At Green PearlsⓇ, we have over a decade of experience supporting sustainable accommodation providers with their communications, so we encounter this topic repeatedly. We are critical of the idea of offsetting CO₂ emissions simply by planting trees. After all, ‘planting trees’ can easily amount to greenwashing and is often used for this very purpose. “For every product purchased, we plant a tree” – who hasn’t heard this advertising slogan? At the same time, however, there are also meaningful forest and reforestation projects that make a real contribution to climate protection without serving as a compensation measure. As a traveller, you can support these projects with complete confidence.

But why plant trees to offset emissions in the first place?

Climate protection is now an issue in all areas of our lives — and almost every activity results in CO₂ emissions. Flying, in particular, generates several tons of greenhouse gases per person on a single long-haul flight, and these emissions are even more harmful to the climate when released at high altitudes. From winter 2025/26 onwards, passengers will be able to see these emissions for the first time thanks to the new Flight Emissions Label (FEL) from the European Commission. The aim is to make the climate impact of flights more transparent, even though participation by airlines is currently voluntary (which unfortunately demonstrates the power of the lobby in this area once again).

But what can you do if your trip causes a large amount of CO₂ emissions? Tree planting campaigns offer one solution: by absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen, trees are meant to offset the negative effects of travel. This sounds logical, but it only works on paper. In reality, this nice calculation only works to a limited extent.

The problems with planting trees to offset emissions:

#1 The calculations

The explanation often given for why tree-planting projects are useful for offsetting emissions is as follows: “A tree absorbs X kilograms of CO₂.” However, such calculations only apply to mature trees (for example, a 35-metre-high spruce stores around 2.6 tonnes of CO₂ during its 100-year life cycle). However, compensation projects usually involve planting seedlings that take decades to reach a stage where they can store significant amounts of CO₂.

#2 Lack of care

Time and again, it has been shown that compensation planting campaigns result in a seedling being placed in the ground and then left to fend for itself. Without proper care, the saplings dry up, get eaten by animals, or die. Therefore, there is no guarantee that a seedling will grow into a tree.

#3 Individual trees instead of ecosystems

Another study shows that, in theory, such maintenance would be unnecessary. However, this works only if we protect functioning ecosystems instead of creating monoculture plantations. The study shows that protecting existing forests is significantly more beneficial for the climate and nature, and it is also more cost-effective.

#4 Are they really absorbing additional CO2?

However, when it comes to protecting existing forest projects, climate partners describe the difficulty of guaranteeing that the protection will bind ADDITIONAL emissions caused by travel. In other words, the forest already exists, but those who want to offset emissions demand a NEW positive effect on the climate.

#5 Forest fires

Climate change worsens the risk: wildfires increasingly threaten forests. When fires break out, they release CO₂ that took years to store. As a result, reforestation efforts to protect the climate can be quickly undone.

#5 Wrong tree species, wrong areas

In 2024, The Guardian revealed that reforestation projects had targeted African savannas, even though forests do not naturally grow there. Scientists warn that this will destroy valuable ecosystems and endanger biodiversity. Similarly, ecologists criticize eucalyptus farms in Brazil because eucalyptus is not a native species there.

#6 Displacement of people

Displacement for supposedly sustainable projects is particularly problematic. In Uganda, for instance, a whole region lost its land to a forestry company that advertised “climate protection through reforestation.” Around 10,000 people were forcibly displaced.

“In my experience, tree planting often borders on greenwashing. I think social projects that directly help people are better.” —Stefany Seipp, Managing Director of Green PearlsⓇ Unique Places

Is planting trees for climate purposes a bad thing?

No, you can’t say that across the board. Trees are essential for our planet, and therefore, for our survival. However, many tree-planting campaigns serve marketing purposes rather than the climate, and, in the worst case, they can even cause more harm than good. A commentary on The Conversation sums it up as follows: “Corporate tree planting primarily creates a positive image, but it can actually harm the planet and local communities if it is done without considering existing conditions.”

How can we identify greenwashing in the context of “planting trees for the climate”?

As a consumer, you have more power than you might realize. CO₂ compensation offers exist because there is demand for them. This makes it all the more important to take a close look:

• Ask questions: Where are the trees being planted? What types of trees? Who is responsible for their care?
• Demand transparency: Reputable projects openly answer these questions, often without you having to ask, e.g., on their website. Greenwashing campaigns usually fall silent quickly.
• Think holistically: Don’t just consider “one tree per night,” but also everything else involved. Does your chosen accommodation promote sustainability in other ways? Is the tree-planting campaign part of a comprehensive strategy, or is it the only measure? We prefer projects that focus on climate, people, and biodiversity simultaneously. A well-thought-out tree planting measure can certainly fit the bill!

Travel blogger Julia Lassner (Globusliebe) sums it up perfectly:

“I always ask where the trees will be planted and if they will be cared for properly. Most of the time, I don’t receive an answer, and suddenly, there’s no more interest in working together. This quickly shows me which companies are being honest and which are just greenwashing.” —Julia from Globusliebe

How sustainable hotels approach the topic of “planting trees”

CO₂ offsetting is a major issue for our Green Pearls® accommodations. There is one point on which all agree: prevention is better than compensation.

Avoiding CO₂ instead of sugarcoating it

Alessa Konrad, from the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol, is often contacted by companies looking to sell CO₂ offset projects. Her response is always the same:

„As an environmentally certified nature hotel, we are committed to sustainability and resource conservation, but our approach goes beyond planting trees. We implement measures directly in the hotel and share them with our guests. These measures include free pick-up from the train station for guests arriving by public transportation, regional shopping, eliminating disposable products such as bath slippers, using energy-efficient technologies in the wellness area, and maximizing our PV system.“

The approach is clear: first and foremost, emissions should be avoided where they arise. This applies not only to hotels but also to travelers themselves. For example, it is better to travel by train than by plane, to rent a suitcase than to buy a new one, and to stay in a sustainable hotel than in a hotel from an international chain.

Marion Muller from the North German hotel association SANDcollection says that they are always mindful of the companies they support at their sustainable Lifestylehotels, SANDnature, and SANDglow. These include MyBoo bamboo bicycles for rent, Samova tea for breakfast, and climate-neutral, recycled toilet paper from Green Hygiene. Incidentally, the latter’s “climate neutrality” is achieved through solar energy, both its own and that promoted by Climate Partner, rather than through trees.

Successful forest projects—when they are properly planned and executed

However, criticism of “planting trees for the climate” does not mean a complete rejection of the idea. In fact, some Green PearlsⓇ hotels have launched impressive projects that promote biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems.

Primordial cloud forest in the Peruvian Andes

One of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel’s signature projects is its cloud forest initiative. When the hotel’s founder, José Koechlin, acquired the property in the 1980s, the former cloud forest had already been cleared and converted into agricultural land. Rather than accepting this, Koechlin began gradually restoring the original forest around the hotel.

Today, around 30 years later, guests can witness the results of this pioneering work firsthand: orchids, butterflies, and rare bird species such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock. Additional initiatives, such as comprehensive waste management and river cleanups, contributed to Machu Picchu’s designation as the world’s first climate-neutral wonder in 2017.

What makes it special: The focus has always been on a genuine, long-term commitment to nature and biodiversity, not quick CO2 compensation.

Planting a forests right outside one’s doorstep

Many European hotels are also focusing on reforestation and forest protection—directly at their own accommodations. However, this is not necessarily a compensation measure; rather, it is hands-on nature conservation: 

• Gut Sonnenhausen, Bavaria
  

  Several years ago, the hotel planted around 400 trees and over 10,000 shrubs along its mountain trail. Today, guests, employees, and wildlife alike enjoy the increased diversity of flora.

• Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance
  

  The organic hotel near Friedrichshafen is surrounded by its own forest. The hotel uses the wood for its own furniture, among other things, while dead wood and wood infested with beetles are used to generate energy. There is also a forest rest area for wild animals. Hostess Ursula Wagner criticizes the practice of using trees purely for CO₂ compensation: “There’s a lot of greenwashing in this area.”

• OLM Nature Escape, South Tirol
  

  Rather than planting trees elsewhere, OLM has created its own wild garden with biotope plants, including old regional fruit tree species. “For us, real climate protection is about quality, not quantity. We take responsibility locally instead of relying on distant projects,” says Astrid Hellweger, the host.

• My Arbor, South Tirol
  

  As a “tree hotel,” My Arbor is a sustainable wellness hotel closely connected to the forest. New trees, such as spruce, Swiss stone pine, fir, and larch, are regularly planted around the hotel. This process binds CO₂ and strengthens biodiversity, preserving the forest. Spruce trees are also part of the ecosystem. Host Alexandra Huber explains, “The problem is that spruce trees are susceptible to bark beetles, which sometimes destroy entire slopes. That’s exactly why we’re trying to replant them.”

• Hotel Klosterbräu, Tirol
  

  In addition to its own forest, which provides wood for the nature rooms, for example, the hotel launched a new project in 2025. Together with guests, 300 apple trees were planted on the parish hill. Once the fruit is ready, it will be used in the hotel for everything from apple strudel to animal feed for the hotel’s petting zoo.

A forest in the middle of the city

The Hotel Luise in Erlangen proves that forest projects can be established in urban areas as well. A microforest with over 200 trees was created there, designed according to ecological principles with varying plant heights that function together like a real forest.

Laura Heufelder from the hotel explains:

“Our microforest improves the microclimate and has become a paradise for birds, insects, and small animals. However, our primary goal is to produce zero CO2. We only offset unavoidable CO2 as a last resort. This approach benefits the environment and the economy, as it creates jobs.”

Protect and enjoy your own forest

Not all sustainable hotels plant new trees—some protect the surrounding forest and allow guests to experience it in a unique way.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel , South Tyrol

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel is located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters in the heart of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, which is protected by UNESCO, on the Seiser Alm. In this sensitive environment, nature conservation is paramount. To minimize traffic pollution, guests are only allowed to drive their cars on arrival and departure days. During their stay, cars must remain in the parking lot.

The hotel provides a special transit permit for this purpose, which park rangers check. This ensures that the alpine nature is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bavaria

The adjacent forest is also a focal point at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain. Guests can experience it through mindful forest bathing, which promotes relaxation and a new awareness of nature. The experience is enhanced by a herb garden and a “green wall” at the buffet where guests can harvest fresh herbs.

The goal is not to offset CO₂, but to bring nature to life, appreciate its resources, and bring a piece of nature into guests’ everyday lives.

Climate-neutral overnight stays with CO₂ compensation

A special case in our network is the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb. Stephan Bode’s establishment is considered a pioneer in sustainable hospitality. Its gold organic certification, zero-waste breakfast buffet, and hotel rooms made from 100% recyclable materials (“circular living”) set new standards.

However, not all emissions can be avoided here either. To offer “climate-neutral overnight stays” and “climate-neutral conferences,” the hotel works with ClimatePartner. The principle remains clear: reduce before compensating. However, unavoidable emissions are transparently offset – among other things, through two forest projects that are part of a larger portfolio of 20 recognized climate protection initiatives.

SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA has reduced, removed, or avoided 5,710 tons of CO₂ and collected 6,010 kilograms of plastic. Additionally, 112 trees were planted in 2023 and 2025, both in Germany and internationally, as part of a comprehensive climate protection initiative.

FAQs and Tips: Offsetting emissions caused by travel through tree planting

Is planting trees an effective way to offset CO2 emissions?

Yes and no. It only makes sense if it is well thought out, appropriate for the location, and designed for the long term. Many projects fail due to a lack of maintenance or because they serve marketing purposes more than climate protection purposes. To really make a difference, you should primarily avoid emissions and offset unavoidable emissions through recognized climate protection projects (not necessarily tree planting).

How can I spot greenwashing?

Be skeptical of promises such as “one tree for every tube of toothpaste sold.” Ask questions: Where are the trees planted? Who takes care of them? Reputable companies answer these questions transparently, while greenwashers tend not to.

How can I get involved?

• Ask questions: Feel free to email companies that advertise tree-planting campaigns.
• Plant locally: Plant trees in your own neighborhood so that you can take care of them yourself or at least see the results.
• Consume mindfully: As Ursula Wagner from Naturresort Gerbehof emphasizes, “Everyone should pay attention to the environment and nature in their daily lives. Does the light always have to be on? Do I need products like avocados, which require huge amounts of water?” Being mindful in everyday life often saves more CO₂ than symbolic planting campaigns.
• Think creatively: Fabienne Anhamatten from the Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt provides a good example. She didn’t dispose of her Christmas tree, but rather planted it in the spring, allowing it to remain part of the cycle.

In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that genuine climate protection while traveling begins with making many small, mindful decisions along the way, not with planting a tree.

Der Beitrag Planting trees for the climate: pure greenwashing or a real opportunity for sustainable travel? erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

However, beside the government also further organizations and people work on site keeping Machu Picchu and the associated village Aguas Calientes (also known as a Machu Picchu Pueblo) living off tourism, clean, by minimizing the effects of tourism on nature and the cultural heritage. These include Inkaterra, a group running small eco hotels in Peru and also onsite. Since a long time, they are involved in sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism and the conservation of culture at the Machu Picchu. For this Inkaterra and the Inkaterra Asociación (ITA) work together with the AJE Group (a multinational beverage company in Peruvian family ownership). We show you three special initiatives benefiting the whole area.

1. Biodiesel Plant

The plant was put into operation in the middle of 2017 and since then processes burnt vegetable oil to biodiesel. One aim is to prevent the soiling of the Vilcanota river running through the village. According to studies 1 liter of burnt oil contaminates 1,000 liters of water – however, for a long time 90% of the local residents and companies poured unfiltered oil in the river. In a time-consuming process the oil is separated from water and sediments and afterwards filled in the plant where it is mixed with two chemicals and heated, the result is biodiesel and glycerin: the glycerin is used for washing and cleaning, the biodiesel, for example, for cars. Inkaterra encourages all local residents to donate their used oil to hotels and restaurants. However, this is anything but easy as the delivery is of course voluntary. When staying at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel of Inkaterra you can visit the Biodiesel Plant onsite.

2. PET Waste Compacting Plant

Many tourists visiting the Machu Picchu daily, unfortunately leave a lot of plastic garbage behind. The waste compacting plant was the first joint project of the ITA and AJE end of 2016. The plant can process daily up to 14 tons of rubbish which is then transported by rail to the recycling plants. A great initiative, but in the future, it is essential that plastic garbage is drastically reduced. Till then this initiative is of great importance for the waste management of the world heritage site and to maintain the UNESCO-Status.

3. Organic Waste Processing Plant

This is the newest initiative of Inkaterra, AJE and the municipality of Machu Picchu Pueblo: the organic waste processing plant can convert daily seven tons of waste with the help of pyrolysis (chemical decay at high temperatures in absence of oxygen) to bio-coal. Thus, originates a natural fertilizer which can be used for the reforestation of the Andinen “Cloud Forest” around Machu Picchu as well as for the support of the local agriculture. Among the rest, the bio-coal is used by the Nationwide Service of Natural areas protected by the State (SERNANP) for the plantation of a million trees in the area surrounding the Machu Picchu.  

We are proud our partner Inkaterra lead the way with these initiatives and exerts itself for the protection and preservation of the World wonders. Tourists have to develop a stronger conscience and interest and contribute their part – whether by renunciation of plastic bottles, abide by the rules for visitors (e.g., do not climb the stones, observe the markings) or by the support of sustainable initiatives, shops and hotels on site.

Searching for tips to travel sustainable? We have put together 10 tips for you:

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Der Beitrag Machu Picchu: Inkaterra’s initiatives for the protection of the threatened world cultural heritage erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Watching birds – and protecting them

In Peru, more than 1,800 bird species are registered; that is approximately 20 % of all bird species worldwide. Here, the Inkaterra Asociación is dedicated to the study and conservation of the local Flora and Fauna. On the huge property of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, 214 different bird species live in their natural habitat, the property of Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica even counts 540 species. On different tours, each accompanied by a specialist in bird and nature observation, you can watch local birds, such as the blazing red Cock-of-the-Rock, and various kinds of migratory birds. And as Inkaterra Asociación is financed by tourism-activities, you also contribute to the conservation of this colorful variety.

A natural retreat

Other hotels, too, are committed to the protection of local nature. For example, during the construction of the Morena Eco Resort on Curaçao, 80 % of the natural vegetation on the ample property has been preserved. Numerous tropical birds and other native animal species visit Morena Eco Resort from the adjoining nature reserve. The situation is similar at Tongsai Bay on Koh Samui: the resort is surrounded by 28,5 acres of natural landscape, which is home to more than 60 different species of bird. Here, they can feel at ease, as Tongsai Bay attaches great importance to the protection of their natural habitat and provides medical treatment if sick or injured animals are found.

Where birds are welcome

The bird-friendly resort Coconut Lagoon has installed nest-boxes on branches of trees around its property to provide nesting facilities for local birds such as Magpie Robin or Common Myna. There are countless birds in the garden of Coconut Lagoon that do not only fascinate by their appearance but also by their extraordinary names: among others the Red-vented Bulbul, Purple-rumped sunbird, Crow-Pheasant and Black-headed Oriole have their homes here. Wetland birds are very active in the canals and the paddy-fields of the Coconut Lagoon. Naturalists will accompany you on your walks and provide you with details on the flora and fauna of the region.

Spectacular terrace view

From the restaurant terrace of Amaya Hunas Falls in Sri Lanka, with a bit of luck you can watch majestic birds such as the White Bellied Sea Eagle. The hotel is also a perfect starting point for trips to two amazing bird-watching destinations: Horton Plains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peradeniya Royal Botancial Gardens, Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden.

Chance meetings and planned ones

You can usually look forward to encounters with some feathered friends when you stay at a hotel close to nature. And if you want to benefit from expert knowledge, it’s always worth taking a look at the hotel’s events calendar. For example, the Swiss hotel Schloss Wartegg offers a tour accompanied by the bird-watching expert Gieri Battaglia on April 28^th, 2018. And if you book a room facing the forest next to Schloss Wartegg, you can be sure of an early morning bird concert.

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Der Beitrag Of songbirds and feathered friends erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.