One of our longest-standing partners, BOS Ice Tea, has just hit an enormous milestone of 40,000 trees planted with us! While this number is undoubtedly a testament to the potential of consistent dedication and corporate commitment, its true value lies in the far-reaching ecological impact and social upliftment it has created. This achievement is a compelling case study in how long-term corporate partnerships can drive meaningful, holistic change.

The Teas for Trees Pledge

Greenpop is a non-profit organisation, and thus, we rely largely on the generous financial support of individuals, foundations, and corporate partners to maintain and propel our work forward. Long-term pledge partnerships, such as the one that we have with BOS, are particularly crucial as they provide a predictable and sustained revenue stream that allows us to plan accordingly for a greener, more sustainable future and, ultimately, reach for the stars across all aspects of our various projects.
BOS is one of our longest-standing partners, and swiftly jumped into a generous pledge to plant one tree for every 2,000 units of BOS products sold. This partnership, driven by a shared vision and a genuine passion for environmental action, has been a foundational and reliable support for our work over the past 15 years.

A Holistic Impact for Land and People

At Greenpop, we believe in not just counting trees, but, more importantly, making trees count. We achieve this through an integrated, holistic approach to ecosystem restoration, focusing on long-term, hands-on relationships with stakeholders to catalyse the protection and restoration of indigenous ecosystems. We work closely with local communities, prioritise sound ecological principles, and reduce threats to restored areas by actively managing alien vegetation. This careful and considered methodology is why the impact of BOS’s 40,000 trees goes far beyond simply putting trees in the ground.

The ecological benefits of these trees, planted in both urban and natural environments, are substantial. The planting has contributed to the restoration of roughly 40 hectares of land and will absorb an estimated 8,000 tonnes of CO2 over a 20-year period. These trees are vital pieces of living infrastructure that improve soil quality, increase climate resilience, and help regulate water cycles. The BOS-sponsored forests span across a vast number of project sites in South Africa and Malawi, restoring ecosystems and protecting a host of biodiversity, including Cape Parrots, Honey Badgers, and Cape Leopards.

Beyond the Trees: Community Empowerment

The partnership’s impact extends even further beyond ecological upliftment, directly funding other crucial parts of our programmes that empower local communities. The social components of our numerous projects are a core part of how we make trees really count. For example, our urban greening projects have created healthier urban spaces by helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect, while improving general public health and fostering a stronger sense of community.

BOS’s support has also enabled us to establish 15 community nurseries and train over 300 people in beekeeping, providing alternative and sustainable livelihoods. This work showcases how corporate support can create a ripple effect of positive change, from ecosystem restoration to direct community upliftment and empowerment.

Forging a Greener Future

The support we’ve received from BOS over the years has been invaluable. Their longevity as a partner is a testament to their enduring commitment to striving towards a healthier natural world. This milestone isn’t a conclusion, but a sign of the powerful change that is possible when businesses and environmental organisations work together. Want to be a part of the mission? BOS makes it ever so simple. Just grab one of their beverages, and that’s one can closer to another tree planted. As if their ice teas weren’t already tempting enough!

Photography Credits: Skyla Haley, Shari Lee Thompson