Denny's Soapbox

Plants and their Environmental Benefits

The E.P.A. is getting ready to set new standards in their fight against global warming. They are looking at new sources of energy to reduce the CO² being emitted into our environment. All of these new proposals, if enacted, could be very costly to all of us. There is one solution out there that I believe everyone is over looking – trees and all other green plants. Here are some interesting facts backed by real science.

• Plants improve air quality. “One tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions.
  
• Landscape plants, including shrubs and turf, remove smoke, dust, and other pollutants from the air. One study showed that 1 acre of trees has the ability to remove 13 tons of particles and gases annually” and one mature tree releases enough oxygen each day to supply a family of four.
  
  

In Joan Wagner’s 2003 book “Urban Forestry, making a global difference” it states that trees absorb the carbon dioxide which some believe contributes to global warming. It also absorbs other gases as well which contribute to urban pollution. Trees combat global warming by absorbing the carbon emitted by vehicles, lowering carbon emissions from fossil fuel-burning plants, and reducing the energy used for climate control in buildings.

Here are some additional facts about trees and other green plants.

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if your home is not already shaded you can reduce your air conditioning costs by 15% or more by adding a well-planned landscape.
  
• Shade is accomplished by using trees and shrubs to block the sun from windows and walls; reducing air temperatures outside the home with properly placed shade trees; and planting groundcovers, trees, and shrubs to reduce the heat reflected from the ground to walls and windows.
  
• Shrubs and vines planted next to the house provide year-round insulation.
  
  

The U.S. Department of Energy also stated in 1995 that carefully positioned trees can reduce household energy consumption for heating. Computer models from the U.S. Department of Energy estimate that three properly placed trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 in heating and cooling energy costs annually.

Trees, shrubs, turf, and groundcovers trap and filter dust and other pollutants out of rainwater. Plants benefit from the nutrients in this particular matter and prevent it from becoming a source of water pollution.

Producing and planting more trees and shrubs to improve our environment is a lot less costly and a lot better looking than wind towers. Living plants got us through the acid rain and ozone hole in the ‘70’s, we should let them do the same for CO² omissions and global warming.

Remember, trees grow to all different sizes depending on variety. Many offer flower color as well. There are trees that provide edible fruit for us and some for the birds and other wild life. Every yard has room for at least one more tree. Select yours and plant it this summer. Trees can also make a great Father’s Day gift.

Happy Father’s Day!