FAQs - frequently asked questions

FAQs

• What species of tree is inside each kit?

  We use locally selected seeds depending on the country.  The first Clean Air Tree kits are being sold in Canada and the tree species is White spruce – Picea glauca.
  

• Do you take seed/planting zone requirements into consideration?

  Currently as the first Clean Air Tree Kits are only being sold in Canada, we are using White Spruce seeds. This tree is from the Barrie area, and is very suitable for the York region. Different tree species will be selected for other countries and regions.

• Do the Tree Kits come with instructions on how to plant, and how much water to give?

  Each Clean Air Tree Kit contains clear instructions on how to grow and plant your tree.  The instructions are also available online.

• Is the Clean Air Tree kit environmentally friendly?

  We’ve worked with Jiffy to make the Clean Air Tree Kit’s packaging 100% biodegradable by building it out of potato waste, so it’s as environmentally friendly as possible. In fact, every element is either biodegradable or compostable – from the vegetable and water based inks in the instruction booklet, to PLA (a biodegradable polymer derived from lactic acid) used in the shrink-wrap.

• What's inside each Clean Air Tree kit?

  Each Clean air Tree Kit contains a Growing Pellet (which allows the roots to breathe), a Growing Pot (which will drain any excess water), 6 – 10 tree seeds and instructions for growing.

• What is the Clean Air Tree Kit actually made from?

  • Potato waste, the main element used to form the white globe that forms the main part of the Clean Air Tree Kit
  • PLA (Polylactic Acid) - used in the shrink wrap (outer sleeve)
  • Water based inks - also used on the shrink wrap
  • Vegetable based inks - used on the instruction booklet
  • 100% recycled paper - also used for the instruction booklet
  • The growing pellet and pot are made from biodegradable renewable natural resources
  • Tree Seeds

• What happens if people do not actually plant the kits they receive or buy?

  WCAFI does everything it can to remind those that buy a Clean Air Tree Kit to plant them. However, the reality is that not everyone has the time or space.

  As such, WCAFI plants an extra tree for every kit sold, so that we can be 100% sure that at least one tree will be planted.

• When my seedling is ready to plant what fertilizer should I use?

  Any fertilizer will do that has an N-P-K amount (Nitrogen – Phosphorous – Potassium) – the key ingredients to the natural building blocks of plants to facilitate photosynthesis.

  Simple go to your local grocery store or garden centre where you can find a small bottle of fertilizer (Fertilizers can be purchased as a liquid or as a granular item).  Mix the fertilizer with water before applying it to the soil around your tree.

• Does one tree really produce one tonne of clean air?

  This is a global average based on the lifetime of a tree surviving 80+years in the Boreal Forest region.
  

• I have 4 seedlings sprouting, can I separate them and plant 4 trees?

  Yes you can.

  Many of our customers have reported more than one tree seedling growing from one Clean Air Tree Kit. This is very likely to happen as there are 6 to 10 seeds in each kit.

  You can split the seedlings up and transplant to seperate containers. You must do this carefully and it is best to complete the transplanting when the seedlings are less than 4 weeks old from germination and have not started to produce lateral roots.

  When transplanting, make sure you keep the young, juvenile root system straight and try not to bend the bottom part of the tap root.

  Good Luck!

• What does WCAFI stand for?

  WCAFI stands for World Clean Air Forest Initiative.

• Is WCAFI a non-profit?

  Yes, WCAFI is a non-profit (a company limited by guarantee), registered in England under number 6361870.

• What does WCAFI do with the money it raises?

  For every Clean Air Tree kit sold WCAFI will plant another tree with our tree-planting partners around the globe. So, just as you are responsible for planting your tree, we will be responsible for planting another. We both have to plant!

  WCAFI will also invest in Local Forests to help encourage you to plant your trees by putting you in touch with local places where you can plant.  Hopefully this part of our campaign will start in 2010.

• Where is WCAFI located?

  WCAFI is located in London, United Kingdom.

• I want to be a volunteer for WCAFI, is this possible?

  WCAFI’s mission to clean the air is a big one, and we need all the help we can get. Please send your CV and covering letter to Andrew Pothecary, Managing Director of WCAFI: apothecary@wcafi.org.

• Can I make donations to the WCAFI?

  Yes, and your donations are really important.  For every Euro, Dollar of Pound received we promise we will plant at least one tree with our Tree Planting Partners around the world.  Donate Now!
  

• How do you pronounce WCAFI?

  [wu-ka-fee]

• Are the seeds collected from wild stands or are they genetically modified?

  The seeds collected are from wild stands and in most cases, we can even confirm the name of the collector and location of the cone collection.

• Some mold has developed around the growing pot. Can we replant the seedlings and dirt into new containers? What's causing this mold?

  This is a moisture mold due to lack of UV light (from lack of Sun), and it is harmless to the seedling.

  Once the seeds start to germinate you should remove the half globe used to cover the growing pot and place in a well lit area so that it receives lots of sun light.  The edges will dry out and any mold will disappear.

  If you have lots of mold you can:

  Use a mixture Hydrogen Peroxide dilted with water (only 3% Hydrogen Peroxide).  Hydrogen Peroxide stimulates oxygenation in the soil and also encourages increased root growth.  This is the best method. 

  Or use vinegar diluted with water in a spray bottle (10:1 ratio of Water:Vinegar). You don't need to use much.

  Another option is to use ultraviolet lights to dry out the pot and give it a heavy dose of UV light.