Ecosia Launches Cross-Platform Browser for Eco-Friendly Searching

Ecosia⁢ Launches New ⁢Browser to Expand Sustainability Efforts

Ecosia, the search‍ engine renowned⁣ for⁣ its tree-planting ⁣initiatives funded by search⁤ ad profits, has introduced a new cross-platform browser to expand its online presence and⁤ further⁣ its ​sustainability goals. The‌ browser, available on Mac, Windows, iOS, and⁤ Android, is built upon Google’s open-source Chromium‌ project,⁤ ensuring a familiar user experience for those​ accustomed to Google⁤ Chrome.

Customizable User Experience

While the Ecosia browser closely resembles Chrome, the company believes this similarity ‍will ⁢encourage more users to make the switch. The browser allows users to personalize their landing page and remove sections they don’t find useful, such ‍as top sites or the⁢ climate impact widget.

Image Credits: Ecosia

Expanding Sustainability Efforts

Michael‍ Metcalf, Ecosia’s ⁢chief product officer, emphasized the company’s desire ⁤to meet users where they⁤ are and expand the footprint of ⁣their sustainability ⁢efforts beyond search:

“The main ⁤reason we are building ⁤a browser is because we want to go where⁤ our users are ‌and start to ⁢expand the footprint of ⁤where they can be⁢ sustainable. ​Right now, our main use ‌case is around search, but ⁢we want to expand into parts of ‍browsing experiences.”

Affiliate⁣ Shopping Program

Alongside the browser ⁤launch, Ecosia is introducing an affiliate ⁣shopping program, displaying links to sites like Amazon, ⁢eBay, and Decathlon under ⁣sponsored links.‍ All revenue generated through this ‌program will be invested in ‍planting ⁤trees and supporting green projects.​ Ecosia has pledged to‌ generate 25Wh of clean energy per user daily through these investments.

While promoting lower ⁤consumption, Ecosia recognizes the popularity of ‌online shopping⁣ and aims ⁣to provide consumers with an opportunity to give back. Future plans include enhancing​ the affiliate shopping interface, ⁢integrating ​their AI chatbot, and offering more browser customization options.

Targeting⁢ Existing User Base and Green-Minded ⁤Consumers

Acknowledging the⁣ challenge of​ convincing users to switch browsers, Ecosia ⁤initially targets its existing 20 million search engine​ users. The company will also increase marketing efforts aimed at consumers who demonstrate an ​affinity for green⁣ causes. Although‌ Ecosia was satisfied with the retention rate during ‍early beta testing, they did ⁢not disclose⁢ data on the impact of the new browser on search ⁢traffic.

Search Engine Enhancements

In addition to the browser launch, Ecosia⁢ made structural ​changes to its search‍ engine last year. After relying solely on Bing for years,⁢ the company began experimenting with⁤ Google Search in markets‍ such as Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, and⁤ the Philippines. Ecosia utilizes System1, an ad tech company that syndicates search ⁤results from various providers, including Microsoft⁣ Bing, Startpage, and Info.com.

Milestone Achievement

Earlier‌ this year,⁣ Ecosia⁣ celebrated​ a significant milestone,⁢ having planted more than⁤ 200 million trees across 95,000 ⁢locations worldwide, further ⁢cementing its commitment to environmental sustainability.