PokoKita · Our Trees
We believe in the restorative power of tree-planting
An ongoing plant-a-tree initiative, open to everyone. Plant a tree for yourself or dedicate it to someone dear to you.
- trees pledged within 12 hours of Trees for Abah, June 2020
- 4,000+
- trees planted at TAHURA, North Sumatra, in 2020
- ~5,000
- saplings being planted in Bekasi and Semarang since 2021
- 12,000
- contribution slots open in the last week of every month
- Monthly
Our why
Restoring balance, one tree at a time
At our core as a slow fashion label, we believe in doing things differently. We’ve set ethical standards we’re proud of, and we continuously advocate for more mindful, conscious choices — from how we design, to how we consume.
But we also know that protecting the planet takes more than just good intentions. That’s why, alongside using better fibres and crafting garments with care, we’re taking another step: planting trees.
It may sound simple, but planting a tree is one of the most powerful ways we can give back to the earth. Trees help cool the planet, clean the air, enrich the soil, and offer shelter to countless living things. With every tree planted, we hope to play a small part in restoring balance — gently, intentionally, one tree at a time.
The story
PokoKita means “Our Trees”
Our tree-planting journey began in the memorable month of June 2020. Before that, we had been planting a tree for every purchase made through our website. But after receiving numerous heartfelt requests from our community to contribute more directly, we launched “Trees for Abah” — a special initiative in honour of Father’s Day (June 20th) and World Rainforest Day (June 22nd).
With a small contribution, anyone could dedicate and plant a tree in their father’s name — and receive a personalised e-certificate as a meaningful keepsake.
What happened next took us by surprise. Within just 12 hours, over 4,000 trees were pledged. Our inbox filled with touching messages, and enquiries continued to pour in for days. It became clear that this initiative had struck a meaningful chord in people’s hearts.
Messages shared with us after Trees for Abah. Images courtesy of contributors.
The overwhelming response inspired our team to keep running this platform as a way for the public to take part in conservation projects and play a part in combating climate change.
The official PokoKita initiative began in July 2020 as an ongoing plant-a-tree platform for customers and non-customers alike. Contribution slots open in the last week of every month, and every contributor receives an e-cert for the trees they plant :)
With the support of our customers, we planted close to 5,000 trees at TAHURA (Taman Hutan Raya) in North Sumatra in 2020. That figure more than tripled with an additional 12,000 saplings being planted in Bekasi and Semarang since 2021. We could not have done it without our reliable planting partners: IUVA.SG, NFC (Nature For Change) and Lindungi Hutan.
Our planting partner
Yayasan Lindungi Hutan
Yayasan Lindungi Hutan (YLH) is an online crowdfunding platform based in Indonesia that raises funds for local forest and environmental conservation projects. The YLH team assesses sites degraded by agricultural use, deforestation and climate change, and partners with local farmers and communities to create planting and conservation plans.
To date, they have planted more than 100,000 trees and led over 400 campaigns with other organisations since 2016, across more than 17 planting sites in Indonesia.
In 2016, the YLH team came across farmers in Semarang living in impoverished conditions after years of tidal flooding. They raised funds so the farmers could plant seedlings along the coast to reduce erosion and abrasion — which in turn let them keep growing crops in their village. With support from more farmers, environmental activists and students, YLH continues to raise awareness of global warming, tidal flooding and carbon emissions through its tree-planting campaigns.
Which sites are we supporting?
Funds from our PokoKita Initiative support two coastal planting sites, where we plant Rhizophora mangroves: 1. Pantai Trimulyo in Semarang, Central Java 2. Pantai Bahagia in Bekasi, West Java
Why these two sites?
Over the years, more areas in Indonesia have reported coastal abrasion caused by tidal floods. Climate change and rising sea levels have made it worse, destroying farms, fish ponds and homes. For local villagers, this means not just inundated homes and schools, but lost livelihoods.
In August 2020, CNA reported that villagers affected by the floods are planting mangroves to save their village. Mr Sonhaji, a 35-year-old resident of Beting village in West Java, has planted more than 300,000 mangrove trees to rebuild the ecosystem: “Thanks to the mangroves, waves from the sea don’t directly hit our home. The mangroves slow down the erosion rate although they cannot stop it completely.”
Source of article and images: channelnewsasia.com
PokoKita 2020 in pictures
Planting site: TAHURA, Karo Highland, North Sumatra Planting partners: IUVA.SG & NFC (Nature for Change)
PokoKita 2021 in pictures
Planting sites: Pantai Trimulyo in Semarang, Central Java & Pantai Bahagia in Bekasi, West Java Planting partner: Lindungi Hutan
“Forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today”
Published in Science, 4 July 2019
Frequently asked questions
How does the plant-a-tree initiative work?
Proceeds from the campaign fund the saplings for our planting sites across Indonesia that are in need of restoration. Contribution slots open in the last week of every month.
Who is our planting partner?
Our planting partner since 2021 is Yayasan Lindungi Hutan (YLH), an online crowdfunding platform based in Indonesia that raises funds for forest and environmental conservation projects. To date, they have planted more than 100,000 trees and led over 400 campaigns with various organisations since 2016.
What are the benefits of our forest restoration projects?
Our conservation efforts play a crucial part in healing and nurturing damaged areas of a natural ecosystem. The YLH team assesses sites degraded by agricultural use, deforestation and climate change, and partners with local farmers and communities to create planting and conservation plans.
Where are our planting sites?
Funds from our PokoKita Initiative support two planting sites: 1. Pantai Trimulyo in Semarang (Central Java) 2. Pantai Bahagia in Bekasi (West Java)
What trees are we planting?
At both sites, we are planting Rhizophora mangroves. These trees grow in tidal estuaries and swamps, with distinctive aerial roots, and play a very important role in protecting the coastline from storms, floods and erosion.
How much does it cost to plant a tree, and how do I pay?
[SEED: confirm the current price — the old FAQ PDF says S$5 per tree, the page says $20.]
After registering on the online form, you can contribute via PayNow or iBanking (details are on the form). If you’re not in Singapore and wish to pay by telegraphic transfer, email us at hg.certs@gmail.com for bank details.
Will I receive an e-certificate for the trees I plant?
Yes, you will! It’s a small gesture from us to thank you for your commitment to combating climate change with us. All certificates are emailed to you as a softcopy :)
Can I plant trees and dedicate them to my loved ones?
Yes, we accept tree dedications. Follow the instructions on our online form and fill in the name of the person you’re dedicating to under “recipient”. Both your name (giver) and the recipient’s name will appear on the tree e-certificate.
When will I receive my e-certs?
Within two weeks of your contribution, by email. If you need them urgently, drop us an email at hg.certs@gmail.com.
What do you do with the proceeds?
In the spirit of transparency, this is how proceeds are allocated: 30% — handed directly to Yayasan Lindungi Hutan, plus technology to track and monitor sites 10% — site maintenance fees 30% — project management and administrative costs (e-cert preparation, emailing e-certs, following up on public queries) 30% — publicity and marketing costs
Can I take part if I live outside Singapore?
Yes, you may! Everyone is welcome. Reach out to us at hg.certs@gmail.com.
Plant a tree
Help preserve the lungs of the Earth with just $20
Open to all members of the public. Plant a tree for yourself or dedicate it to someone dear to you, and receive an e-cert from us that you can print out as a gift. Slots open in the last week of every month.
For enquiries about PokoKita, email hg.certs@gmail.com or message us on Instagram.