Reforestation Through Second Life

Every now and then, something interesting pops out regarding Second Life presences. In this case, it seems that Second Chance Trees and project partner Plant-It 2020 may have their [w:reforestation] efforts rewarded - they have qualified as a finalist in the American Express Members Project.

The quick redux is -American Express may fund them up to $5 million so that they can plant millions of indigenous trees. That's pretty cool. From the article:

...Second Chance Trees was conceived, developed and built by social media agency Converseon in partnership with 501 (c)(3) non-profit Plant It 2020. Second Life residents can plant a virtual tree at Second Chance Trees Island for 300 Linden dollars (about $1.50), which triggers the planting of a corresponding tree in endangered rainforest regions in the real world.

"Effective global environmental initiatives require not only physical implementation that embraces local communities and cultures; they must also have a powerful educational component. While most people won't ever fly to India to plant a Neem tree, the Second Chance Trees project creates the closest approximation of the experience and is sparking positive word-of-mouth that will hopefully spur others to greater awareness and action," said Rob Key, CEO of Converseon.

"If selected as the winner of the American Express Members Project we would look forward to planting one million trees in locations throughout Latin America and Africa. This reforestation project will not only reduce harmful greenhouse gasses but will also help to feed tens of thousands of people" added Michael Thau, Executive Director of Plant It 2020...

It might be worth going to check out Second Chance Trees Island if you survive the update. I'll wander over and see what's up after I get this update on board.

As someone who plants trees, I wish someone would toss me $5 million bucks to do so. :-P