Investment for Profit and Purpose: Why it matters

Earlier this year we surveyed our previous supporters to find out WHY they invested in the Eco-Tree Program. Was it the goal of making 4-6x their money? Or was it because they wanted to feel good about investing in something that makes a real difference?

What they told us is they want BOTH—profit and purpose:

Investments in forestry have historically been one of the most stable, long-term investments, but have largely been out of reach for most retail investors. They can help balance out an investor’s portfolio in uncertain times with a real, tangible asset.

Trees don’t watch the stock market. Forests keep growing — and potentially increasing their value — even when inflation surges or the market swoons. (New York Times)

Global demand for lumber and other wood products is expected to quadruple by 2050, while supplies of many popular species are becoming increasing hard to find and expensive.

The market for hardwood lumber in the U.S. alone is estimated to be over $80 billion annually.

Lumber from our Eco-Tree Program is well-positioned to capitalize on this tremendous market opportunity with our fast-growing Empress Splendor trees, that produce beautiful, lightweight, and highly-versatile hardwood eco-lumber in just 10 years.

It is estimated that 30% of tree species around the world are at risk of extinction primarily due to overharvesting and climate change. The planet needs to retain its natural forests and plant more trees to draw down and store carbon, to prevent desertification, and to enhance soil and ecosystem biodiversity.

Members of the World Tree team in Costa Rica

The forestry industry has been slow to respond. In the United States 40 years of subsidies have led to over planting of Lob Lolly pine, which has led to what Dr. Allen Williams from Understanding Ag calls “rotten soil.” In other words, soil in which nothing else can grow.

World Tree is disrupting the forestry industry. By planting trees using the best practices of regenerative agriculture, we can play a role in reversing climate change. But this isn’t just about planting trees – it’s about growing them, training farmers, using farming methods that support the soil, and producing stronger communities. That’s why we have forged alliances with Kiss the Ground and the Soil Health Academy, making education in regenerative practices a critical part of our farmers’ success.

We chose Empress Splendor trees as our focus because not only do they grow extremely fast, they have a number of important ecosystem benefits:

• Our non-GMO, non-invasive Empress Splendor trees use an incredibly efficient form of photosynthesis to fuel their fast growth, and to make them some of the most efficient trees on the planet at sequestering carbon.
• The trees are also nitrogen-fixing, creating a powerful natural fertilizer for depleted soil.
• The springtime blossoms are packed full of nectar, feeding hungry bees and other pollinators, crucial to the success of the entire ecosystem.
• Empress Splendor trees are perfect for use in intercropping and silvopasture (grazing animal) systems, adding even more ecosystem services to the land.
• Empress trees can regrow multiple times without re-planting, making them a truly renewable.

Together we will create a new type of forestry. Our approach is holistic, placing equal importance on profit and purpose. With your support, we can generate robust returns for our investors and farmers, while simultaneously protecting and rebuilding ecosystems.