Celebrating National Love A Tree Day
Do you have a favorite tree in your backyard? Go out and give it a bear hug because trees need all the love they can get.
Every year, May 16 gives us a wonderful opportunity to spread awareness about the value of these scenic beauties (trees) and their impact on our surroundings. Trees provide us with shelter, comfort, and most importantly, oxygen. But beyond that, there are other numerous benefits trees offer, giving us every reason to admire and celebrate the trees this National Love a Tree Day. The best way to commemorate the day is to care for the trees around you— trim them, give them a biofertilizer boost, water them, and remove weeds from the area.
Now that spring is coming to end, making way for the hotter season, the timing couldn't be more perfect to go outside and help protect the planet's natural wonders that neutralize harsh summer heat!
Here are some suggestions for things you can do alone or with loved ones to honor the trees this National Love a Tree Day:
Planting For A Cause
Efforts for mitigating climate change are progressing with organizations, companies, and individuals around the world setting frameworks and targets to achieve a low-carbon future. Unfortunately, despite the likes of international treaties on climate change such as the Paris Agreement and Cop26, research indicates that deforestation compromises climate targets. Impairing the ambitious emission reduction goals. The majestic 740 million acres of forest area in the United States is threatened by pests, developments, infestations, and climate change. And without forests, we are looking at a future with unfiltered water, excess carbon emissions, and extinctions of plant and animal species. Every year, forests absorb about 2.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, accounting for one-third of the CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. According to estimates, it can restore nearly two billion hectares of degraded land (the size of South America) around the world. Taking these numbers and facts into account, it is only fair to support the cause by doing our part, i.e., planting trees. You can also join the initiatives of numerous non-profit organizations committed to forest conservation. You will come across like-minded people and participate in larger movements dedicated to making a long-term difference.
Get Your Gardening Gloves Working
Find out if community tree-planting activities are happening. This is a great way to support neighborhood beautification while also building relationships with your neighbors. If there isn't one, get your family members and friends to join you in planting trees in your backyard. While at it, don't miss out on the little ones— gardening can be an effective tool for younger generations to learn about plants and their important roles in providing us with resources. It can also have positive impacts on children by making their minds more inquisitive, strengthening the immune system, and conscientiously eating more whole foods. If outdoor gardening option is not available, invest in some indoor plants and herbs.
Responsible Resources utilization
Reducing, reusing, and recycling tree products such as paper will not only help preserve the world's forests but also cut down waste generations and carbon footprints. Paper accounts for more than a quarter of all municipal solid waste (MSW) produced annually in the US. While the paper recyclability is not infinite, it can be recycled five to seven times (recycled paper pollutes the environment less than virgin paper). Further, switch to e-bills or notes where you don't have to involve paper that eventually ends up in the trash. This year, make less or no use of paper a part of your mission. This may seem like tiny steps, but over the years, it can help release landfills and substantially reduce deforestation.
Conclusion
National Love a Tree Day is an excellent day for planting trees, admiring the beauty of the trees, or putting in the effort to learn how to care for the trees you already have. Trees are an important part of the natural world— make your May 16 count.
Wishing you a forest of oxygen and love!
