
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees for every search made. It's a unique approach to giving back to the environment.
Ecosia was founded in 2009 by Christian Kroll, a German entrepreneur. He aimed to create a search engine that not only provided accurate results but also contributed to reforestation efforts.
Ecosia's business model is based on advertising revenue, just like Google. However, Ecosia has managed to stay true to its mission by using a significant portion of its revenue to plant trees.
What is Ecosia?
Ecosia is a search engine that uses its revenue to plant trees and support reforestation efforts. Founded in 2009, it has since grown to become one of the most popular search engines in the world.
Ecosia's mission is to use the power of search to drive positive change. It does this by donating 80% of its surplus income to reforestation efforts.
Ecosia's search results are powered by Bing, one of the largest search engines in the world. This means that users can expect high-quality search results.
A unique perspective: Free Add Website to Search Engines
About
Ecosia is a search engine that uses its revenue to plant trees and support reforestation efforts.
It's a browser extension that can be installed on desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to make a positive impact with every search.
Ecosia is powered by Bing, using its search results to generate revenue.
This revenue is then used to fund tree planting and reforestation projects around the world.
Ecosia has already planted over 100 million trees since its inception.
The search engine is also committed to transparency, providing users with detailed information about its tree planting efforts and financial statements.
What
Ecosia is a search engine that's powered by a non-profit organization, aiming to plant trees for every search made.
Ecosia's business model is based on advertising revenue, just like Google.
The platform uses Bing's search results, which are then customized with Ecosia's own interface.
Ecosia has already planted over 100 million trees since its inception.
The organization's goal is to use 80% of its profits to fund tree planting.
Features and Benefits
Ecosia's search engine has some unique features that set it apart from other search engines. The green leaf icon is a notable feature that indicates a company's commitment to sustainability.
Ecosia also has a fossil fuel icon, which helps users identify companies that rely heavily on fossil fuels. This feature can be useful for those looking to support eco-friendly businesses.
Here are some of the key features of Ecosia's search engine:
- Green leaf icon;
- Fossil fuel icon;
- Climate impact rating;
- Country’s impact on the environment.
Ecosia's performance is impressive, especially considering it's a small search engine without its own search algorithms. It ranks in the top 4 search engines in Germany, which is no surprise given its Berlin-based roots.
For the Privacy-Minded
If you're concerned about your online privacy, Ecosia is a great choice. It doesn't store search information permanently, sell data to advertisers, or use external tracking tools.
Ecosia encrypts your searches, giving you an extra layer of protection. This is especially important if you're searching for sensitive information.
One of the main advantages of Ecosia is that it doesn't store search data, unlike many other search engines. This means your personal searches remain private.
If you're already using Bing but want to help the environment, consider switching to Ecosia. It partners with Bing to deliver high-quality search results.
In terms of privacy, DuckGoGo has an advantage over Ecosia. However, Ecosia makes up for it by being a more eco-friendly option.
A different take: Bing Search Engine Website
Green Features
Ecosia's green features are truly unique and impressive. Ecosia has its own markers for companies, including a green leaf icon, fossil fuel icon, climate impact rating, and country's impact on the environment.
The search engine even has a climate impact rating, which helps users make informed decisions about the companies they interact with. This rating is a valuable tool for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Ecosia's green features are not just limited to its company markers. The search engine has also partnered with organizations to plant trees and support conservation efforts. As of July 2022, Ecosia users have helped plant over 153 million trees in over 35 countries.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Search Engine Optimisation Companies
Here are some of the organizations Ecosia has partnered with to support tree planting efforts:
- Hilfswerft
- Economy of common goods (GWÖ)
- B-Corp
- Bundesverband Nachhaltiges Wirtschaften e.V. (BNW — formerly Unternehmensgrün)
Ecosia's commitment to sustainability and conservation is truly inspiring, and its green features make it a great choice for anyone looking for a more eco-friendly search engine.
Install Browser Extension
You can install the Ecosia browser extension for Google Chrome or Firefox. It's a simple process that will change your default search engine in just two clicks.
The extension will also set your New Tab page to be Ecosia, depending on your browser's limitations.
Optimizing for SEO
Optimizing for SEO can be a bit of a mystery, but we've got some insider knowledge to share. Ecosia search results are powered by Bing, but they also use their own algorithms to enhance rankings.
Ecosia highlights "green" results, which can attract additional attention and traffic if your business is environmentally friendly. This can be achieved by stocking sustainable products or complying with official ecological guidelines.
Here's an interesting read: Search Engine Results Page
To rank well in Ecosia, you should follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) fundamentals. This means keeping up with the following practices:
- Using Bing Webmaster Tools to monitor your website's performance
- Registering your business on Bing Places to improve local search visibility
- Keeping up with the Bing Webmaster Blog for the latest SEO tips and updates
- Growing your social media presence to increase online visibility
Social media plays a significant role in Ecosia's search results, just like Bing. If your website has a sizable following or your content gets a lot of shares, your site might rank better on Ecosia and Bing than on Google.
Comparison and Alternatives
Ecosia is a viable alternative to Google, with its own blog post dedicated to how it stacks up against its competitor.
We've broken down some pros and cons of Google and Ecosia, making it easier to decide which search engine is right for you.
Ecosia's commitment to using its profits to plant trees is a unique feature that sets it apart from Google, which prioritizes advertising revenue.
Differences Between Google
Ecosia and Google are two search engines with different approaches to making a positive impact on the world. Ecosia uses its revenue to plant trees, while Google's business model is based on PPC ads.
One key difference is that Ecosia has a "shop" where you can purchase trees to be planted, with options starting at $10 and going up to $60. You'll even receive a certificate of your donation, which can be given as a gift.
Ecosia makes money from users clicking on relevant PPC ads, but be sure not to randomly click ads, as this can be detected by Bing's technology. To make the most of Ecosia, set it as your default search engine and use it consistently.
It takes around 45 searches to generate enough revenue to plant one tree, according to a 2020 study. This highlights the importance of making Ecosia your go-to search engine.
Planting trees has a broader impact than just environmental benefits – it's also a justice issue. Ecosia's approach to planting trees is a great example of intersectional environmentalism in action.
If you're interested in learning more about the impact of trees, check out our collection of the best tree quotes.
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a great option for those who prioritize privacy. It doesn't collect or sell your data, making it a solid choice for those who value their online security.
DuckDuckGo is completely carbon-negative as a company, which means your searches can remain sustainable. This is a significant advantage for those who want to reduce their environmental impact.
If you're looking for an alternative to Google that prioritizes your privacy, DuckDuckGo is definitely worth considering.
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Search and Functionality
Ecosia's search experience is generally fine, but it has its limitations. It generates rapid results and functions fairly well for basic needs.
One of the pros is that it's easy to use and provides solid conversions between units. You can also find solid word definitions, although it doesn't generate rich snippets like Google does.
However, Ecosia lacks some features that I personally use frequently, like Google Translate and Google Maps. It also doesn't provide stock search results or rich snippets that give you answers at a glance.
Search

Ecosia is a solid search engine that generates rapid results and functions fairly well for basic needs. It's a great option for those who want to support a good cause.
You can plant trees with money that you don't normally even think about, as Ecosia gives 100% of its profits to charities. In fact, since its launch, the engine has planted over 213 million trees and dedicated over €87 million to climate action.
Ecosia also offers solid conversions between units, making it a great tool for everyday calculations. And, it provides solid word definitions, although it doesn't generate rich snippets like Google.
One thing to keep in mind is that Ecosia doesn't provide rich snippets or answers at a glance. This can make it less useful for quick research or fact-checking. However, it does display the preview from web pages, which can still be helpful.
Here are some of the key features and limitations of Ecosia:
- Rapid results and basic functionality
- Planting trees with profits
- Solid conversions between units
- Solid word definitions
- Solid for calculations
- No Google Translate or Google Maps
- No stock search
- No rich snippets or answers at a glance
- Difficulty with long-tail keywords
Maps
Ecosia Maps is a feature that allows you to transition to Google Maps, but unfortunately, it has no influence on search engine results pages (SERP) due to the absence of an ecosystem within the search engine.
You can also find Interesting Places, a part of Tripadvisor, integrated into Ecosia search results. This is a free method of ranking high in search results if you're among the top in your category on Tripadvisor.
If you plan to include this promotion method in your strategy, note that Ecosia pays a lot of attention to plant-based food and organizations that promote conscious consumption in the "Cafes and Restaurants" category.
Ads
Ads on Ecosia are a bit of a mixed bag. They use the Microsoft Advertising Network, which means you'll see ads from other search engines too.
You can't currently advertise exclusively on Ecosia, even if you want to. The search engine's technical support has created a questionnaire for advertisers, but there's been no announcement yet.
The fact that you can't advertise only on Ecosia is a bit strange, considering their focus on SEO optimization.
Legitimacy and Trust
Ecosia is a legit search engine that puts purpose at the forefront of its work. It donates 80% of its profits, is certified as a B Corp, and releases transparent monthly reports.
Ecosia has been praised for its thoughtful approach to planting trees. The company plants native trees, not imported or invasive ones, and considers how they'll interact with local communities.
You can trust Ecosia because the company is held accountable to third parties and makes all its numbers publicly available. This transparency helps ensure that Ecosia stays true to its mission.
Ecosia was the first German company to become a certified B Corp. It achieved high scores and was named "Best for the World" in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.
Ecosia is transparent about its financial reports and tree planting receipts every month. This commitment to openness helps the public hold the company accountable.
Ecosia's goal is to use 100% of its profits for the planet, and it's set up as a "steward-owned company" to ensure this happens. Shares can't be sold for profit, and no profits can be taken out of the company.
Ecosia's Ethiscore is 11, double that of Google's score. This shows that Ecosia is committed to ethical business practices.
Related reading: Ms Corp Search
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of Ecosia?
Ecosia has some limitations, including fewer search results and limited region-specific results. Additionally, user data is stored for up to seven days.
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