Do Your Part: Time to stop taking trees for granted Are you a
tree hugger? Would you admit it if you were? The term “tree
hugger” is frequently used in a less-than-favorable way to
describe someone who is passionate about protecting the
environment. But once you understand all the good trees do, you
might be inclined to hug a tree and decide to do your part by
planting a few. Trees are vitally important to our existence. We
know that they produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, which
helps remove dangerous chemicals from the air, land and water.
In fact, one acre of forest can remove almost 3 tons of carbon
dioxide from the environment every year. Also, their leaves work
to collect dust and other microscopic matter from the air,
reducing levels of particulate matter that can damage our lungs.
Another crucial element to our existence is clean water. Trees
help keep our waterways clean by stabilizing the soil and
slowing storm water runoff, which prevents excessive sediment
from eroding and washing into the w