Tips to conserve trees

Plant trees, save nature

Planting trees is one of the most important things you can do to save the environment. It takes about 625 square feet surface area of vegetation to produce the daily oxygen requirement of one person. Even people living in big, bustling cities can play a vital role in greening their environment. Here are some simple, cost-effective ways by which you can plant a tree, and do your little bit to green your world .

• If you have a big enough garden, plant trees, for they can cool your homes considerably.
• Select appropriate plants to suit your garden and the climatic conditions. Your local nursery or horticultural society can help you.
• If your garden is too small for trees, have plants and creepers instead. Every green plant helps to reduce the carbon dioxide we are letting out into the atmosphere.
• Garden plants are better than a lawn for absorbing carbon dioxide. So when you plan your garden, opt for extra space for plants rather than for a lawn.
• If your city or garden lacks water for gardening, plant drought-resistant plants like cacti, flowering shrubs, etc.
• If you live in an apartment, grow a terrace or balcony garden using potted plants.
• Window boxes can be used to grow small flowering plants which also add to the beauty of your apartment. Try and use discarded materials to make your boxes.
• Keep indoor plants in the house, they can lessen indoor air pollution.
• Compost your leaf waste to avoid use of chemical fertilisers.
• Do not present flower bouquets. Instead, give a potted plant and encourage your friends to grow plants.
• Start a tree planting programme in your area. Plant on roadsides, in parks, in schools, factories and home.
• If you see trees being cut down on the street, report it immediately to the concerned authorities. Most environmental problems arise due to public apathy.
• Make saving trees a personal commitment.

Conserve paper, conserve trees, save nature

• When you buy furniture, find alternatives to wood. You will be saving some of our precious forests.
• Saving paper is saving trees.
• Use paper carefully, write on both sides of a sheet.
• Save envelopes, old letters and junk mail. Use this when you need paper.
• Do not use paper towels and tissues in household cleaning activities. Instead, use old towels, sheets and pillow case
• Do not use paper plates and tissues or paper decorations when you hold a party.
• Do not collect unnecessary pamphlets and leaflets just because they are free.
• Use cotton handkerchiefs rather than paper tissues.
• Avoid sending greeting cards. Every year countless trees are cut down for them.
• Reuse cartons and gift wrapping paper.
• Use recycled paper whenever possible.
• Start eco-clubs in schools which will take up projects in the locality.

Source : CPR Environmental Education Centre, Chennai