Does Forest App Really Plant Trees?

Forest app is a mobile application that helps users focus on their tasks by creating virtual trees. The app has gained popularity, and many people wonder whether the trees planted in the app are real. The answer to this question is both yes and no.

What is Forest App?

Forest app was created in 2014 by four developers who needed a tool to help them focus on their work. The app is available for iOS and Android, and it uses the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves working for a specific amount of time and taking breaks in between. Forest app gamifies this technique by allowing users to plant virtual trees that grow as they focus on their tasks. If the user leaves the app during the allotted time, the tree dies, and they have to start over.

How the App Works

When users plant a virtual tree, they set a timer for a certain amount of time, typically 25 minutes. During this time, they are not allowed to leave the app or use other apps on their phone. If they do exit the app, the tree dies. Once the timer runs out, the tree will be fully grown, and the user will receive coins as a reward. These coins can be used to buy new trees or donate to Forest's partner organizations.

Forest's Partnership with Trees for the Future

Forest app partners with Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization that plants trees in rural communities across Africa. For every virtual tree planted in Forest, the organization plants a real tree in Africa. According to the Forest app website, the organization has planted over 6 million trees with the help of Forest users.

Limitations of the Partnership

While Forest app's partnership with Trees for the Future is commendable, there are some limitations to the impact it can make. For example, the trees planted through the partnership are primarily fruit trees, which have different environmental benefits than other types of trees. Additionally, the planted trees are concentrated in one area, so they may not have as significant an impact on combating climate change as trees planted in other regions.

Overall Impact of Forest App

Forest app's impact on the environment may be limited, but the app still serves a valuable purpose in helping users focus on their tasks. The gamification aspect of the app motivates users to stay on task and promotes productivity. Additionally, Forest app's partnership with Trees for the Future encourages users to think about their impact on the environment and gives them an opportunity to make a difference.

Conclusion

So, does Forest app really plant trees? The answer is yes, but not in the way that some users may expect. The trees planted in Forest are virtual, but the app's partnership with Trees for the Future allows users to contribute to the organization's efforts in planting real trees in Africa. While the impact may be limited, Forest app still serves a valuable purpose in helping users focus on their work and promoting productivity.