I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918 One of the most visible impacts we can have on the environment as individuals is to plant trees. Most of us learned about the carbon cycle, by which carbon is exchanged between the biosphere (plants and animals), geosphere (earth), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air) of the Earth, in grade school. This includes the delicate balance of plants and animals whereby plants “inhale” carbon dioxide(CO2) and “exhale” oxygen and humans and animals inhale the oxygen and exhale CO2, to put it simplistically. The connection to the production of greenhouse gases is immediately apparent and the balance of plants and animals, along with many other factors, is part of the delicate harmony that enables the miracle of comfortable life on our hospitable planet. The disruption of the predominance of plant life is one we are all familiar with: logging for timber and paper products; slash and burn destruction of forests for agriculture and grazing land; paving of former orchards and meadows for parking lots, buildings, and roads; desertification caused by overgrazing; fuel collection and water use and diversion. The list goes on and on. Yet there are many places in the world that are barren and in need of the many benefits, not just to the atmosphere, but to the soil, water table, and local economies, that the planting of trees can give. Around the world trees are champions at reclaiming and rehabilitating land and improving the lives of those who live near them. They help bring prosperity, food, shade, shelter, and beauty to all. We can all benefit from planting a tree, in our yard, our orchard, as part of a neighborhood project by street, school, or park. And we can contribute to organizations that work to plant trees around the world where they are most needed for as little as 10¢ per tree. One of our favorites, dedicated to tree planting specifically for sustainable environmental and economic improvement around the world is Trees for the Future. They are “people helping people improve their livelihoods through the introduction of environmentally sustainable land management projects protecting the environment that we all share.” Many communities around the world recognize that they need to plant trees on their degraded lands if they are to improve their lives. They turn to Trees for the Future for technical knowledge on agroforestry and sustainable development, along with planting materials so that they can return their degraded lands and struggling farmlands to sustainable productivity. They know that trees minimize soil erosion, supply forage for animals, and provide a source of fuelwood. But planting trees is difficult when the canopy has disappeared, topsoil has been eroded, and the climate and growing conditions have changed. Through Trees for the Future’s network of technicians, volunteers, and community leaders world-wide, their programs reach even the most remote areas and give local people the knowledge and ability to rehabilitate their environment. Since 1988, Trees for the Future has helped thousands of communities in Central America, Africa, and Asia improve their livelihoods and their environment by planting nearly 50 million trees in agroforestry and reforestation projects. Each year these trees remove over one million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Another is The National Arbor Day Foundation. They envision a world where trees and forests are abundant, healthy, and sustainable, and highly valued and work toward this with an organization of dedicated members who lead the way, and help individual citizens plant and care for trees to enrich the environment. Their goals include enhancing the extent, health, and care, of the urban and community forests, advancing rural land conservation and forest stewardship through the planting and care of trees and helping to protect and improve the global environment by promoting rain forest preservation, urban and community forestry, and tree planting throughout the world. To achieve these goals they educate young people and adults to understand, plant, and care for trees to build a better future and try to expand the awareness of the need for tree planting and care by increasing publicity about Arbor Day and the number of people who celebrate Arbor Day. There are many ways to become involved. Contact Trees for the Future or donate directly at Contact The National Arbor Day Foundation to become a member, for trees to plant, trees for gifts, information and much more. Learn more about the carbon cycle at: Wikipedia or Champion Trees "TREES" I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed Against the sweet earth's flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. ...............Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918 Starting April 17, each order over $25.00 from Simmons Natural Bodycare will include a free compact fluorescent light bulb. We are serious about wanting everyone to help conserve energy and lessen the effect we have on our environment. Like drops in a bucket, even small steps add up, so we want to introduce you to these energy conserving lights. With the light equivalent to a 75 watt incandescent bulb, these bulbs use only 15 watts of power. Free in orders over $25.00 until the supply runs out. Trees Turn Back the Desert Read this NY Times article about a tree planting sucess story in Africa Shipping Information - see Information page. Questions? Contact us anytime by e-mail: info@simmonsnaturals.com or call 707.777.1920 from 9-5 Pacific Time, Monday through Thursday. Rated a **** store. copyright 2000 - 2008 Return to top of page.