Newcastle turns over a new leaf

Konica Minolta South Africa’s Newcastle branch donated a total of 1,020 trees to be planted throughout the town, with 50 indigenous shade trees planted at Huttenpark Primary School. The remaining 970 trees have been earmarked for 20 additional beneficiaries located throughout the greater Newcastle area, including 20 schools and one child welfare organisation.
 
Better environment, better learning
 
The donation was marked by a tree planting ceremony which took place on 12 April at Huttenpark Primary School. “We are greatly honoured to have been chosen as a participant in this project,” says the school’s principal, Mr JN Grobler. “It’s not just about creating a more attractive learning environment for our kids – although, of course, they’ll feel much prouder of their school and hence motivated to do their best. We also believe that these trees will contribute to their mental wellbeing, as trees have been shown to reduce stress. Sadly, this has become a tremendous issue for kids over the course of the pandemic.”
 
Obviously, the positive implications for the environment are significant, too. Leonardo Kruger, service manager at Konica Minolta Newcastle branch, notes that the town’s new trees will offset 376.38 tCO₂e in their lifetime.
 
A long-lasting commitment
 
“It is such a privilege for us to play a role in the greening of towns,” Kruger said. “We are proud that we are, quite literally, bringing new life to the area.” Kruger’s words are backed by the fact that trees become habitats for birds and insects of all species. Plus, in addition to absorbing carbon dioxide, trees reduce the overall carbon footprint of an area.
 
The Newcastle planting is the most recent in a project which has seen Konica Minolta South Africa donating 62,309 trees to towns throughout South Africa. These trees will offset 22,992.25 tCO₂e, making a significant impact on the country’s environmental health.