Plant a tree with your search engine: Ecosia now default on Student Desktops
From 15 January, the sustainable search engine Ecosia will be set as the default on 800 Student Desktops (SDT) in both library locations and the Randwyck Computer Facilities. It is also available for installation on every other UM work station. Ecosia generates income through their search ads, which they use to plant trees.
These default settings also apply to Student Desktop Anywhere for remote access to the SDT facilities on and off campus. The idea to implement Ecosia within UM was launched by University Council students. UM Library and ICTS embrace this valuable initiative. By creating an Ecosia account, UM contributes to sustainability and keeps track of how much CO2 savings take place collectively at UM level. The initiators wish that other UM departments make the switch as well. Every UM employee and student can set up Ecosia on their own workstation or mobile phone, by downloading the Ecosia extension using the UM link: ecosia.co/MaastrichtUniversity. With this unique tracking link for UM, every download will contribute to the university's total tree count.
You search the web for free, Ecosia plants trees
Ecosia is like any other search engine, with one major difference: Ecosia uses 80% or more of its profits to help non-profit organisations that focus on reforestation.
Good to know: Ecosia uses Microsoft’s Bing search engine. If you prefer Google, then just add the search tag #g. More search tags to speed up your search can be found here.
UM and sustainability
Maastricht University wants to contribute to a more sustainable future on earth with its education, research and operations. Its aim is to integrate sustainability in the DNA of the entire organisation by 2030. To reach that aim UM has created the Taskforce Sustainable UM2030 that works on sustainability issues, with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN as the guiding framework. The choice for a green search engine fits in perfectly with that ambition.
The manual for Ecosia is available on the ICTS website.
Start planting trees today!
