Which Search Engine is The Most Sustainable?
Discover which search engine plants trees with its ad revenue and contributes to climate action every day.
The environmental impact of search engines
How often do you use a search engine? Daily, weekly, hourly? Well, I bet you don't think about how that search engine runs or the impact it has on our environment.
Did you know that much of the energy-powering data centers come from fossil fuels, which are carbon-intensive and contribute to climate change? According to a 2015 study, internet use generates as much CO2 emissions as the aviation industry. While an individual internet search has a minimal impact, collectively, these activities contribute significantly to overall emissions.
A large-scale search engine such as Google estimates that an average search uses about 0.0003 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy or 0.2 grams of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to turning on a 60-watt light bulb for about 17 seconds! Some even estimate that a search could power a low-energy light bulb for up to 108 seconds, while others indicate it might last for an hour. Now multiply that by Google’s 1 billion active users daily, and we have a problem.
Google has highly ambitious goals, with targets in 2030, but needless to say, we need answers now.
What is Ecosia?
Ecosia is an environmentally friendly search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue, making it a simple and impactful way to contribute to climate action every day. Since its founding in 2009, Ecosia has dedicated over €86,925,995 to climate action, planting 212,121,423 trees worldwide.
What environmental issues does Ecosia solve?
Ecosia addresses several environmental issues such as fossil fuels, climate change, and even deforestation. By planting trees in over 35 countries, Ecosia helps restore biodiversity, protect endangered species, and support local communities. Ecosia's tree-planting projects prioritize biodiversity by planting over 500 different native species instead of monocultures. They work shoulder-to-shoulder with local organizations to ensure sustainable and effective reforestation. Additionally, the search engine helps generate solar energy for every day that you use the browser.
Do Ecosia’s goods serve human or planetary needs?
Human Needs:
Ecosia makes it easy for people to contribute to climate action every day by using their search engine. It also supports local communities by creating jobs and restoring land fertility.
Planetary Needs:
Ecosia helps sequester carbon, restore ecosystems, and combat desertification by planting trees. Its solar-powered operations further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Is Ecosia part of the circular economy?
Ecosia’s primary product is their search engine, which does not produce physical waste. Their tree-planting projects ensure that the planted trees contribute to a sustainable and circular ecosystem by restoring biodiversity and supporting local environments. Ecosia can be said to be aiding the circular economy, by ensuring that their product does more good, than harm to the environment.
Is Ecosia a sustainable company I can trust?
Ecosia has proven that it is committed to more than just planting trees.
Here are other reasons why we are vetting Ecosia as a sustainable company:
Transparency:
Ecosia publishes monthly financial reports so users can see how much money is made and how it is spent on tree planting and climate action.
Solar-Powered:
Their servers run on solar energy, producing enough to power all searches twice over.
100% of Profits for the Planet:
All profits are dedicated to climate action, ensuring maximum impact.
When you choose Ecosia, you support a company that is actively fighting climate change by planting trees, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring transparency. To learn more about Ecosia's sustainable practices, explore Ecosia on our sustainable marketplace.
We Need Your Help
We are building a living economy that can safeguard the Earth. Your support is crucial in helping us reach this goal. With a well-developed living economy, we can leave behind companies that prioritize profit over our planet. Your contribution, no matter how small, has a lasting impact.
Discover our Sustainable Marketplace
Our online marketplace proudly showcases other vetted sustainable businesses similar to Ecosia that contribute to the Circular Economy. Each company featured in our marketplace undergoes a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring products adhere to our four-step methodology. When you choose to support these businesses, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in a thriving economy that prioritizes environmental preservation.
Click here to learn more about our mission.
Key Takeaways:
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue. Established in 2009, it has planted over 212 million trees globally.
Plants trees in over 35 countries, restoring biodiversity and protecting endangered species.
Uses solar-powered servers, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Plants over 500 different native species, promoting biodiversity.
Publishes monthly financial reports showing earnings and spending on tree planting.
Dedicates 100% of profits to environmental projects.
Provides an easy way for people to contribute to climate action every day.
Supports local communities by creating jobs and restoring land fertility.
Sequesters carbon, combats desertification, and restores ecosystems.
Ecosia’s search engine contributes to a circular ecosystem by supporting sustainable reforestation projects.
Ensures long-term environmental benefits through responsible and sustainable practices.
Encourages users to make Ecosia their default search engine to be climate active daily.
Highlights the importance of supporting companies that prioritize environmental preservation.
Active projects in diverse regions like Brazil, Senegal, and Indonesia, each addressing unique environmental challenges.
Shopping through Ecosia’s sponsored links supports climate projects at no extra cost.
By choosing Ecosia, users support a company dedicated to fighting climate change and promoting a sustainable future.
Encourages readers to learn more about Ecosia’s mission and join the movement for a greener planet.