The Sapling app, created by high school friends Eshaan Shetty and Thiago Sardenberg, rewards users with credits for completing tasks, which can then be used to purchase trees for reforestation projects. Eshaan’s father, Satish Shetty, who is a Microsoft veteran and CEO of Codeproof, helped inspire the teens to create the app. Users earn one credit for each task completed, and 20 credits equal $1, which can fund the planting of one tree. The app allows users to track their completed tasks, see where trees have been planted, and learn more about reforestation projects.
Eshaan and Thiago, who live on opposite sides of the country, wanted to create a productivity app that would help the environment and make a positive impact on the community. By planting trees to help reduce climate change, the friends found a way to align their goals with their app design. The synergy they share while playing video games online also translates into their collaboration on Sapling, where they share design and coding responsibilities. The app has attracted around 100 users so far, and the fundraiser has brought in nearly $850 to support reforestation efforts.
In addition to their work on Sapling, Eshaan and Thiago are also planning for their futures beyond high school. Eshaan hopes to use technology to address the homelessness crisis in the Bay Area, while Thiago aims to create a solution to combat ocean pollution. The two friends are driven by a desire to leverage technology for social and environmental good, and they are excited about the potential to continue making a positive impact through their future projects. Their shared passion for using technology for social good has fueled their collaboration on Sapling and will likely guide their future endeavors as well.
The teens set up a fundraiser through the National Forest Foundation to allow users to use their earned credits to purchase trees for reforestation projects. The app provides a platform for users to track their completed tasks and see where their efforts have contributed to planting trees. Users can view a map that shows the locations of reforestation projects, the types of trees being planted, and additional details about the specific projects being supported. By engaging users in these initiatives, Sapling encourages environmental awareness and active participation in conservation efforts.
Eshaan’s father’s background in technology and entrepreneurship likely influenced the teens’ interest in creating an app to address environmental issues. The success of Sapling in attracting users and raising funds for reforestation projects demonstrates the potential for technology to drive positive change and engage people in environmental causes. Eshaan and Thiago’s collaborative efforts on Sapling highlight the impact that young innovators can have in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and deforestation, through creative and tech-driven solutions. Their dedication to using their skills and interests to make a difference in the world sets a powerful example for other young people interested in leveraging technology for social and environmental good.
Through Sapling, Eshaan and Thiago have found a way to combine their shared passion for technology with their desire to make a positive impact on the environment. Their friendship and collaborative spirit have driven the success of the app, which has already begun to make a difference by supporting reforestation efforts. As they continue to grow and pursue their education and future projects, Eshaan and Thiago are poised to become leaders in using technology for social and environmental good, inspiring others to follow their example and work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
