Thus far, 427,825 seedlings have been planted in partnership with American Forest, providing projected environmental benefits including:
- Carbon Sequestration –By the time they’re 50 years old, the forests planted thus far will have stored 55,557 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in their roots, stems, and trunks. This is equivalent to the emissions from burning 6.3 million gallons of gasoline, or the emissions from the energy use in 6,690 American homes.
- Air Quality:
- The trees will eventually remove 18,847 pounds of air pollutants such as ozone, smoke, dust and particulate matter, per year. This is the equivalent of taking 288 cars off the road annually.
- Water Conservation:
- These trees will capture, store and filter 27 million gallons of water a year, equal to the volume of water stored by 41 Olympic swimming pools.
Bulleit and American Forests have thus far helped restore over 300 acres of oak forest – equivalent to nearly 230 football fields – in a combined effort to reforest landscapes home to the great white oak. Bulleit has emphasized white oak restoration, because they are a cornerstone species of forests in the Eastern United States that are essential to the future of so many industries, including the whiskey industry. By definition, bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels, which help give the liquor its color and taste.
Additionally, Bulleit has supported American Forests’ goal of creating tree equity and green space in urban areas via Tree Equity efforts. These efforts, which are separate from the 1 million trees commitment noted above, kicked-off last Friday, November 12, in the brand’s home state of Kentucky. The trees planted will provide shade and cool neighborhood temperatures, in addition to filtering water and removing pollutants from the air – a benefit especially important to the Louisville planting site, which is located near several expressways.