The Dutch startup Land Life Company has recently developed a new way to help trees grow under harsh conditions. The "Tree Cocoon" is a cardboard donut made from recycled material, mushrooms and a three-month supply of water. Practically a cradle, more: an incubator for trees. This innovative design greatly increases the chances of survival of the seedlings as they pass from 10% to 80-95% when planted with the "Tree Cocoon".
How does the "tree cradle" work?
Despite its "basic" cardboard consistency, "Tree Cocoon" is an innovative watering system for trees. The unique design developed by these guys from Amsterdam allows the seedlings to absorb only the water they need: up to 10 liters of water in three months compared to the traditional 400 litres! And you not only save water, but also money: a Tree Cocoon costs just €10, compared to around €70 for a drip-irrigated tree erected in the traditional way.
Someone will say: "hey, but it's made of cardboard! What will happen to it?". You know, don't play dumb: biodegradable, this is the right word. The "cradle" will disappear once its work is done.
A nice helping hand for reforestation
Reforestation is one of the most important steps to help fight climate change and preserve the planet's natural beauty, although of course alone will not suffice. Identifying innovative ideas to reforest the planet is essential to develop new, more effective ways of tackling this problem: we have often talked about sensors, or "farmer" drones that shoot seeds, but innovation does not necessarily mean "high-tech". A simple cardboard "cradle", if well designed and engineered, can make an important contribution to reducing carbon emissions, restoring depleted soils and ecosystems and increasing biodiversity.
What do you say, you? What do you think of this Dutch innovation? Let me know "around" on social media, please.
