The power of trees is amazing. They help clean our air and watersheds, while providing habitat for myriad species. In urban areas, trees provide benefits by cooling area temperatures, producing oxygen, and generally improving the scenery. Trees are as varied and diverse from the fruit they grow, the colors of their leaves, and their shape and height. Bonsai trees can measure less than one foot high, while the redwood trees in California measure a height of over 300 feet. There are an estimate of 60,000 different species of trees. Interesting fact: Trees date back nearly 350 million years and the world's oldest tree was discovered in Sweden. Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues. This holiday is now a global celebration focused on green living. According to the Earth Day Network, more than one billion people are involved in Earth Day/Month activities, making it "the largest civic event in the world". We only have one planet. Spread awareness. Earth Day/Month is a movement that inspires ideas, ignites passion, and motivates people to take action to make our planet a better place to live. Movements have contributed to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Again, Earth Day has grown into a global phenomenon, and today over one billion people in nearly 200 countries will participate, making it the world's largest environmental event. What can you do? Plant a tree or shrub; take care of existing trees and gardens, and switch all of your bills to e-bills and online invoices. Yes, it is true, switching can save millions of trees every single year! Happy Earth Month! :)
