion in 2050, more farmers are turning to vertical farming and other methods of indoor farming, such as polytunnels and greenhouses, as a viable alternative to make food systems more sustainable.
Simon Deacon, CEO of Light Science Technologies said: “Our partnership with One Tree Planted is an ideal fit with our own business model which is centred around finding a sustainable solution in response to the urgent problem of climate change. The trees planted as part of this initiative will support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We could not think of a more important initiative to support and it gives us another opportunity to give back and help the environment.”
“We’re excited for the opportunity to work with Light Science Technologies on such an impactful project,” said One Tree Planted founder and Chief Environmental Evangelist, Matt Hill. “We admire the company’s commitment to planting a tree for every product sold. It’s a prime example of how technology and innovation led companies can make positive change for our planet.”
To get involved, donate or learn more about the ‘One for One’ initiative, go to: www.onetreeplanted.org.
