&Open

Our work is to establish and conserve permanent native woodland in Ireland, encouraging land regeneration and biodiversity. What inspired you to work with Hometree?
At &Open we are deeply committed to fostering a sustainable future for us and for the generations to come. We believe deeply in the interconnectedness of people and the planet, and partnering with Hometree allows us to make a real lasting impact, not just on the environment but also by contributing to our local community. Once we learned that Ireland – a country thought of as being so green – is the most deforested country in Europe with just over 1% of its original forest cover remaining, we knew this was a project that we had to be involved in.

You will not see some of the trees you are planting reach maturity, what has inspired such a long term vision?
Our long-term vision is inspired by the profound belief that caring for future generations is an essential responsibility. Planting trees is not just about the immediate impact we can witness but it’s a commitment to the sustained well-being of our planet and communities over time. Recognizing that some trees may not reach maturity during our lifetime underscores the importance of looking beyond the present moment.

Have there been any key moments you can share about how you or your organisation decided to support a more abundant and healthier world?
We have been witnessing the increasing challenges our planet is facing, and as stewards of our community and environment, we felt compelled to align our business practices with a vision of a more sustainable future. This is not just about corporate responsibility; it is rooted in a genuine desire to be a force for good, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate business. Working towards a more abundant and healthier world has always been part of our philosophy, and partnering with Hometree reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world we share.

Would you like to share any key lessons life has taught you?
One key lesson is the profound impact that collective action can have in shaping a better world. A key moment for us was in 2023, when our teams got together and collected plastic waste from our homes, office and a local beach to create a beautiful spinning top using 100% recycled plastic, our most sustainable gift yet. We’ve learned that meaningful change often stems from collaboration, shared purpose, and a commitment to a common goal.