While they are silent and stationary, trees hold tremendous powers, including the power to make all our lives better and healthier. More like breakfast, lunch and dinner. Smarter management of trees, plants and soil in the US alone could store the equivalent carbon of taking 57 million cars off the road! Trees are looking out for us so we have to look out for them.
A healthy tree can lead to a healthy you and me. A study by a TNC scientist shows that time in nature—like a walk among the trees in a city park—correlates with a drop in anxiety and depression. You may have felt the benefits from a short walk or hike in your neighborhood. Trees are more than just trees. Access to nearby green space also contributes to better physical health by encouraging us to move around and exercise. Because we move around more when we have access to trees and parks, nature can help lower rates of obesity.
Leave it to leaves. Trees remove the kind of air pollution that is most dangerous to our lungs: particulate matter. This pollution arises from the burning of fossil fuels, and can reach dangerous concentrations in the largest cities as well as in neighborhoods near highways and factories.
We are currently losing species at an alarming rate so t he space for biodiversity is critical as it helps keep our planet thriving. While alternative energy is ideal, the reality is that much of the word relies on wood to cook meals and boil water for purification. While it can be argued that growing trees for fuel or wood competes with food production, in the Forest Garden model, the two can coexist and complement one another.
This way, farmers are not increasing deforestation by cutting in the ancient forests. They can grow fast growing timber trees on their plot in a sustainable way. Trees help filter and retain water in the soil.
Trees not only improve water quality, they also prevent stormwater and flooding issues that can occur. The roots break up soil to allow for the recharge of water tables. Being among trees has real health benefits. Studies show that even looking at trees can calm us. The Japanese even have a word for this: Shirin-yoku , or forest bathing. Spending time in the forest is known to reduce stress, anger, and feelings of depression.
While in English we do not have a specific word to express this experience, we do know that people who live in more densely wooded areas, even in urban settings with tree-lined streets, report better health than those who live in areas with sparse trees. The effects are not simply felt, they can even be measured by slowed heartbeats, lower blood pressure, and altered brain waves. You can truly make a difference even with small pollinator plots at your own Read More ».
I had a brilliant idea this morning to make place cards with leaf etchings on them, and I tried it out. If you come up with something pretty with that idea, let me know. So instead, I decided to post how to Read More ». Fall is the time of year to look at leaves. We pick them up and marvel at colors. We rake them up in the yard. We jump in the piles and toss them in the air. But what kind of leaf are you looking at? We have put together a list of different kinds of Read More ». Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.
Is it winter, spring, summer or fall? Look at the trees. Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees. Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for human retreat throughout the ages.
Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting or tree care event. Trees as landmarks can give a neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.
Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums and squirrels.
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