WebHostingBuzz - staying green in 2008

[Matt R.]

Hello All,

I thought I'd post here before the blog and press release goes out...

As you know, we made the decision to become greener and 'carbon neutral' back in early 2007. We were one of the first companies to do this (and I noted that many of our competitors tried to follow, I suspect as a poor marketing ploy). We decided to work with the International Tree Foundation who helped us concentrate our efforts.

I am very pleased to announce that we're continuing our partnership with them into 2008 and beyond.

We've elected to sponsor a particular tree planting project in Kenya. Not only does this help curb the effects of our carbon emissions, it also is a valuable labor source for a community that faces daily poverty. As COO of WebHostingBuzz, I feel very priviliged for us as a company to be able to make a contribution that geniunely changes lives.

I've got some pictures and a report to follow in the next post.

[Alan B]

Sounds great, Matt.

[Matt R.]

This is copyright of the International Tree Foundation 2008

In 1988, eight farmers founded a Tree Centre near Kisumu town, in Western Kenya. Now known as The Solaf Tree Fund, they have extended to other parts of the country to tackle the issues of deforestation and wood product demand.

The aim of the project is to plant around 1,400,000 trees in tree nurseries. The seedlings are distributed to local communities to grow for wood products such as building timber, fibre for baskets, animal fodder and food. The Solaf Tree Fund plants new and indigenous species of trees to reduce deforestation and soil erosion and to ensure that existing forests are conserved by providing local communities with alternative sources and income.


Trained volunteers prepare the land and plant the trees under supervision of nursery attendants within the Kakamega and Kisumu Districts. A key benefit of this project is that community members develop skills in tree planting and management and will then ensure an adequate supply of wood and products for the community.


For the project to set up a successful nursery, the Solaf Tree Fund needs to purchase equipment such as wheelbarrows, watering cans, as well as seeds from a reputable supplier. They also need bicycles so that their trained staff can visit the developing nurseries to monitor progress and give advice.

[Matt R.]

I also wanted to bring up an idea Safvan and I have been discussing. We were thinking of an 'extra-green' hosting plan option. This would add probably $2.50 per month or $25 per year to the cost of the hosting plan and we would use this money to directly sponsor additional projects like the one above. The ITF do some great work, and we'd very much like to sponsor as many projects as possible.

Is there any interest in this?

[turtlepirate]

Yes!! I would dish out the extra bucks to help make a difference!

[omniuni]

Do you have a "donate" link that I can put on my website for the project?

[fred7]

Hi

would it ok to use the carbon neutral hosting logo on my reseller website?

regards

[Saf M]

would it ok to use the carbon neutral hosting logo on my reseller website?

The one being used on our website is WebHostingBuzz property and its associated partners and unfortunately cannot be distributed. If you make your own logo, you can for sure use it.

[fred7]

ok thanks for that