How to Plant Trees

Buying carbon offsets and planting trees are becoming all the rage. But the devil is in the details. Some forestry projects can add carbon dioxide to the air and damage local habitats. And there is no independent environmental certification program for forestry offset programs. But there are ways to identify worthwhile projects.

If you invest in planting new trees, realize that it takes about 20 years for newly forested clear-cuts to start sequestering more carbon than they release. Choose projects that won't cut down the trees as soon as they mature or, even better, that allow trees to see their centennial. Also, avoid monoculture plantations-large swaths of land covered with identical species. These often increase pollution because they use pesticides and fertilizers. Another option: put your money toward saving forests that would otherwise be cut down. Check out World Land Trust, at www.carbonbalanced.org, which is working to conserve forests in Latin America.

Lastly, look to forestry projects that help sustain local economies, biodiversity, and watersheds. Two organizations to consider, both with projects in Africa, are Plan Vivo, www.planvivo.org, and The Green World Campaign, www.greenworld.org.