Trees Clean the Air
Trees are the oldest living things on the planet, and they play and important role in the health of the environment. But these precious resources fall by the wayside when a new development replaces trees with buildings and concrete.
Trees actually clean the air. During photosynthesis, trees convert carbon-dioxide into oxygen. Removing this greenhouse gas from the air helps combat global warming. One acre of trees provides enough oxygen for 18 people and absorbs as much carbon dioxide as a car produces in 26,000 miles.
Trees also help reduce ozone pollution and acid rain by removing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide from the air. Trees even remove benzene, formaldehyde and many other toxic chemicals, and they are effective in removing harmful particles from the air.
Removing pollution from the air helps reduce the risk of respiratory disease, asthma, heart disease and other illnesses. The economic impact of the air cleansing provided by trees also is significant. According to the American Forest Report, in 1999 the tree canopy in the Houston, Texas area removed 83 million pounds of pollutants, valued at $208 million, annually.
Autumn is a good time to plant trees around your home and to participate in community tree-planting projects.
That’s EarthCare for today and a better tomorrow.