Sapling: Empowering Teenagers to Combat Climate Change Through Productivity and Tree Planting
Two teenage friends who once lived in the Seattle area have joined forces to create an innovative smartphone application aimed at combating climate change through increased productivity. Eshaan Shetty and Thiago Sardenberg, both 17 years old, began developing their iPhone app, Sapling, during the summer months. Despite now residing on opposite coasts – Eshaan in San Jose, California, and Thiago in Boca Raton, Florida – the duo continues to collaborate on their
environmentally conscious project.
The app’s premise is straightforward yet impactful: users earn credits by completing tasks, which can then be used to fund tree planting initiatives. For every task accomplished, one credit is awarded. Twenty credits amount to one dollar, sufficient to plant a single tree through the National Forest Foundation, with which the teens have established a fundraising partnership.
Eshaan, whose father Satish Shetty is a former Microsoft employee and current CEO of mobile device management platform Codeproof, explained the app’s practical application. “Users can earn enough credits to plant a tree in just a few days by completing everyday tasks like homework, room cleaning, or dishwashing,” he stated.
Sapling not only tracks individual progress but also fosters a sense of community. Users can view their own completed tasks as well as those of people they follow within the app. Additionally, the application features a map displaying the locations where trees have been planted as a result of users’ efforts, including details about the specific tree types and ongoing reforestation projects in those areas.
Thiago shed light on the inspiration behind Sapling, saying, “We set out to create a productivity app, and we realized that environmental conservation was a meaningful way to make a community impact. Tree planting became our focus as a means to address climate change.”
The longtime friendship between Eshaan and Thiago, which began during their time living in Redmond, Washington’s Education Hill area, has proven beneficial to their collaborative efforts. The synergy they previously experienced while playing online video games together has seamlessly transferred to their shared app development
responsibilities.
Thus far, Sapling has attracted approximately 100 users and raised nearly $850 through its associated fundraiser. As the app gains traction, both teenagers are also contemplating their post-high school education plans and considering future technology-driven projects to tackle other pressing issues.
Eshaan has expressed interest in leveraging technology to address the homelessness crisis prevalent in the San Francisco Bay Area. Meanwhile, Thiago is keen on developing solutions to combat ocean pollution.
The creation of Sapling represents a unique intersection of youthful innovation, environmental consciousness, and productivity enhancement. By gamifying task completion and linking it directly to tangible environmental benefits, Eshaan and Thiago have crafted a tool that not only aids personal organization but also contributes to global reforestation efforts.
As climate change continues to be a critical concern worldwide, initiatives like Sapling demonstrate the potential for technology to engage individuals in environmental stewardship through their daily activities. The app serves as an example of how young entrepreneurs can harness their skills and passions to create solutions that address both personal and societal challenges.
While the long-term impact of Sapling remains to be seen, the initiative highlights the growing trend of integrating environmental awareness into everyday technology use. As Eshaan and Thiago continue to refine their app and expand its user base, they exemplify a new generation of tech-savvy individuals committed to making a positive impact on the world through innovative and accessible means.
