In October 2019, YouTube star MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) launched an ambitious campaign known as #TeamTrees with the goal of raising $20 million to plant 20 million trees.
This initiative was inspired by a fan suggestion on Reddit, celebrating MrBeast’s milestone of reaching 20 million subscribers.
MrBeast shared a video Youtube “Planting 20,000,000 Trees, My Biggest Project Ever”
BBC UK team writes Teamtrees: What is MrBeast’s tree-planting mission all about?
Partnering with fellow YouTuber and former NASA engineer Mark Rober, the campaign rapidly gained traction across social media platforms, engaging a vast network of influencers and supporters.
Campaign Overview
Objectives and Goals
The primary objective of #TeamTrees was straightforward: to raise $20 million, with each dollar representing a commitment to plant one tree.
The funds raised would be allocated to the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental conservation.
The foundation pledged to plant one tree for every dollar donated, ensuring that all contributions directly supported reforestation efforts.
Fundraising Success
The campaign exceeded expectations, reaching its $20 million target in just 56 days, thanks to over 800,000 donors from more than 200 countries.
Notable contributions came from various public figures, including tech entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, who donated $1 million, and other influencers across platforms who rallied their audiences to contribute.
The most common donation was around $5, showcasing the grassroots support for the initiative124.
Impact and Achievements
Tree Planting Locations
As of September 2024, #TeamTrees has successfully planted over 23 million trees across 30 countries and several U.S. states.
The reforestation projects have spanned diverse ecosystems, from the Andes mountains in South America to mangrove forests in Brazil.
These efforts not only contribute to combating deforestation but also play a significant role in carbon absorption and pollution reduction12.
Environmental Benefits
The environmental impact of planting 20 million trees is substantial. According to models from the U.S. Forest Service, this initiative is equivalent to removing approximately 1.24 million cars from the road for a year. The trees planted will help clean the air, filter water, and support biodiversity within forest ecosystems24.
Community Engagement
Viral Movement
The #TeamTrees campaign became a viral sensation on platforms like YouTube and Twitter, where influencers created content ranging from fundraising livestreams to memes promoting the cause.
This collective effort showcased the power of social media in mobilizing communities for environmental action. Participating creators included well-known figures like PewDiePie, who also contributed to the fundraising efforts24.
Legacy and Future Initiatives
Following the success of #TeamTrees, MrBeast and Mark Rober launched another initiative called #TeamSeas in October 2021, aimed at cleaning up marine debris.
This project further exemplifies their commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement through innovative fundraising campaigns12.
Conclusion
The #TeamTrees initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause.
By leveraging social media influence and community engagement, MrBeast and his collaborators have made a significant impact on global reforestation efforts.
As they continue their work with projects like #TeamSeas, they inspire others to take action against environmental challenges through creativity and collaboration.