That's the promise of Mokugift, the group who created 'A Real Tree' app for iPhone and iPod touch. Each time someone downloads A Real Tree app from the App Store, Mokugift will ensure that a new tree gets planted by partners who are all award-winning tree planting organizations in 12 countries.
The goal of these high flying developers is to fight global warming, deforestation and poverty in countries like Belize, Nicaragua, Zambia and Haiti to name just a few. A lofty goal that will certainly take a village to accomplish.
"There are more than 13 million iPhone users," said Mokugift's Hans Chung in a brief phone interview, "If every iPhone owner planted one tree, the environmental impact would be equivalent to taking 500,000 cars off the road."
Admittedly Chung recognizes that "A Real Tree" is not a slickly designed app, it's an app designed to make its real impact outside of Apple's iPhone. When the app is launched an animated tree grows out of the ground into full bloom. Bam! There it is! Tap once and watch a little bird circle around and land. Chung promised that more small 'Easter egg' surprises would be added with future updates.
A world map found at arealtree.com shows all of the places where trees are being planted. The site has only been up for about two weeks, the official app was just recently approved. Mokugift's goal is to have the "real trees planted" number to begin updating in real time on their website based on iTunes download data. Pending final approval from Apple, Chung hopes to have real tree plantings updating live within a few weeks. An idea that's sure to inspire even more plantings.
"People spent $8,000 dollars on that frivolous "I Am Rich" app, Chung said, "That inspired us, we knew that we needed to develop something meaningful."
I love the idea of an iPhone app being used as a tool for change. I've always been more tree lover than I've ever been a tree hugger. As long as no one is asking me to hug the trunk and fondle the bark, I'm willing to toss my $.99 into the hat to help Mokugift make a difference. I hope this idea grows into a movement and eventually evolves into a real success story that every cult of iPhone fanatic can be proud of. I'm in, are you?
Comments