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I know that we might seem like
just a bunch of girls who can't do very much to help anything
but that is where you are very wrong! Just a bunch of
girls can do a lot. We might not seem like much but if you think
about it one piece of trash makes a difference whether you are
throwing it down or picking it up. Everyone can help in some
way, there is no job to small.
Trees are the biggest plants on the planet. They provide a sense
of the continuity of life and we appreciate them for the link
they provide between past, present and future.
But trees are important for many practical reasons – as well as
spiritual ones.
Improving Health
The canopies of trees act as a physical filter, trapping dust
and absorbing pollutants from the air - removing up to 1.7 kilos
per tree annually. They also provide shade from solar radiation
and reduce noise.
Over 20 species of British trees and shrubs are known to have
medicinal properties. The oil from birch bark, for example, is
antiseptic and can be used to treat eczema.
Benefiting the Environment
Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and the carbon that
they store in their wood helps slow the rate of global warming.
They reduce wind speeds and cool the air as they lose moisture
and reflect heat upwards from their leaves. It is estimated that
trees can reduce the temperature in a city by up to 7°c.
Trees also help prevent flooding and soil erosion, absorbing
thousands of liters of storm water.
Boosting Wildlife
Trees host complex microenvironments. When young, they offer
habitation and food to amazing communities of birds, insects,
lichen and fungi. When ancient, they also provide the hollow
cover needed by species such as bats, wood boring beetles, tawny
owls and woodpeckers.
One mature oak can be home to as many as 500 different species.
Richmond Park is full of such trees – which is one of the
reasons why it has been designated a National Nature Reserve and
Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Strengthening Communities
Trees strengthen the distinctive character of a place and
encourage local pride. Urban woodland can be used as an
educational resource and to bring groups together for activities
like walking and bird-watching. Trees are also invaluable for
children to play in and discover their sense of adventure.
Growing the Economy
People are attracted to live, work and invest in green
surroundings. Research shows that average house prices are
between 5%-18% higher where properties are close to mature trees
and companies benefit from a healthier, happier workforce if
there are parks and trees nearby.
Protecting the Future
Soon, for the first time in history, the number of people with
homes in cities will outstrip those living in the countryside -
so parks and trees will become an even more vital component of
urban life. We must respect them and protect them for the future
News From Elizabeth Did you know that plastic bags can and do kill animals.
Almost 100,000 animals like dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins,
sharks, and many other marine life that you can think of are
killed every year because someone through a plastic bag into the
ocean. The reason being is because the poor animals mistake the
bag for food and eat it but they can not digest it and they die.
Although the worst part is that since they cant digest it, it
remains in their digestive system for another unsuspecting
animal to eat and the cycle continues.
One of the worst environmental effects a plastic bag has is that
it is not biodegradable. That means that it cannot be broken
down into the earth. it can take over 100 years for just 1
plastic bag to biodegrade.
Now I know that that is a pretty bad thought so next time you
decide to go shopping I hope that you will think about this as
your cashier is bagging your groceries. Although there is a way
to have your cake and eat it too. Get reusable cloth bags they
will save the plastic. Or if you only bought 1 thing you could
just simply tell the cashier that you do not want a bag and that
you will just carry your item(s). You can get these cloth bags
at grocery stores such a s Wal-Mart, BI-LO and you can also get
them at some clothing stores. These are just some of the ways
that you can help our environment.
