Plant a Tree for Me FAQs
Q: How do you ensure the trees needed to sequester the carbon will be planted and managed sustainably?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dell doing this?
How are customers responding to the program?
What products are you covering under the expanded program?
How did you estimate donation amounts?
Does Dell contribute directly to the program?
Can any consumer of business participate?
Can planting a tree really make a difference?
What types of trees are planted? Where?
How do you ensure the trees needed to sequester the carbon will be planted and managed sustainably?
Q: When did Dell launch ‘Plant a Tree for Me’?
A: Dell first launched the program in January 2007 to provide customers the opportunity to plant trees to offset the CO2 emissions related to the use of their computer systems. We partner with the Conservation Fund and Carbonfund.org for this project. As previously announced, 100 percent of donations received by Dell go toward tree-planting efforts.
Q: Why is Dell doing this?
A: We believe the customer experience we provide starts with providing relevant technology at the best value and continues by partnering with our customers to protect the environment throughout the product lifecycle. We also know that businesses and consumers are increasingly considering environmental practices when making technology purchases; Dell is ready to meet those needs and through the expanded program makes it easier for any concerned citizen to make a difference.
Q: How are customers responding to the program?
A: We have been encouraged by the response through Dell.com and word-of-mouth and see this as another way to help consumers and businesses make a difference for the environment.
Q: What products are you covering under the expanded program?
A: U.S. businesses and consumers with Dell or other branded equipment can donate $40 for a server, $13 for a computer workstation, $6 for a desktop, $4 for a CRT monitor, $4 for a laser printer, $3 for an LCD monitor, $2 for a laptop and $1 for an inkjet printer to cover the carbon impact of the average amount of electricity used by the device over three years. Additionally, participants can offset the estimated total one-year carbon impact of an average American citizen by donating $99 to the program.
Q: How did you estimate donation amounts?
A: Donation amounts are based on expected average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the production of electricity needed to power the systems over three years – for example, use of a laptop corresponds to approximately .45 tons of CO2 emissions, and for a desktop 1.26 tons. The cost of the carbon offset is $4.75 per ton. On average a tree will sequester 1.33 tons of CO2 over 70 years through the program. Thus, the offset donation required to neutralize the carbon impact for laptops is $2 and $6 for desktops.
Q: Does Dell contribute directly to the program?
A: Yes – Dell has contributed significant resources and funds directly to the ‘Plant a Tree for Me’ program.
Q: Can any consumer or business participate?
A: The ‘Plant a Tree for Me’ program is to available to U.S.-based consumers and businesses with no product purchase required. We expect to offer the program to a global audience beginning in April 2007.
Q: Can planting a tree really make a difference?
A: Yes, over an average 70 year lifespan of a tree, it will trap about 1.3 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. That is roughly the emissions that would result from a road trip from Maine to California. That more than offsets the carbon emitted from the production of electricity used to power a computer during its average life span.
Q: What types of trees are planted? Where?
A: The Conservation Fund and Carbonfund.org only plant native trees and they are planted across the country in sustainably managed forests including national wildlife refuges. The Conservation Fund also focuses on reforestation efforts in the Lower Mississippi River valley area. When the program is available outside the U.S., planting projects outside North America will also be identified.
A: Our reforestation partners work with the forestry project developers and supporters to ensure, among other things, that the management practices are sound, the project results are properly analyzed and documented, and that project management can ensure that they will be able to maintain their oversight for the useful life of the planting. In addition, the reforestation methodologies and results are 3rd-party audited to confirm and accredit the emissions reductions.
