PlanetHike FAQ 

SECTION 1 — About PlanetHike & Our Mission

Q1.1: What is PlanetHike?
A1.1: PlanetHike is a global step challenge uniting individuals, families, friends, companies, schools, and organizations worldwide. Our mission is to transform every step into tangible environmental action, allowing participants to contribute to a global step goal while directly funding tree planting and carbon reduction initiatives.

Q1.2: How does PlanetHike create real impact?
A1.2: PlanetHike creates real impact by directly linking your participation (registration fees, steps earned for RegreenityCoins) to funding verified reforestation and carbon reduction projects. Your movement fuels our mission, turning collective activity into measurable environmental good. We plant one tree for every RegreenityCoin earned.

Q1.3: How do steps help plant trees?
A1.3: While steps themselves don’t directly plant trees, your participation fee (part of which is allocated to tree planting) and the RegreenityCoins you earn (each representing a tree planted) are the mechanisms. The more you walk and the more Coins you earn, the more trees PlanetHike funds and plants through our vetted partners.

Q1.4: What is the global step goal?
A1.4: Our ambitious global step goal is to collectively achieve 1 Trillion Steps by the end of the 2030. Every step submitted helps us reach this monumental target and amplifies our collective voice for a greener planet.

Q1.5: Who can participate in PlanetHike?
A1.5: Anyone, anywhere in the world, can participate! We welcome individuals, small groups of friends or family, and larger teams from companies, schools, and other organizations. As long as you have a desire to walk and contribute to a greener planet, you’re in.

Q1.6: Do I need to live in a specific country to join?
A1.6: No, PlanetHike is a global initiative. You can participate from any country in the world. Our step tracking system and impact model are designed to be accessible internationally.

Q1.7: Is PlanetHike a charity or a company?
A1.7: PlanetHike operates as a [Specify if Company with a Mission / Social Enterprise / Non-Profit, e.g., “social enterprise with a clear mission”]. While we fund environmental projects, we are not structured as a traditional charity. Our model ensures transparency and direct allocation of funds to our environmental goals.

Q1.8: How is PlanetHike funded?
A1.8: PlanetHike is primarily funded through participant registration fees (individual and team plans) and optional contributions from individuals and organizations to boost RegreenityCoin impact. These funds cover platform operations, merchandise, and crucially, the costs associated with our tree planting and carbon reduction projects.

SECTION 2 — Registration & Participation (Individuals, Friends/Family, Teams)

Q2.1: How do I register as an individual or with friends/family?
A2.1: Visit our [Solo & Friends/Family Registration Page](link to page). You’ll start by indicating the total number of participants you wish to register and pay for in one order. Then, you’ll choose your preferred plan (Basic, T-shirt Bundle, Hoodie Bundle) and provide the necessary details for each person.

Q2.2: What are the available registration plans (Basic, T-shirt, Hoodie)?
A2.2:

• Basic (€15): Includes full participation access, 1 RegreenityCoin, and one tree planted in your name.
• T-shirt Bundle (€45): Includes the official white PlanetHike T-shirt, full participation, 2 RegreenityCoins, and two trees planted.
• Hoodie Bundle (€65): Includes the official PlanetHike Hoodie, full participation, 2 RegreenityCoins, and two trees planted. You can select these plans for multiple individuals in one order.

Q2.3: What is included in each plan or bundle?
A2.3:

• Basic: Event participation, personal RegreenityCoin, one tree planted in your name.
• T-shirt Bundle: Event participation, official PlanetHike T-shirt, 2 RegreenityCoins, two trees planted.
• Hoodie Bundle: Event participation, official PlanetHike Hoodie, 2 RegreenityCoins, two trees planted. All plans also grant access to your personal dashboard for step submission and impact tracking.

Q2.4: Can I register multiple people in one order?
A2.4: Yes, for individuals and small groups (friends/family), you can register and pay for multiple participants in a single order via our [Solo & Friends/Family Registration Page](link to page). You will select the number of participants at the start and then provide details for each person.

Q2.5: Can children or participants under 18 join?
A2.5: Absolutely! We encourage all ages to participate. If a participant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide their consent during the registration process by filling in their details and checking the consent box.

Q2.6: What is the Monthly Walks add-on and how does it work?
A2.6: The Monthly Walks add-on (€6/year for individuals) provides access to exclusive monthly virtual walk events. By opting in, you can participate in these ongoing challenges to earn additional RegreenityCoins (e.g., 2 Coins at 100,000 steps and a bonus Coin at 300,000 steps within a month).

Q2.7: How do I register my company, school, or organization?
A2.7: Head to our [Team / Company Registration Page](link to page). Your Team Captain will select your organization type and desired Team Impact Plan, providing an estimated number of participants. The system will calculate your Impact Pledge, which your organization will pay upfront via invoice or secure online checkout.

Q2.8: What is the Team Impact Plan?
A2.8: The Team Impact Plan allows companies, schools, and organizations to cover the participation fees for their entire team (employees/students). It’s based on an estimated number of participants and includes participation, RegreenityCoins, and trees planted for each team member. This upfront pledge ensures PlanetHike has the funds to deliver impact.

Q2.9: How does the Team Code system work?
A2.9: Upon successful upfront payment for your Team Impact Plan, your Team Captain will receive a unique Team Code. This code is then distributed to your team members, who use it to register individually on PlanetHike (via the “Join Team” option on the registration page) at no personal cost. This code unlocks their free access and links them to your organization’s collective impact.

Q2.10: What if our team’s actual participation is different from our estimate?
A2.10: Your upfront payment is an “Impact Pledge” supporting PlanetHike’s mission.

• If actual participation exceeds your estimated pledge: Your organization may be invoiced for the difference at the agreed-upon per-participant rate.
• If actual participation is lower than your estimated pledge: The initial pledge remains fully allocated to environmental impact. We do not offer refunds for lower turnout, as the funds are committed to our tree planting and operational goals.

Q2.11: Can teams join from multiple countries or remote workplaces?
A2.11: Absolutely! PlanetHike is designed for global participation. Your team members can join and contribute their steps from anywhere in the world, making it ideal for distributed teams, multi-national companies, and remote workplaces. The Team Code system allows for seamless registration regardless of location.

Q2.12: Is participation free for employees/students once the team is registered?
A2.12: Yes! Once your organization has paid for a Team Impact Plan, individual employees or students register for free using the unique Team Code provided by their Team Captain. They will not be asked for any personal payment during their sign-up process.

SECTION 3 — RegreenityCoins & Impact Tracking

Q3.1: What are RegreenityCoins?
A3.1: RegreenityCoins are PlanetHike’s unique digital tokens that represent a transparent and verifiable record of your positive environmental contribution through active participation. They are earned through your actions, not purchased.

Q3.2: How do I earn RegreenityCoins?
A3.2: You earn RegreenityCoins by engaging in verified actions and participation:

• Completing your official event walk (e.g., the main May event).
• Achieving specific step milestones in our optional Monthly Walk events (e.g., 2 Coins for 100,000 steps and an additional bonus Coin for 300,000 steps within a month).
• Participating in other designated, verified impact actions (e.g., specific recycling initiatives, if introduced).

Q3.3: How many steps do I need to earn a Coin?
A3.3: The number of steps required to earn a Coin varies depending on the event or challenge. For instance, participating in the main May event earns you Coins, and in our Monthly Walks add-on, you can earn 2 Coins at 100,000 steps and a bonus Coin at 300,000 steps within the month. Look for specific earning criteria in each challenge.

Q3.4: How do RegreenityCoins relate to trees?
A3.4: Each RegreenityCoin you earn signifies one tree planted by PlanetHike through our reforestation partners. Your verified actions directly contribute to tangible environmental restoration, making your impact clear and measurable.

Q3.5: Can I boost the number of trees linked to my Coin?
A3.5: Yes! While Coins are earned through your active participation, you can amplify their environmental impact by funding additional trees. Through your dashboard, you have the option to contribute funds that will link up to 1,000 additional trees to each of your earned RegreenityCoins, significantly multiplying your green impact.

Q3.6: How many trees can a single Coin hold?
A3.6: By default, one RegreenityCoin represents one tree planted. However, through our “boost” feature, you can choose to fund additional trees, allowing a single RegreenityCoin to signify up to 1,000 trees planted.

Q3.7: When will RegreenityCoins become tradable?
A3.7: RegreenityCoins are designed for long-term impact and are slated to become tradable starting in 2029. This timeframe allows for the sustained growth of our collective environmental contributions and the associated value of the Coins.

Q3.8: Are RegreenityCoins a cryptocurrency?
A3.8: While RegreenityCoins are digital tokens and may utilize blockchain technology for transparency and verification, they are primarily designed as a verifiable record of environmental impact, not as a speculative financial asset like typical cryptocurrencies. Their value is tied to verifiable impact, not market speculation.

Q3.9: Can RegreenityCoins be sold or transferred?
A3.9: Initially, RegreenityCoins cannot be sold or transferred. Our focus is on earning them through verified action and building their value through sustained impact. They are intended to become tradable starting in 2029, as explained in Q3.7.

Q3.10: What happens if I lose access to my account—do I lose my Coins?
A3.10: If you lose access to your account, your RegreenityCoins are still securely associated with your unique participant ID. Please follow our account recovery process (e.g., password reset) or contact support immediately. We will help you regain access, and your earned Coins will remain intact.

Q3.11: Where can I learn more about RegreenityCoins?
A3.11: For an in-depth understanding of the RegreenityCoin system, its underlying technology, and our long-term vision, please visit our dedicated RegreenityCoins Page.

SECTION 4 — Step Tracking & Verification

Q4.1: How do I submit my steps?
A4.1: You will submit your steps manually through the dedicated form in your personal user dashboard. Simply log in, navigate to the “Steps” section, and enter your step count for the relevant walking day. You will need to check your fitness app/tracker for the correct numbers.

Q4.2: When do steps count for Coins and badges?
A4.2: Steps submitted will count towards earning RegreenityCoins and badges only for designated “walking days” on our official calendar. This includes the main May event (May 29-31) and specific “every second weekend” monthly walk events. The submission form will guide you in selecting valid dates.

Q4.3: Which fitness trackers/apps can I use?
A4.3: You can use any fitness tracker or app you prefer (e.g., Google Fit, Apple Health, Fitbit, Garmin, smartwatches, etc.) to record your steps. Simply use the data displayed in your chosen app/tracker to accurately enter your step count into the PlanetHike submission form.

Q4.4: Can I participate without a smartphone or tracker?
A4.4: Yes, absolutely! While many participants use smartphones or dedicated trackers, you can still join. A basic pedometer can be used to count your steps, which you then manually enter into the submission form on your dashboard.

Q4.5: Is manual step entry allowed?
A4.5: Yes, manual step entry via the form in your user dashboard is the primary method for submitting your steps to PlanetHike. You will refer to your personal fitness tracker or pedometer to accurately input your daily steps.

Q4.6: How does PlanetHike verify step submissions?
A4.6: To ensure fairness and the integrity of our impact, all manually submitted steps are subject to a random audit process. We do not automatically verify every submission, but we do conduct regular checks.

Q4.7: Will I be asked for proof or screenshots?
A4.7: Yes. As part of our random audit process (Q4.6), we may randomly select your submissions and request screenshots or other verifiable proof (e.g., from your fitness app) of your step counts for specific dates. It’s important to keep records of your walks.

Q4.8: What happens if someone submits false steps?
A4.8: PlanetHike has a zero-tolerance policy for fraudulent step submissions. If, during an audit, we find that submitted steps do not match the provided proof, or if fraudulent data is suspected, the participant will face serious consequences, which may include the forfeiture of all earned RegreenityCoins, potential disqualification from future PlanetHike events, and removal from leaderboards.

Q4.9: Is there a step limit per day or per event?
A4.9: Yes, to encourage sustained activity, there is a daily step limit for earning RegreenityCoins. A maximum of 15,000 steps per day will be counted towards your Coin balance. Any steps submitted above this limit for a single day will not earn additional Coins. This encourages consistent participation over single, massive walks.

Q4.10: Can I submit steps after the deadline?
A4.10: Each walking day or event period will have a clear submission deadline (e.g., 24-48 hours after the day concludes). Steps submitted after this deadline may not be counted towards RegreenityCoins or global impact totals for that period. It’s crucial to submit your steps promptly.

SECTION 5 — Merchandise & Shipping

Q5.1: Which merchandise is available?
A5.1: We offer exclusive PlanetHike branded T-shirts and Hoodies. These are available through our registration bundles.

Q5.2: How do I get my T-shirt or hoodie if I choose a bundle?
A5.2: Merchandise will be shipped directly to the address provided during your registration. For certain events or regions, collection at designated hubs might be an option; if so, this will be clearly communicated. Please ensure your shipping address is accurate during registration.

Q5.3: Can I change my size after ordering?
A5.3: We strive to fulfill orders accurately based on your selection during registration. Due to production and logistics, changes to merchandise size after an order is placed are generally not possible. Please select your size carefully.

Q5.4: Is shipping included in the bundle price?
A5.4: Yes, standard shipping costs for merchandise bundles are included in the bundle price for most regions [specify if there are geographical limits, e.g., “within Europe”]. Any exceptions or additional charges for international or expedited shipping will be clearly indicated at checkout.

Q5.5: Do you ship worldwide?
A5.5: PlanetHike aims for global reach. While we do ship to many international destinations, some remote areas may incur additional charges or have restrictions. Please check the shipping information during checkout for details specific to your location.

Q5.6: When will my merchandise arrive?
A5.6: Merchandise typically ships [e.g., “within 2-4 weeks after your registration is confirmed” or “closer to the main event date”]. You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information once your order has been dispatched.

SECTION 6 — Environmental & Tree-Planting Transparency

Q6.1: Where are the trees planted?
A6.1: We strategically partner with reputable reforestation organizations in various regions around the world. Our primary planting locations are often in regions critically affected by deforestation in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Specific project details are often shared with our community.

Q6.2: Which planting partners do you work with?
A6.2: PlanetHike collaborates with certified and experienced reforestation non-profits and organizations known for their sustainable practices and high survival rates.

Q6.3: Can I see the project my trees belong to?
A6.3: We strive for transparency. While we can’t always link individual trees to specific participants, we regularly share updates, photos, and reports from the planting projects your contributions support on our website and social media. Look for our “Impact Reports” to see the collective difference we’re making.

SECTION 7 — Events & Hosting Walks

Q7.1: Can I host a PlanetHike walking event?
A7.1: Answer depends on if you want local community events, e.g., “Yes! We encourage community engagement. Please visit our [Host an Event] page for guidelines and resources on organizing local PlanetHike walks.” or “Currently, all official PlanetHike walks are organized centrally. However, we encourage you to walk with your local community during our global events!”

Q7.2: Can I join without attending a physical event?
A7.2: Absolutely! PlanetHike is primarily a virtual challenge. You can participate and submit your steps from anywhere in the world, whether you walk in your neighborhood, a local park, or on a treadmill. Attending a physical event is optional.

SECTION 8 — Data, Privacy & Security

Q8.1: What data does PlanetHike store?
A8.1: PlanetHike stores necessary participant data for registration, communication, step tracking, RegreenityCoin allocation, and merchandise fulfillment. This includes your name, email, chosen plan, step submissions, and RegreenityCoin balance. We do not store sensitive payment card information directly.

Q8.2: How is my fitness data protected?
A8.2: For manual step submissions, you are directly entering your step counts into our secure system. PlanetHike employs robust security measures, including data encryption and secure server environments, to protect all participant data. For more details, please refer to our comprehensive Privacy Policy.

SECTION 9 — Technical Support & Account Management

Q9.1: I forgot my password—what do I do?
A9.1: If you’ve forgotten your password, please click on the “Forgot Password” link on our login page. Follow the prompts to reset your password via email. If you encounter any issues, contact our support team.

Q9.2: How do I update my personal information?
A9.2: You can easily update most of your personal details, such as your name, address, and contact preferences, by logging into your PlanetHike account and navigating to the “My Account” or “Profile Settings” section in your user dashboard. Remember to save any changes.

Q9.3: How do I change my email address?
A9.3: To change the email address associated with your PlanetHike account, log in and go to your “My Account” or “Profile Settings” area. If you encounter any issues or require further assistance, please contact our support team directly.

Q9.4: I am not receiving emails or my Team Code—what should I do?
A9.4: First, please check your spam or junk mail folder, as emails sometimes land there. If you still cannot find the email (e.g., registration confirmation, password reset, Team Code), please contact our support team at [support email address] with your registration details, and we will assist you.

Q9.5: How do I contact support if I need more help?
A9.5: If your question isn’t answered in this FAQ, or if you need personalized assistance, please visit our [Contact Us Page] or send an email directly to [hello @ planethike. org]. Our dedicated support team will get back to you as soon as possible.