TeamEarth

Yes!

That’s our reaction to the news that in recent weeks, members of Team Earth have protected more than 61,000 acres of forest around the world. That’s four times the size of Manhattan. Since protecting one acre of forest prevents a metric ton of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere every year, and since one metric ton is about 2,200 pounds, we’re talking about 134 million pounds of greenhouse gases that won’t go into the atmosphere thanks to your actions. Not even those World’s Strongest Man guys could lift that much.

How did all of this happen so fast? More than 61,000 people have taken the Green Team Challenge from eBay.

It works like this. You take a challenge to reuse or repurpose more stuff in your life. That puts less waste into the landfill. It also means you’re not buying new things, things that take up energy and resources when they’re being made.

Worried that you won’t be able to keep a pledge to reuse more stuff? Don’t be. Reusing can be as simple as buying used goods, giving away old toys, or repairing things you break instead of throwing them out. But, shoot, why not have some fun with it, too? Check this out. Or this. Or this. Or, particularly awesome, this.

In return for your pledge, eBay protects an acre in one of three rainforests around the world. That cuts back on greenhouse gases – in addition to all the other environmental benefits of keeping forests around.

So, really, the Earth wins twice. Less stuff, more rainforests.

(Oh, and now might be a good time to casually mention that, by taking the pledge, you’re entered for a chance to win $10,000.)

It’s a little thing, reusing more of your stuff. It just so happens, though, that the little things add up.