Terry supports multiple restoration projects across different ecological domains, which means their impacts can’t be compared directly. To make them readable as one system, we use three conversion metrics that translate every contribution into standard units grounded in verified partner costs. No abstraction. No symbolic numbers.

Below is the full methodology.

1. Why Three Metrics Exist

Projects vary: trees, pollinator habitat, farmland regeneration. Each requires different materials, labour, and ecological conditions. A shared measurement system is necessary for users to understand scale without forcing all projects into the same outcome category. These metrics act as equivalencies, not literal outcomes. They let you see the environmental magnitude of your contribution independent of the specific mission you selected.

The three units:

• Trees planted
  
  

• Pollinator habitat created
  
  

• Farmland regenerated

These correspond with three core environmental domains: climate, biodiversity, and soil.

2. Trees Planted

€1.20 = 1 tree
Source: One Tree Planted
https://onetreeplanted.org/

One Tree Planted works with local partners across multiple continents to plant native trees in priority restoration areas. Their model follows the widely used “$1 = 1 tree” structure. To convert this into a stable European equivalent, we apply a €1.20 cost per tree, which accounts for currency variation, regional labour differences, and project-level overhead.

Conversion:
€1 → 0.83 trees

What this represents:
– A native tree selected for the specific local ecosystem
– Seedling production, site preparation, and planting
– Early-stage maintenance and monitoring
– Long-term ecological benefits including carbon storage, soil improvement, and habitat restoration

This metric remains conservative, transparent, and consistent across reforestation projects.

3. Pollinator Habitat

€1.60 = 2 m² habitat
Source: The Pollinators (NL)
https://www.thepollinators.org/

The Pollinators distribute native wildflower seed mixes developed specifically for Dutch and Flemish ecosystems. A standard organic seed bag costs (us) €1.60 and covers 2 square meters.

Conversion:
€1 → 1.25 m² pollinator habitat.

What this represents:
– Over 40 native flowering species
– Season-long nectar and pollen
– Habitat suitable for bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects
– Non-invasive, pesticide-free, regionally adapted seed mixes
– Vegetation typically lasting 3–5 years before reseeding is required

The metric is a direct reflection of real seed cost, not an abstract multiplier.

4. Soil Regeneration / Farmland Restoration

€10 = 1 m² regenerated land
Source: Land van Ons (NL)
https://landvanons.nl/

Land van Ons purchases degraded agricultural land and restores it with regenerative practices and increased biodiversity. Their funding model is simple and transparent: €10 purchases and restores 1 square meter of farmland.

Conversion:
€1 → 0.10 m² restored land.

What this represents:
– Land acquisition
– Soil restoration through regenerative agriculture
– Removal of chemical inputs
– Biodiversity recovery
– Long-term ecological stewardship

This metric is grounded in direct cost-per-square-meter calculations published by the organization.

5. Why These Ratios Are Used

The goal is clarity. A user supporting a kelp project, a tree project, or a farmland project should still see a measurable expression of environmental value. The chosen metrics satisfy three requirements:

1. Verifiable sources – each number is tied to a public, audited, or transparent cost structure.
   
   

2. Consistency – ratios remain stable across project lifecycles and geographies.
   
   

3. Comprehension – square meters and trees are intuitive ecological units.

Metrics are recalibrated annually. If partner costs shift by more than ±25%, ratios are updated. Historic impact values remain fixed.

6. Important Distinction

The metrics are equivalent impact, not literal outcomes.

Example:
If you support Sheltersuit or Kelp Forest Alliance, your dashboard will still display the three standard metrics. These reflect the value of your contribution, not the specific item funded.
Literal project outcomes are displayed on each project page.

7. References and Sources

One Tree Planted - https://onetreeplanted.org/
The Pollinators –https://www.thepollinators.org/
Land van Ons –https://landvanons.nl/
Terry Blog –https://www.terry.earth/nl/blog