At Earth Choice, we’re passionate about protecting the planet we call home. That’s why we’ve partnered with the team at Carbon Positive Australia- an organisation dedicated to restoring our natural landscapes, tackling climate change, and inspiring Australians to take action for the environment.
We caught up with Lauren Purcell, Community Giving Manager from Carbon Positive Australia to chat about their incredible work and discover how each of us can play a part in protecting Australia’s ecosystems, no matter where we live.
Can you tell us a bit about Carbon Positive Australia and the work you do?
At Carbon Positive Australia, we believe that every tree planted tells a story. That story is one of renewal, restoration, and hope for the planet.
We’re an environmental charity that’s been restoring degraded lands across Australia for close to 20 years. Our work focuses on planting native trees and shrubs, which not only capture carbon dioxide but also restore vital habitats, support biodiversity, and regenerate ecosystems for generations to come.
But we don’t just plant trees, we also empower people and organisations to understand their carbon impact and take practical steps to reduce and offset it.
What impact do you hope collaborations like ours can have on Australian ecosystems?
When organisations like Earth Choice get involved, it’s not just about planting trees , it’s about restoring balance to Australian landscapes.
The greatest impact of all is the inspiration partnership can create. When people see a brand they know and trust taking real, tangible action for the planet, it sparks something. Environmental sustainability is something we can all contribute to
For people who might be new to carbon offsetting — how does it actually work?
Every carbon offset – represents 1 tonne of CO₂ that’s been prevented, reduced, or removed from the atmosphere. Since it’s impossible to live entirely carbon-free, offsets let us balance out the emissions we can’t avoid in our daily lives, from flying to driving to running a business.
At Carbon Positive Australia, we generate offsets by planting native trees and shrubs on degraded farmland. As these plants grow, they naturally pull carbon dioxide from the air and store it in their leaves, branches, and roots. Over time, that CO₂ is safely tucked away as organic carbon, doing its bit to slow climate change.
And the benefits go way beyond carbon. Reforestation creates homes for native wildlife, boosts biodiversity, improves soil health, and helps ecosystems thrive.
In short: carbon offsetting is about taking responsibility, making measurable change, and giving back to the natural world, all in a way that’s tangible and positive.
What are some of the biggest threats to biodiversity in Australia right now?
Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife, but our biodiversity is under serious pressure. The biggest threats include:
- Habitat loss and degradation: Clearing land for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure fragments ecosystems and leaves animals without food, shelter, or safe migration paths.
- Invasive species: Feral cats, foxes, rabbits, and invasive plants outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and can push vulnerable wildlife to the brink.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures, more frequent bushfires, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns are putting enormous stress on species and ecosystems.
- Pollution: Plastic, chemical runoff, and nutrient pollution can damage waterways, soil, and marine habitats, affecting species across the food chain.
- Overexploitation: Unsustainable fishing, hunting, and logging practices can deplete populations faster than they can recover.
What kind of wildlife have you seen return to areas after reforestation or revegetation?
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing wildlife come back to areas we’ve helped restore. At our Nimbin, NSW project, a biodiversity survey in May 2023 revealed some exciting results: koalas were spotted on-site, and more than 30 threatened flora and fauna species were identified within a 10km radius. It’s incredible to see such iconic Australian animals reclaiming habitat.
Across our project sites in Western Australia, we’ve also seen an impressive range of wildlife returning, including:
- Honey Possum
- Western Bobtail
- Dugite
- Banjo Frog
- Three endangered black cockatoos: Carnaby, Baudin’s, and Forest Red Tail
These sightings show that reforestation isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about reviving entire ecosystems, providing shelter, food, and safe corridors for native fauna to thrive.
What can everyday Australians do to support biodiversity — even in urban settings?
Supporting biodiversity doesn’t have to be complicated; everyone can make a difference, no matter where they live. Here are some practical ways to help:
- Learn about local species: Take the time to discover the plants, animals, and ecosystems native to your region. Visit wildlife reserves or local parks to see first-hand the amazing diversity around you.
- Explore nature: Even in urban areas, parks, wetlands, and beaches are home to a surprising variety of species. Observing birds, insects, and plants helps you connect with your local ecosystem.
- Get involved in citizen science: Participate in projects that record sightings of plants, animals, or insects. Your contributions help scientists track and protect biodiversity.
- Plant a native garden: We recently ran a webinar on creating a community pocket forest in your backyard! Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and can help create small urban habitats.
- Reduce your impact: Simple habits like reducing waste, conserving water, and being mindful of energy use all benefit local ecosystems. Calculating your carbon footprint is a great step if you want to make an even bigger difference.
- Spread awareness: Share biodiversity facts, articles, and resources on social media. Helping your friends and family understand why protecting ecosystems matters can have a ripple effect.
- Support conservation organisations: Back organisations making a real difference — for example, by planting trees with Carbon Positive Australia, you can directly help restore habitats and boost biodiversity.
What do you personally find most rewarding about the work you do?
For me, the most rewarding part of this work is hope in action. Every time I see wildlife returning to restored landscapes or communities inspired to care for nature, it’s a reminder that our efforts make a real difference.
I feel grateful to work with an incredible team and to connect with individuals and organisations who are driven by the same desire to create positive change. Seeing life flourish and knowing that even small actions can ripple into meaningful impact is what keeps me inspired every day.
Earth Choice x Carbon Positive Australia Impact So Far
For the past year, Earth Choice has proudly teamed up with Carbon Positive Australia to make a real difference for our planet. In that time, we’ve helped plant 14,000 native trees. Thanks to every Earth Choice product you buy, we can keep growing this partnership and keep doing our part to protect the planet we all share.