When it comes to internet search, Google is the clear leader. However, for those who are environmentally conscious, Ecosia offers an alternative option. Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue, making it a more eco-friendly choice for internet searches. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of using the Ecosia browser as your default search engine, and also introduce an alternative option for those who want to plant trees while still using Google.
2024 Update: Ecosia now offers its own browser, based on Chromium. More info.
Ecosia as a browser search engine
First, let’s take a look at the benefits of using Ecosia as your default browser search engine. The main selling point of Ecosia is that it plants trees with its ad revenue. According to Ecosia, every search made on their platform results in the planting of one tree. This is achieved through partnerships with organizations that plant trees in areas of need, such as deforested areas and communities that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Ecosia also claims to use 100% renewable energy to power their servers and to be carbon neutral.
Benefits of Ecosia
One of the biggest benefits of using Ecosia as your default browser is that it’s a simple and easy way to make a positive impact on the environment. By using Ecosia instead of Google, you can plant trees without having to do anything else. Additionally, Ecosia is transparent about its tree planting efforts, allowing users to see the exact location and number of trees planted through their platform.
Another benefit of using Ecosia is that it’s a browser extension that can be added to Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge, which means you can use it on any device. It also has a feature that allows you to track the number of trees planted, the location and the organization that planted them.
Cons of Ecosia
However, there are also some drawbacks to using Ecosia. One is that it may not be as accurate or comprehensive as Google. Ecosia uses the Bing search engine to power its searches, which may not be as advanced as Google’s algorithm. Additionally, Ecosia’s small market share means that it may not have as many advertisers and therefore may not generate as much revenue to plant as many trees as it could. This means that you may need to do more searches to achieve the same impact as you would with other search engines.
Alternative option: using Google/Ecosia and planting trees with another app
Now, let’s take a look at an alternative option for those who want to plant trees while still using Google. The browser extension and app TreeClicks allows you to plant trees while using Google (or any other search engine). When you use TreeClicks, a portion of the ad revenue generated from your online shopping is used to plant trees through partnerships with reforestation organizations. This means that you can continue to use your preferred search engine while also making a positive impact on the environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using the Ecosia browser as your default search engine has its pros and cons. It’s a simple and easy way to make a positive impact on the environment, but it may not be as accurate or comprehensive as Google. However, for those who want to plant trees while still using Google, the browser extension TreeClicks is an alternative option worth considering. It allows you to use your preferred search engine while still making a positive impact on the environment.
It’s important to note that while Ecosia and TreeClicks are both great options for those who want to make a positive impact on the environment, they should not be the only steps taken towards being more eco-friendly. Using Ecosia or TreeClicks is a great start, but it’s also important to think about other areas of your life where you can reduce your impact on the environment.
English 
Deutsch 
Nederlands 
Français 
Español