Ecosia - The ecological alternative to Google

Ecosia is the name of a search engine that doesn't just want to compete with Google, but also acts ecologically in many ways. The Ecosia search engine is a project from Berlin, the site operation of which is secured with green electricity. But that's not all: The profit that the so-called Purpose AG generates goes into reforestation programs. According to the search help, it takes about 45 search queries to plant a tree - a total of over 50 million oxygen dispensers are said to have been used. The trees are not only planted in Europe, but above all in Africa, Central and South America and in various island states in Southeast Asia.

Ecosia - eco search engine with worldwide commitment

Planting trees with web searches at Ecosia – according to the creators, it should be as easy as it sounds. The profit they generate from advertisements and clicks is put into a green world. As mentioned at the beginning, a single search query on Ecosia does not bring that much; the crowd does it. So if you want to actively do something for the environment, against climate change and also for local companies in regions of the world in need of development, you should search the Internet more often with the Google alternative. And maybe click on the ad ;) 

Ecological and social projects all over the world

Planting trees is just one of the good things about Ecosia and the Berlin team behind it. If you look at that Company press material then you will find pictures and information on projects in Ethiopia, Morocco, Ghana, Uganda, Brazil, Peru, Tanzania, Madagascar, Indonesia and Burkina Faso. Not only are people sent into unfamiliar areas, equipped with shovels and seedlings and used on fallow land - rather small, local companies and projects are promoted so that the economy and, much more, the local people benefit from them.

At Ecosia Home some examples are given. For example, you can find a quote from Sara from Ethiopia:

We plant native acacia trees because they make the soil more fertile. With our earnings we started a communal savings account for women to borrow and start their own businesses.

And in German:

We plant native acacia trees because they make the soil more fertile. We used our income to set up a municipal savings account for women to borrow and start their own business.

Commitment in picture and sound: Search engine YouTube channel

The Ecosia company - from profit to common good

On October 5, 2018 berichtete Among other things, BASIC thinking of the transformation of the search engine company from a GmbH to a Purpose AG (purpose = benefit). This means, among other things, that shares in the company may not be sold for a profit or given to external persons. Among other things, this ensures that no other company can buy Ecosia. In addition, it is not possible for the shareholders to be able to withdraw profits from the company. This ensures that the profit income is planted in trees and flows into the support of emerging local economies.

Search at Ecosia and Google - a little comparison

Switching from one search engine to another is certainly unusual and therefore easy for very few users. After all, if you look for something online more often, you have already got used to the formulation of the correct terms and groups of words. In addition, many websites are adapted to the Google algorithm via SEO. In addition, many are probably still familiar with Microsoft's bing flop (not to mention current Negative headlines). However, after a little test, I think that Ecosia should definitely be given a chance. I haven't tried all possible search queries, but I think: the results are comparably good and much tidier than on Google. 

By "cleaner" I mean the visual presentation or listing of the results. Where Google has three bold advertisements at the top and bottom with news headlines, images and videos embedded in between, Ecosia often has “clean” lists. Of course, advertising, images, videos and news are also displayed, but noticeably less intrusive. In addition, the headlines – in my mini test – were more up-to-date. Messages from a few minutes ago instead of several hours ago were displayed for the same topic. AND: Ecological companies that follow a green philosophy have a leaf icon next to their search result. Here is a small, non-representative series of tests:

Conclusion - the green search engine

Ecosia is a search engine that also advertises and makes money with its service, but not primarily for its own profit like Google or Bing. Ecosia plants trees around the world, supporting small, thriving businesses in local economies. Over 50 million trees have already been planted in this way. Of course, a search does not lead to this success for ecology and climate protection; but several searches by many users ensure that euro for euro enough money for rainforest, farmland and Co. comes together. More information is available on the Home from Ecosia.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.