Ecosia companion
Use IdleForest with Ecosia to plant more trees while you browse
IdleForest does not replace Ecosia. Ecosia funds trees when you search; IdleForest adds a passive, opt-in layer that helps fund verified tree planting from idle bandwidth.
The simple setup
Keep Ecosia for search impact
Everyday searches can continue funding Ecosia's climate projects.
Add IdleForest for passive impact
IdleForest works in the background after install, without changing your search engine.
Track verified tree funding
IdleForest's public planting records currently show 2,105 trees funded or planted.
Ecosia and IdleForest do different jobs
You do not have to pick one. Ecosia turns searches into climate funding; IdleForest adds passive impact during the browsing time around those searches.
| Question | Ecosia | IdleForest |
|---|---|---|
| Primary action | Search the web with Ecosia | Browse normally after installing IdleForest |
| Funding model | Search advertising revenue | Opt-in idle bandwidth revenue |
| Search engine switch | Required to generate search impact | Not required; works with Ecosia, Google, Brave, and other browsers |
| When impact happens | When you search | While your browser or desktop app is running and opted in |
| Transparency | Monthly financial reports | Live report, planting receipts, open-source code, and bandwidth transparency |
No search switch required
IdleForest works alongside your current browser setup, including Ecosia.
Built for verification
Public receipts, open-source code, and a transparency page make the model easy to inspect.
More moments can fund trees
Searches, browsing, and idle time can all contribute when the tools are combined.
Common questions
These are the practical things to know before adding another eco tool to your browser.
Can I use IdleForest and Ecosia together?
Yes. IdleForest does not replace Ecosia or change your search engine. Use Ecosia for searches and let IdleForest add passive tree funding while you browse.
Is IdleForest an Ecosia alternative?
IdleForest can be an alternative if you do not want to switch search engines, but it usually works better as an Ecosia add-on because both tools can run together.
Does IdleForest change my Ecosia settings?
No. IdleForest does not need to change your homepage, new tab page, or default search engine.
How does IdleForest protect privacy?
IdleForest uses sessionless public web requests, encrypted connections, bandwidth controls, and isolated execution. It does not access personal browsing history, cookies, passwords, or logged-in sessions.
Already using Ecosia?
Keep it. Add IdleForest as the passive layer for the moments between searches.