Anthropy 2025: how beanbags and chocolate helped plant a subforest

You don’t normally expect to hear about beanbags, chocolate and mangrove trees at a leadership summit. But Anthropy isn’t your usual event.

Alongside taking part in sessions and sharing ideas at Anthropy 2025, we wanted to do something a little unexpected. Something fun. Something memorable. Most of all, something that could lead to real, measurable impact. So when we had the chance to sponsor the official Anthropy pub, we saw an opportunity to do just that.

It gave us a space to relax, catch up with attendees and start meaningful conversations – and the perfect excuse to run a little game with a big outcome.

The Krystal pub: more than just a pint

Over three days, the pub became a proper gathering spot. It was where people came to unwind, reconnect and, in many cases, dive into some pretty in-depth chats about digital ethics over a drink.

It also gave us the perfect setting to run Throw for Trees – a simple but (at times seriously!) competitive game that brought a bit of lightness to a serious subject. Every player had three beanbags and a set of targets. For every point scored, we committed to planting a tree.

It was easy to join in, surprisingly tricky to master and quickly became one of the liveliest spots in the venue, with over 300 people taking part. Turns out, when you combine sustainability with free chocolate, even the most serious attendees bring their game face!

“Landed 2 out of 3 bean bags - which is 2 more than Craig managed! Fun little challenge and even better knowing it was helping plant trees. A nice surprise addition to the Anthropy bar.” - Daniel, Anthropy guest and Subforest contributor.

2,384 trees planted and a new subforest

Thanks to the aim and energy of everyone who took part, we’ll be planting 2,384 trees through our reforestation partner, veritree.

And here’s the best part: those trees will form their own subforest, entirely dedicated to the Anthropy crowd. It’s a living legacy to everyone who got involved and gave it their best shot – literally.

“Sustainability is often boring. Not with Krystal! Fun games to plant free trees and win chocolate. What more could you want??” - Joss, Anthropy guest and Subforest contributor.

You can explore the subforest and learn about its impact here.

Each tree will be verified and tracked through veritree’s science-backed programme, and we’ve received a certificate confirming the impact. A small action that’s already adding up.

The game sparked more than just competition

The game also led to some fascinating and rewarding conversations about sustainable web hosting. Many people told us they’d never really thought about where their websites were hosted or the fact that those servers might be running on fossil fuels. They were genuinely surprised to hear about the internet’s carbon footprint, and receptive to the fact that Krystal runs entirely on renewable energy. When they found out we’re also B Corp-certified and award-winning, a lot of people were keen to explore making the switch.

Throw for Trees worked because it brought people in. But it also gave us a moment to talk about digital sustainability in a way that felt real, personal and easy to understand.

*"I loved the initiative - I won chocolate and was able to grow some trees - a win-win!" - Pelumi, Anthropy guest and Subforest contributor.

To everyone who stopped by the pub, took part in the game or just said hello, we’d like to say thank you.

And to those who turned Throw for Trees into a full-blown sport, we see you!