3 Environmental Benefits Of Planting A Tree

3 Environmental Benefits Of Planting A Tree

By: Ali N
Edited by: Brady B

From an early age, we are taught that trees are the living things that allow us to breathe, aka survive. When we breathe out, carbon dioxide is released into the air. Trees then take in that carbon dioxide and use it to produce their own energy. While most people are aware of this fact, did you know that trees help the environment in more ways than that? If you are passionate about keeping Earth clean, dive into this reading and see how planting trees can help us continue to live!

 

Planting trees help to reduce climate change

A huge contributor to climate change is harmful, unnatural carbon dioxide. Harmful CO2 is one of the biggest problems that our planet faces. However, one of the main things that can help fight the toxicity is trees. Trees absorb this CO2 and remove it from the air to store while releasing oxygen! Pretty cool if you ask me. If realizing trees are the key to us living and breathing isn’t enough to convince you to go out there and plant some trees, maybe reading further will entice you.

 

Planting trees save water

Because of the shade that trees provide, trees help to conserve water. Simply put, trees bring a cooling effect to the Earth which prevents a buildup of heat and drought which would inevitably cause other plants to be without moist soil. We need water, people! If you are thinking about planting some trees, remember that it is always good to water your plants. This will reduce the rate of evaporation near trees which saves water. Is the idea of planting growing fonder? Get out there and plant some trees!

 

Planting trees provides shelter for animals

When we think about trees, most just think about the colors brown and green. Maybe you think about CO2. Maybe you objectify them, thinking about their tall and bushy stature. Maybe you think about how each plant is different. I bet not many think about the fact that trees are both a food source and natural habitat for other species! Trees significantly contribute to boosting biodiversity, allowing shelter and nourishment for animals like birds, squirrels, bees, and many insects.

 

We should care about our air. We should care about our water. And, we should care about the different species living on our planet! Get involved, plant some trees. Our planet needs it.

 

**You can donate to planting a tree and learn more about the benefits here at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/home/?cid=STELPRDB5297078

Top 3 Tips For an Eco Friendly St. Patty’s Day

By: Ali N

Top 3 Tips For an Eco Friendly St. Patty’s Day

Kiss me, i’m eco-friendly! St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner and like any other holiday there will be a ton of (socially distanced and safe) celebration. Unfortunately, like many other holidays, amid the joy and cheerful festivities lurks a massive environmental toll. It may not bring the same amount of participation as other days such as Christmas or Valentines Day, but St. Patricks Day celebrations bring with them a lot of waste.

If you are trying to be more aware of the detrimental effects that non bio degradable waste has on the planet while also wanting to celebrate a highly anticipated holiday, you came to the right place! It is possible to celebrate without creating a negative environmental impact; so here is a guide with the top three things to avoid if you want to participate in a truly green St. Patrick’s Day.

PLASTIC

Green beads, plastic shamrocks, plates, cups, beers…these are just a few things that are expected to be involved in the St. Patricks Day celebration. Plastic, though recyclable, mostly ends up on the road and ultimately in landfills contributing to land and air pollution. If you can, try to use biodegradable plates, cups and utensils. We are not suggesting having a colorless festivity either by the way. We suggest going green in green just with different decorations made of different material such as felt, cloth, or metal. It takes vast amounts of water and energy to recycle plastic and make it reusable so keep the planet in mind when you are engaging in this years celebration!

CLOTHING

This is a holiday where you get to be festive! Why not save yourself the time and money and wear something green that you already have. Before going to buy a new outfit or extra green items, think about looking through your closet first and seeing what you can make of what you got! It is the eco-friendliest way to dress green as less consumption means less waste and uses no extra resources and energy to create.If you need to go out there and make a new purchase be sure to keep in mind that thrifting is always a good, convenient, cheap and eco-friendly way of shopping.

 

TRANSPORTATION

Holiday celebrations means the guarantee of events in several different places. The guarantee of events in several different places, guarantees people will be on the roads. Something that can be done to encourage an eco friendly celebration is to reduce the amount of carbon emissions. Before having to drive somewhere, think about the other possible ways to get to your destination that will help benefit the planet. Instead of taking your car, consider the more eco-friendly options like walking, carpooling, biking, or even taking public transportation. The reduction of CO2 into the atmosphere can significantly help with our polluted planet.

 

Before you celebrate in green, make sure you are also thinking and being green!