Bombarded with headlines about wildfires, pollution, and rising sea levels, today’s high schoolers may be more environmentally conscious than ever before. Yet, despite being aware of the problems, many aren’t sure how they can personally help in the battle to protect our planet. We’re aware of the basics—recycle, turn off the lights when you aren’t in the room, use reusable shopping bags—but some people still wonder if there’s anything more they can do.
Fortunately, a simple switch can transform your daily internet surfing into a tool to save the Earth. All you need to do is change your search engine to Ecosia.
What is Ecosia?
Like Google, Ecosia is a search engine that earns revenue from advertisers. However, unlike other search engines, it chooses to invest 100% of its profits into eco-friendly projects, like tree planting and renewable energy, making it the world’s largest not-for-profit search engine.
How is Ecosia different from Google?
Ecosia differs from Google in its environmental impact, transparency, use of revenue, and legal standing. Google is aiming to “achieve net-zero emissions across all of [its] operations and value chain by 2030.” On the other hand, Ecosia has been carbon-negative since its founding in 2009, and it’s completely powered by solar energy. Ecosia does partner with Microsoft though, partially compromising its environmental benefits, as Microsoft has not yet reached carbon neutrality. Also, Ecosia is much more transparent than Google, releasing monthly financial reports that detail exactly where all of its spending is going. For example, in December 2024, it spent over 1.4 million euros on planting trees and nearly one million euros on other climate impact projects, such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and rooftop solar systems. Plus, legally binding agreements guarantee that “shareholders and staff cannot personally sell shares or take profits outside of the company” so that the maximum amount of funds will be spent on saving the environment. As a “steward-owned company,” Ecosia is officially incapable of being sold, ensuring that it will be able to pursue its mission without interference for decades to come.
Is Ecosia worth it?
The Ecosia community has planted over 220 million trees around the world, from Brazil to Sudan to the Philippines. These trees provide habitats for threatened species, restore degraded soil, and reduce drought. They also remove enormous quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, creating a more moderate climate and decreasing the threat of extreme weather events for people around the world. While poorly managed tree projects can do more harm than good, Ecosia always ensures that its partners use scientifically-approved methods with long-term benefits. Additionally, Ecosia makes sure to work with and support local communities, providing them with sustainable employment and educating them about alternative farming practices.
Besides the environmental side, are there any advantages to using Ecosia?
Ecosia has several other perks, such as exceptional privacy protections, icons designating eco-friendly (or unfriendly) corporations, and an AI chatbot with an environmentally-focused “Green Mode.” There’s also a built-in calculator, dictionary, and weather forecast.
Is Ecosia a scam?
Ecosia’s claims are quite impressive, but rest assured that it is living up to its word. For one thing, it’s supported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. For another, Ecosia is a certified B Corporation, meaning that it exceeds rigorous standards and passed a thorough external examination. B Corporation accreditations are given by B Lab, an internationally recognized nonprofit that awards companies for dedication to our society and planet. The median score on this exam is 50.9, but Ecosia scored over twice that amount, with 106.8 points. This score reflects its mission, transparency, impact, quality, and working environment.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to start searching with Ecosia, follow these simple instructions for your iPhone, desktop, or MacBook. To show further support, you can share Ecosia’s updates on Instagram and YouTube, and be sure to spread the word about the planet’s greenest search engine!
