Earth Day is a moment to pause and reflect on the impact we’re making together, not just on our own communities, but across the planet. At Beacon, we’ve always believed that small, meaningful actions can create powerful change. That belief is exactly why, back in October 2024, we partnered with JUST ONE Tree, a not-for-profit dedicated to global reforestation. 

Today, as we mark Earth Day 2026, we’re proud to share the difference our community has already made. 

Planting 695 trees 

Since becoming a partner with JUST ONE Tree, Beacon members and staff have helped plant 695 trees; a number that represents each new member that has joined Beacon Savings & Loans. It represents our commitment to do a little bit more for the planet. 

These trees are being planted in regions hit hardest by deforestation, helping to:  

• Restore vital ecosystems 

• Support biodiversity 

• Create sustainable jobs for local communities 

• Absorb carbon 

• Improve long-term climate resilience 

It’s a reminder that when we act together, even modest contributions can grow into something extraordinary. 

Why JUST ONE Tree? 

When we first explored environmental partnerships, JUST ONE Tree stood out immediately. Their mission is simple, transparent, and deeply aligned with Beacon’s values. 

£1 equals one tree planted. This simple message had complex solution, and a lot of hard work in the background. Our CEO, Gareth Heesom, caught up with Amanda Bronkhurst, CEO and founder of JUST ONE Tree. 

Some tree planting organisations only focus on planting trees, without the long-term plan to make this mean something. JUST ONE Tree work with projects that support the environment and local livelihoods, so that planting trees supports the local economy as well as the environment.  

This can be seen when beehives are hung from trees so that selling honey is more profitable than the charcoal that can be made from chopping down trees. A true win-win. Their practical, community driven approach mirrors our own commitment to ethical, member first action. Working with them allows us to extend Beacon’s positive impact far beyond our region. 

More than trees: Empowering communities and future generations 

Amanda told us that success for them isn’t just environmental impact, it’s seeing the number of partner organisations grow as well as the number of schools they are able to partner with. Although schools are generally not the highest provider of income, it provides an amazing opportunity to bring education and awareness to our children. Schools will often have “wear own clothes for JUST ONE Tree day” with pupils paying just £1, these donations are planting plant trees Giving children the knowledge that they have their own tree somewhere in the world. 

JUST ONE Tree will only partnership with organisations that match their own ethos, this means they won’t partner with organisations that fund fossil fuels, for example. 

To date, JUST ONE Tree have planted over 5 million trees, including a tree planting event in Peru that planted 20,000 trees in three hours with over 200 volunteers. The perfect example of communities coming together to make a huge difference. 

The message is simple, if everybody could donate just £1 from every invoice, every bill, with every present bought, that would be a lot of trees planted, and our planet would be very grateful. 

JUST ONE Tree are now working with the United Nations on their decade on ecosystem restoration, highlighting the importance of the work they currently do, and how effective they are doing it. With the project in Peru being a UN flagship project. 

What Earth Day means to us 

Earth Day isn’t just the date on the calendar; it’s a reminder that well-being is interconnected. Financial well-being, environmental well-being, and community well-being all support one another. 

For Beacon Savings & Loans this means protecting the places we call home, acting responsibly for future generations, celebrating the progress we’ve made (even the small steps). It also includes renewing our commitment to do more. It is a moment to recognise every choice, no matter how small, contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world. 

This means our growth isn’t just about bringing in new members or getting more loans out, it’s about the difference it makes, not only to our members but also to the planet. Every tree planted represents a new member. It represents hope, resilience, and a shared belief in a better future. 

This Earth Day we want to thank our members, staff, and communities for helping us nurture a greener planet. 

JUSTONE tree, 
JUSTONE community, 
JUSTONE future building together.  

Why not refer a friend to join Beacon, when they join, they tell us that you recommended them and you will both be entered into a draw to win £100, and you’ve helped plant another tree in the world.  Invite your friends and grow a forest. 

Want to learn more about the work we do in our community? 

Start here.