Forests are an essential part of the global ecosystem and trees are essential to life on earth.
Trees actually create the air we breathe and filter air pollution.
In addition, trees build soil and help soak up stormwater before it can create a flood, and they
offer energy-saving shade that reduces global warming and creates habitat for thousands of
different species.
Did you also know that trees help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas and sequester carbon,
helping to remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which cools the earth.
The carbon storage capacity of forests is approximately three times as large as the pool of carbon
in the atmosphere.
If forests are changed, reduced, or eliminated, the captured carbon goes into the atmosphere as
carbon dioxide (CO2).
Over the years forests have come under intense pressure from logging, conflicts, natural hazards,
climate change, pollution, urban development, fire, disease and conversion to agriculture.
And despite their vital importance to life on earth, we humans have cut down half of all the trees
on the planet so far.
Think about all of the wood and paper products you use daily–and multiply that, globally.
Humans cut down over 50,000 square miles of forest worldwide for paper, agriculture, building
materials and fuel, annually.
The carbon release from deforestation accounts for 25 to 30 percent of the four to five billion tons
of carbon accumulating every year in the atmosphere from human activities.
Much of this carbon release wouldn’t happen if we reduced, reused and recycled more, cultivated
hemp for fuel and fiber, and used sustainable and recycled materials in all our buildings.
But until this behavior changes on a global level, we need to replace trees any way we can–and as
fast as we can!
How can we do that?
There are many valid ways to make an impact.
Donate to Have a Tree Planted For You
Lots of local, national and international organizations plant trees and donating to these organizations
can make a big difference.
Did you also know that you can have trees planted to offset your personal carbon emissions from
airplane or car travel.
Not sure where to start?
Consider becoming involved with The Arbor Day Foundation, for example.
Support The Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation offers several great ways to get involved and make difference.
1. Plant 10 Rain Forest Trees and Get a T-shirt
With your help, they will plant 10 trees in a threatened rain forest.
You’ll also receive a Rain Forest Rescue T-shirt.
2. Plant 10 Trees in our Nation’s Forests
In your honor, they will plant 10 trees in a forest in need.
Our nation’s forests provide wood, habitat, clean air, and drinking water for millions of us.
Your trees will help preserve these precious resources for this and future generations.
Volunteers play an valuable role in tree planting and tree care projects in communities
across the U.S.
Indiviuduals like you and me, are the heart and soul of tree planting in America.
You can get involved in tree planting too!
Whether you are organizing a tree planting project or looking to volunteer at a tree planting
or pruning event, you can help to transform our urban landscapes.
Tree Planting and Reforestation Resources
Here are a few other organizations with programs and information to help you take action
and make an impact:
Tist -Empowers small groups of subsistence farmers in various countries to reverse the
devastating effects of deforestation, drought, and famine.
Rainforest Rescue – Restores rainforest species in Australia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia
Clear Sky Climate Solutions – Provides carbon offsets through reforestation projects
CarbonFund – Provides a variety of carbon offset projects to choose from
Terrapass – Provides carbon offsets for flying, driving, etc.
Carbonify.com – Tree planting for offsetting carbon emissions
American Forests Global ReLeaf – The oldest national nonprofit conservation organization
in the country, advocates for the protection and expansion of America’s forests
The International Tree Foundation – Works to plant, protect and promote understanding
of the vital role of trees for all life on Earth
Don’t forget to think local!
Make sure to contact your local environmental or parks department for tree planting tools,
resources, organizations and events in your community.
Plant Trees on Your Own Property
Sure, supporting tree planting organizations is a great way to be eco-friendly, but you can
also make a difference in by planting trees on your own property.
A properly-planted, mature shade tree on the south or west side of your house or business
can save you up to 25% on your summer air conditioning bills and increase your property
value by up to 20% with its beauty.
That same tree will also help soak up stormwater in the neighborhood, and contribute habitat
for local wildlife.
Plus, by planting a fruit or nut tree, you’ll grow your own healthy food!
Join the Arbor Day Foundation and get 10 free trees
You can choose 10 trees that grow well where you live, and they’ll send them to you to plant
in your yard.
You can also choose to send the trees directly to someone else.
Not sure how to plant a tree?
Check out these helpful Arbor Day Foundation videos on how to properly plant a tree.
Offset Carbon With Trees
There are many ways to offset you or your organization’s carbon usage.
The Arbor Day Foundation believes that the optimal method is reforestation.
This is the restoration of forest on lands that have been used for a variety of non-forest
purposes for decades (farming, mining, etc.).
Trees are amazingly efficient at offsetting carbon.
“The U.S. Forest Service has calculated that our forests as a whole currently sequester
approximately 10–20% of the country’s emissions each year.
This accounts for 90% of all the carbon sequestered in the U.S. today!
But as our carbon emissions increase, the need to plant more trees continues to grow.
When you choose trees as a carbon offset strategy, keep in mind that this option will go
well beyond carbon sequestration.”
Reforestation provides a number of benefits that other carbon offset programs cannot.
If you already know your organization’s carbon emission levels or how much you would
like to offset through afforestation and reforestation, you can use The Arbor Foundation
to easily purchase carbon offsets with trees.
Why Preserve Forests and Plant Trees
The detailed infographic below is a concise way of highlighting the benefits of forests while
illustrating the key threats and remedies.
Are you concerned about deforestation and the need to plant more trees?
Are you involved in tree planting efforts?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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