Green Journey; The year 2023 is coming to an end, and a new year is on the horizon! Despite facing challenges such as a prolonged dry season and the impact of the El Nino phenomenon, Trees4Trees remains steadfast in its mission to green the environment. It includes supporting areas affected by drought and water scarcity through tree planting.
The Trees4Trees planting season is currently in progress and is scheduled to continue until early 2024, leading to the planting of more trees. This initiative is expected to generate larger impacts on the environment, social aspects, and the economy.
Therefore, we express our gratitude to the individuals, companies, and organizations that have supported our green mission throughout the year. Your remarkable support as sponsors and donors has enabled us to achieve new milestones in 2023, and we are eager to share them with you.
TREES4TREES 2023 REFORESTATION JOURNEY
Looking ahead to 2024, we are steadfast in our commitment to expanding tree planting efforts. This involves over 20,000 farmers in 231 villages across various regions in Indonesia. You, your organization, or company can actively contribute by becoming sponsors and donating trees to support this cause. For more details, please reach out to us at info@trees4trees.treesforplant.com.
As the new year approaches, it provides a timely opportunity to adopt green resolutions and resetting habits that promote a sustainable lifestyle. Through these changes, we collectively contribute to the well-being of our planet and secure a better future. Additionally, consider gifting trees as a meaningful and eco-friendly New Year’s present.
Travels in Java; Located around 30 miles (50 km) south of Bandung in Pengalengan, West Java, the Cibolang hot spring is surrounded by the beauty of nature. Now, with its growing reputation among tourists, Cibolang is bringing new meaning to the term ‘hot spot’.
In the surrounding landscape, visitors can roam around scenic tea plantations, dial up the adrenaline with river rafting trips, hike in the misty mountains, or simply unwind in the warm, volcanic water of the hot springs.
Perched at an altitude of 4,750 feet (1,450 meters) above sea level, Wanasuka Village is home to the 2-hectare Cibolang hot spring. It takes about two hours to get there from Bandung by car, on a journey through the verdant landscapes of West Java.
Tucked away between two mountains
At journey’s end, the Cibolang hot spring sits in the foothills of twin mountains, called Wayang and Windu. Up here, the air is cool and fresh, with temperatures rarely edging over 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius). All around, fragrant pine trees and colorful calliandra combine to create the feeling of a secret glade in the forest.
According to local traditions, the mountains here are sacred places where gods reside. They are also the wellspring of the Citarum River, which flows from seven springs in Wayang mountain to a lake called Situ Cisanti, before joining the Citarum tributaries. Peoples say the water that trickles down from the mountain is divine, as it comes direct from the gods.
And the Cibolang hot spring is certainly a heavenly place to spend the day. The volcanic heart of the mountain warms the spring waters to temperatures between 104 and 115°F (40-46°C), creating a kind of natural bath or jacuzzi, tucked away in the forest.
What to do in Cibolang Hot Spring
Established in 1990, the Cibolang hot spring complex provides visitors with access to three main pools, each filled with natural hot water that flows direct from the mountains.
Entrance tickets are just Rp25,000 (US$ 1.60) per person, and you can even grab yourself a private pool ticket for Rp40,000 (US$ 2.58) per person. This is a great way to let off steam with family and friends.
The Cibolang hot springs are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To get the most out of your trip, follow our top tips:
Top Tips: Visiting Cibolang Hot Spring
Visit in the early morning and late afternoon, when the atmosphere is serene and magical
The water is like a hot bath, so dip your toes first and acclimatize to the temperature
Rent a mat and enjoy a picnic with friends and family
Grab yourself private pool, then sit back and enjoy the view
Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit!
Keeping Cibolang Green
Forest and farmland surrounding the hot springs. (Photo: Trees4Trees/Kemas Duga Muis)
As part of our commitment to preserving the upstream regions of the Citarum River, which includes the Cibolang hot springs, Trees4Trees has been busy planting trees to keep the area green and healthy.
“Since 2022, our replanting program has been hard at work around the villages of Wanasuka and Banjarsari, with 54,000 trees planted in strategic locations. “We specifically planted trees on local farmland, to help the environment while also supporting local farmers,” explains Muhammad Anggy, Trees4Trees’ Cisangkuy Unit Manager.
These activities provide a range of benefits to the local landscape, from ensuring the availability of water sources, to preventing erosion, and preserving the hot springs, which provide a source of income for many people living in the area. But this is just the beginning. Around 61,000 trees will be planted in Wanasuka and Banjarsari village by the beginning of next year (2024).
Zeni is Trees4Trees’ Field Coordinator for these two villages in Cisangkuy. He hopes these replanting efforts can make a big difference in the near future. “By adding more trees, we aim to preserve the hot spring and the foothills of the twin mountains that form part of the upstream Citarum river,” says Zeni. “By improving upstream areas at the source of the river, we also hope to benefit downstream areas, bringing prosperity to local communities and returning the Citarum to its natural state.”
Writer: V. Arnila Wulandani. Editor: Christopher Alexander
Approaching 2023’s end, Christmas and the New Year are on the horizon. Therefore, let’s cherish these moments with loved ones. Rather than opting for gifts that may contribute to wastefulness, let’s embark on a journey of thoughtfulness. Consider presenting eco-friendly gifts that carry meaningful value. It obviously will leave a positive impact on our surroundings.
Here, we showcase a curated selection of the best eco-friendly gift ideas. It is perfect to express your love and appreciation during the joyous seasons of Christmas and New Year.
Composting Kit
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. Currently, it has become a recent trend as people become more aware of zero waste action. Moreover, composting is one of the most powerful actions to reduce trash. It is ultimately contribute to addressing climate change and enhancing soil health.
Presenting a composting kit to your closest person who is embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle can be a great idea. It will support them in managing organic or kitchen waste beneficially.
Register to an Eco Art Workshop
Explore a variety of eco-friendly art options that enable individuals to create beautiful pieces sustainably. From crafting with naturally dyed fabric to eco-painting using elements like leaves and flowers. You can also craft using recycled materials such as old newspapers, leftover fabrics, plastic bottles, or cardboard, there’s a wealth of possibilities. Enroll your loved ones in this workshop as a gift. This will give them a unique experience that not only enhances their environmental awareness but may also unveil new business potential.
Book a Nature Trip
A traveling in nature serves as an excellent means to rejuvenate both our body and soul, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Presently, various traveling packages offer an immersive environmental experience. They sometimes incorporate with nature activities such as cycling around the village, gardening, composting, and tree planting. Booking a nature trip that includes these eco-friendly activities can be the perfect gift for your loved ones. This trip offers a unique and enriching nature experience.
Photo: V. Arnila Wulandani
Reusable Tote Bag
Every shopping trip involves bags. However, plastic bags which the most common choice are harmful. It takes centuries to degrade. Gifting a reusable tote bag is an excellent choice for your favorite shopper! It is offering durability and versatility for groceries, trips, and everyday items. Unlike single-use options, reusable tote bags made from materials like canvas and cotton contribute significantly to reducing plastic waste. Whether you choose to create a customized design yourself or purchase one, this considerate gift is ideal for any enthusiastic shopper!
Handmade Dried Flower and Fruit Frame
Did you know that dried fruit slices like oranges, dried flowers, and leaves, can create a unique wall ornament? Gather some flowers and leaves from your house yard. Additionally, grab some fruit slices, like oranges or cranberries from your kitchen, then dry them. After that, arrange them in a glass frame to create home decoration that can be hung on the wall. Finally, gift it to your loved ones as a special handmade gift. Add a customized heartfelt message for a more memorable touch.
Photo: Pexels
Sustainable Music Concert Ticket
Experience the thrill of a music concert while minimizing environmental impact by choosing a sustainable option. Many singers and music festivals embrace eco-friendly concepts these days. They incorporate their concert with innovations like energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy use, waste reduction, and carbon footprint reduction through connections to public transportation. Gifting a ticket to a sustainable music concert or festival is a wonderful way to share the joy of music while caring for the environment.
Digital Photo Slide Show
Crafting a digital photo slideshow serves as an affordable and cherished gift for our special someone. Compile photos capturing the most beautiful moments shared with them into a digital video. This not only provides a meaningful and memorable gift, but it also generates zero waste.
Subscription to Digital Entertainment
In this digital era, giving a gift that generates zero waste is possible. Additionally, it will remain meaningful. You can subscribe to digital entertainment services for your loved ones, such as music or movie apps. Additionally, consider subscriptions to e-newspapers or magazines, purchasing e-books, or enrolling in online workshops, such as cooking or DIY courses.
A Live Tree
Gifting a live tree is a fantastic choice for eco-conscious individuals. Whether planted in the yard or kept in a pot indoors, it’s meaningful! It is continuously growing gift with positive environmental impacts. Trees absorb CO2, act as a carbon sink against climate change, provide shade, cool surroundings, and enhance the aesthetics around the house.
Photo: Pexels
Gift a Donated Tree with Your Loved Ones’ Name
Gifting a donated tree with a personalized touch is a heartfelt and lasting expression of appreciation. Meanwhile, it also actively enhance our surroundings. It is a unique and impactful gift that allows you to plant a tree with your special one’s name.
Simply visit Trees4Trees donation page and include a custom message. Soon after, we’ll send the gift of donated tree and your heartfelt words to your loved ones on your behalf. Click here to give the gift of trees.
Are you searching for a special and memorable gift for your loved ones? A truly memorable gift is often unexpected and unique, with a special meaning that makes it perfect.
Gifting trees is an ideal way to express sincere appreciation for your special ones!
As we approach the end of the year, there are numerous occasions to surprise your friends, family, lover, or colleagues with the gift of trees.
You can present trees with someone’s name as a Christmas gift, New Year gift, Mother’s Day gift, or for any other special occasion. Additionally, you can include a personalized message along with your gift of planted trees.
WHAT WILL YOUR LOVED ONES RECEIVE WITH A GIFT OF TREES?
The gift of trees consists of trees planted in degraded areas in Indonesia. As such, the person you choose to gift the trees will receive:
An e-certificate of trees planted, registered with his or her name.
An e-card containing your custom message to the person you are gifting.
A WIN number that grants the recipient access to visit the trees, learn about their location, and discover details about the local farmers who planted them, all online through our website trees4trees.org.
HOW TO GIFT TREES?
To give the gift of trees to your loved ones, simply visit our donation page and plant trees with us. Write your custom message to the person you are gifting. We will send the gift along with your message to your loved ones on behalf of your name. Click below to visit our donation page
Please note in the comment box that your donation is intended to gift trees to another person, following this format: “This donation is intended to gift trees to [Recipient’s Name] for [Occasion – e.g., Mother’s Day/Christmas Gift].”Include the following details:
Sender name:
Sender email:
Recipient name:
Recipient email (must be mentioned):
Message for e-card:
We require your email address and the gift recipient’s email address to send you a digital certificate and WIN number to track the planted trees’ location.
If you encounter difficulties while donating trees through our donation page, alternatively you can also make a direct donation to our PayPal account or our Bank account. Follow these steps!
Fill in the donation amount. Start from 1 US$ and above
Leave us a note in the column of ‘What’s this payment for’ that your donation is intended to gift trees to another person. Follow this format: This donation is intended to gift trees to …. for …… (occasion. For example: Mothers Day/Christmas Gift).
Click ‘Continue’ then ‘Send Payment Now’
Donate Tree Direct to Bank Account
You can transfer your donation to the following bank account: YAYASAN BUMI HIJAU LESTARI. Account Number 1360001234514. Bank Mandiri – Branch Sisingamangaraja Semarang
Once your donation has been made through PayPal or Direct Transfer to Bank Account, please send us your donation confirmation and proof of payment to our official email, info@trees4trees.treesforplant.com. Send us also your personal data. Follow this format:
I have just made a tree donation payment with …. (amount of money) This donation is intended to gift trees to …. for …… (occasion. For example: Mothers Day/Christmas Gift). Here the detail information:
Sender name:
Sender e-mail:
Recipient name:
Recipient e-mail (must be mentioned):
Message for e-card:
Send your confirmation along with information with the email subject: Trees4GiftsPayment Confirmation_Bank Transfer (Your Name).
WHAT IMPACTS MADE BY GIFTING TREES?
The gifted trees will be planted in critical areas both in farmers’ fields and public facilities like riverbanks and around the water spring for environmental improvement.
By gifting trees, you will not only giving a memorable gift to you loved ones, but also helping to:
Improve the environment and reduce erosion, drought, and maintain the clean water availability
Combat global warming and climate change by trees planted that will absorb greenhouse gases
Empower farmers families to plant trees on their land where they grow more economic value trees.
YOU CAN VISIT YOUR TREES
Gifting trees with Trees4Trees is unique because every tree you gift will have a special number called WIN Number. It will allow your loved ones to see their trees and the impacts online.
The gift recipient can visit trees that you give through the online map by scanning a QR code or by entering a WIN (World Identification Number) code on our website. Visit trees4trees.org!
In Trees4Trees‘ tree-planting operation, our focus includes empowering and encouraging local communities – our partners as tree growers – to implement environmentally friendly farming methods. By doing so, we anticipate that the farming activities will not harm the surrounding environment, while also potentially benefiting local communities through the products of the trees, such as fruits, leaves, or bark.
To achieve this goal, we conduct a series of farmer training sessions at each working site as part of our tree-planting initiatives. This year, various topics about organic farming methods have already been covered. These topics include how to make organic pesticide and herbicide, formulating liquid and granular organic fertilizers, and microbe’s decomposer.
Additionally, there are also topics related to the cultivation techniques, such as applying organic cultivation pattern, increasing timbers and multipurpose tree species productivity, grafting and plant propagation through cutting techniques, and best practices to cultivate fruit trees in organic ways.
Let’s delve into the recent establishment of Trees4Trees‘ farming training program!
Our field team is at the forefront ofengaging local communities totree-planting programs. Trees4Trees helda Training of Trainers to enhance the understanding of organic farming methods among our field team before delivering the knowledge to the tree growers participating in the program.Our field team will continue to disseminatethis knowledge to tree growers in each planting areathrough mentoring and hands–on practice.
Trees4Trees provides its tree grower partners with brochures (above) and videos (below)as information and tutorial sources they can access for free.These information tools containtutorials and steps in how to implementeachorganic farming method.
Organic biopesticide is useful to prevent and control pests and disease attack to the trees planted without leaving harmful residuals. Our field team showcasestutorials of organic biopesticide making in a hands-on practice to the local communities. The organic biopesticide is formulatedfrom some tree leaves like suren, sirsak, and sirih leaves. They are mixed with turmeric, galangal, tobacco, molasses, and decomposer microbes.
In the process of making organic biopesticides, three kinds of leaves; sirsak, suren, and sirih leaves need to be poundedbefore they are mixed with other ingredients. Local farmers are pounding them with a traditional pestle and mortar made from wood.
Fulfilling the high demand for knowledge about organic fertilizers in local communities, our field team conducts farming training on how to make organic liquid fertilizers. (Above) We utilizehousehold waste like expired eggs and milk, rice washing water that are mixed withsome other ingredients includingsheep’s manure, volcanic ash, and spirulina. To apply this type of fertilizer, simply by spraying around the trunk of trees planted. (Below) The organic fertilizer training attracted many local people to directly witness the tutorials demonstration.
One of the farming training topics we cover is grafting techniques, a cultivation method that involves attaching one plant bud to another. This method aims to combinefavorablecharacteristics from both plants toachieve a better variety of trees.
Decomposer microbesand soil fertilizersplay a crucial role in the organic farming system due to their numerousfunctionsin plantsgrowth. They helpcompost plants and livestock waste to become nutrient for plants, reduce chemical waste in the soil,enhance soilfertility, and help to prevent pathogenicbacteria. Additionally, they significantly improve the chemical and biological function of soils. Considering these factors, we conduct training on decomposer microbe productionusingrotten rice, banana weevil, bamboo roots, molasse, and yeast that are fermented.
In one of our farmer training sessions, we presented a tutorial on making herbicide from organic ingredients, including coconut water, sugar, and yeast, followed by a fermentation process.Organic herbicide is useful forcontrolling and preventing weed growth that can disrupt the growth of trees.
