It seems like the simplest suggestion, but it can make a world of difference. Trees help power our ecosystem, and we need a lot more of them.

Earth Day is April 22, and this year, the goal is to plant more trees. The Earth Day Network — the organization that globally coordinates Earth Day events — is in its 46th year of working to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide and protect the planet for future generations. And as the 50th anniversary of the Earth Day Network approaches, the organization has set a goal to plant 7.8 billion trees over the next five years.

Did you know trees had this much of an impact?

Trees help our atmosphere by absorbing excess and harmful carbon dioxide. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of carbon dioxide produced by driving about 26,000 miles.

Trees help us breathe clean air by absorbing pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfurdioxide and ozone) and odors. Trees also filter particles from the air that lead to pollution and smog by trapping the particles on their leaves and bark.

Trees help communities by improving visual appeal, and providing food and shelter to wildlife. But there’s more to it than just planting a tree — you have to plant the right tree. Not all trees can thrive just anywhere. Luckily, it’s easy to narrow down your options. Visit www.usda.gov and search for the Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out what zone you live in. With that information in hand, you can start your search for the right tree for you.

Whether it’s at home or for a community project — get out there and plant a tree! And don’t forget to visit www.earthday.org to log your contribution toward the 7.8 billion trees goal, and, if it’s a community project, log your volunteer hours at PASSport > Community > Volunteer.

Source: www.earthday.org

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Plant a tree

Every tree makes a difference. This month, Publix News Live shows you the steps to planting a tree.