Saturday, October 18, 2014

Appropriate Gifts For Tree Huggers

By Patty Goff


It's really easy to please people who call themselves 'Tree-huggers', since they love nature in all its forms. The whole natural world is an inspiration for those looking for gifts for tree huggers. Of course, nothing is more symbolic of life than trees, either ones planted in the side yard, growing in virgin rainforest, or detailed on an article of clothing or home decor.

Trees benefit the planet. They produce oxygen for people and animals to breathe. In the process, they also clean the air of man-made or natural pollutants, like smog, smoke, dust, and volcanic ash. Their photosynthesis cycle, which uses water and sunlight, absorbs carbon dioxide and puts moisture into the air. Scientists report that life on earth is dependent on this process of all green plants.

Many people are aware that trees clean and oxygenate the air, but fewer realize they also clean the soil. In fact, land poisoned with industrial waste can be reclaimed by planting trees. They are also soil builders, dropping nutrient-rich leaves and needles and bringing valuable minerals up from the subsoil. They keep precious topsoil from eroding away and protect rivers and lakes from silt because their roots stabilize the ground.

Trees are very beneficial in saving energy. A windbreak planted behind houses or along fence lines can keep soil from drying out and blowing away, keep snow from drifting to block roads or other access, and keep winter winds from making it harder to heat a home. A large canopy, like a maple or oak, will cast shade which can cut air conditioning cost by as much as 30 percent. Trees add value to property for these reasons and because they are a beautiful part of the landscape.

A single large maple or oak traps hundreds of gallons of rainwater and cause it to be released slowly into the ground. This means that the water has a chance to soak into the aquifers that feed our wells, as well as feeding slowly into natural waterways. In contrast, bare ground or paved surfaces send the water away directly into streams and rivers or into storm drains that empty into them.

Woodlands, and even suburban landscaping, is home to wildlife like birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles. This means that anything that celebrates this natural diversity will make a great gift for one who loves the natural world. There is no lack of inspiration.

Go online to find wonderful gift items and many, many great ideas. T-shirts portray the Tree of Life, brilliant fall leaves, scenes from the forests of mountains and exotic jungles, and slogans that promote saving the planet. Garden decor can range from woodland sprites to gnomes, from flags to stepping stones. Coffee mugs, mouse pads, dish towels, calendars, stationery, greeting cards, and sofa cushions make great small presents. The list is almost endless.

There are also live trees to plant for friends or relatives, or donations to organizations like Save the Rainforest or Arbor Day. Ornaments for home or Christmas trees are other ways to acknowledge the passion someone has for the gentle giants of the plant kingdom. Go online to find the perfect item.




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