Trees are good for people and for the environment. Forests act as natural sinks for absorbing carbon dioxide, prevent and reduce soil erosion and water pollution, and provide habitat for wildlife. Trees also add green space in urban settings and offer a sense of beauty and community. When appropriately landscaped around buildings, trees serve as wind buffers, create shade to reduce energy costs, and improve overall property value.

• Plant your own. If you do plant your own tree on your property, make sure to do your homework and consider factors such as species, climate, size, maintenance and function over time.

• Donate. There are many non-profit organizations with tree-planting initiatives that will plant one tree for every dollar you give. You can also give the gift of a tree by contributing in someone else’s name.

• Volunteer. Tree planting and reforestation efforts require a lot of labor. Instead of donating money to the cause, you can offer your time and volunteer with a tree planting organization.

Who is planting trees?

Arbor Day Foundation. Arbor Day is in April, but you can celebrate it all year round at Arborday.org. The Arbor Day Foundation helps people and businesses purchase actual trees. They also have reforestation, rain forest rescue and urban tree planting initiatives.

American Forests Global ReLeaf2 campaign. In an effort to curb the effects of global warming the Global ReLeaf 2 campaign has set out to plant 100 million trees by the year 2020 with over 500 projects around the world.

Dell. Upon check out, computer manufacturer Dell includes the option to buy a tree as a way to offset your carbon footprint. The option to donate money through Dell’s plant a tree for me program is also available even if you don’t buy a computer.

Plant-It 2020. Formerly Plant-It 2000, Plant-It 2020 offers a few ways to get an indigenous tree planted somewhere in the world. You can pick one of their select locations through the ‘dollar-per-tree’ program or sponsor a city reforestation event.

Tree People. LA-based Tree People has been planting trees for over 30 years all over the Southern California region. They work with communities to plant and care for trees, educate school children on the environment, and have worked closely with local governments on water issues.

United Nations Environment Programme. UNEP created the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign to plant a billion trees around the world. Pledges, or promises of tree planting are made online. Over one billion trees have been promised, and 220 million have been planted so far.

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Giant Heart of Trees to Fight Global Warming