A beautiful sunset view of part of the Kiambere plantation, Kenya, taken by a drone. June, 2019.

This is the main reason why I went to Kenya. I started to save money through buying trees in November of 2015, and have continued doing so on a monthly basis ever since. When I found out I could place my savings in trees, I finally found what I’d been looking for, ever since moving away from home in the early 90s: An ethical, sustainable and longterm way to save my money.

Did you know that our shared savings have a greater impact on our climate and the environment than all the car driving in the world? I only found out in 2018, and it shocked me. But then I started to think more about it and realized that it makes a lot of sense. In many ways, the way my savings support various companies (either directly through owning stocks and funds, or though my savings account at the bank, which they, in turn, lend to companies) is quite neutral. Or anonymous perhaps is a better way to describe it? I mean, I am not an active shareholder, and even though I’ve tried to invest in “ethical funds” I am far from certain my money does good.

Until now that is. The money I use to buy trees for me, my company, my children and bonus-grandchildren, do good. Without a doubt. It comes at a risk, of course, but then again the possible return is higher than normal as well. And, on November 28th of 2019 I got my first payback from the trees purchased in 2015, so there’s no doubt in my mind that this is a savings scheme that works the way it promises.


Advent Calendar for 2019: sharing pictures and stories/reflections from my trip to Kenya in June. I went to visit “my trees” and get a hands-on experience of the social entrepreneurship of the Kenyan forestry company that I buy trees through.

Full disclosure: I am proud to say I am both a customer and an ambassador for the company. If you are curious to find out more, let me know and I’ll gladly get in touch with you! Here’s my sponsored link: https://betterglobe.com/27216