Tree Huggin' Tuesday: Plant a Tree

As Earth Day approaches there is a lot of talk about what we can do to help preserve the Earth. here at Hip Mountain Mama we are so happy with the success of the One Small Change program which successfully encouraged many small changes that together created a much larger impact. Through this challenge we have learned of so many things that people chose to do in their own lives to make small changes in their lifestyle. People began recycling, started composting, attempted to conserve water and other resources, stopped buying plastic, started hanging their laundry to dry, replaced the car with a bicycle for short trips, vowed to use reusable bags or water bottles, turned down the thermostat in the winter, and so many other creative changes.

I have recently heard many people talking about what they are going to do for Earth Day. What is the best way to celebrate the Earth for just one day? The problem with celebrating the Earth for one single day is that most of the things that we can do to make a difference involve changing our habits like in the One Small Change.


Of course you can get out in nature and enjoy it. But if you are looking for one thing to do on Earth Day that would make the biggest impact for the planet, plant a tree.

Trees are not just beautiful but they shade our homes from the sun, create wind blocks, remove carbon from the air and replace it with oxygen, give birds and squirrels a home, fruit trees can feed your family or the animals, increase property values, create privacy from neighbors, and provide for tree houses or swings.
Here are some remarkable facts about trees:

• "Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home." — American Public Power Association

• "If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%." —Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research

• "In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%." —Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests

• "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people."—U.S. Department of Agriculture

• "There are about 60-to 200- million spaces along our city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy costs."—National Wildlife Federation

• "The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams."—USDA Forest Service

• "In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension."—Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University

• A tree windbreak can lower your heating bill by 10% to 20%- Arborday.org

It is clear that one of the best ways to leave a positive impact is to plant a tree. It is a long lasting change that you can make in a single afternoon that will give back to your family, your neighborhood, and the planet for years to come.

~Andy

Tree Huggin' Tuesday: Plant a Tree