Did you know?

• Planting a single tree can absorb 2000 lbs of CO₂ in its lifetime, while contributing to the shade, beauty, and health of the area.

• Between 1984 and 2002 alone, New York City lost 9,000 acres of green open space to competing land uses.

Plants and the Carbon Cycle

As humans, we convert oxygen to carbon dioxide each time we breathe. Plants absorb this carbon dioxide and then release excess oxygen. As such, plants are a major factor in global carbon sequestration. New York City trees store about 1.35 million tons of carbon dioxide and remove over 42,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Urban trees have the added benefits of improving the water quality, naturally capturing and retaining storm water. They also remove dust and other pollutants from the air to improve air quality. Reconnect with the natural environment and experience all it has to offer with a visit to one of NYC parks. http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/park_list/index.html

Take Action!

Quick and Easy

·        Volunteer for a one-day Clean Up/Green Up with Earth Day New York’s Nurturing Nature Program.  http://earthdayny.org/index.php/nurturing-nature

·     Donate to or volunteer at a school garden.http://www.greenedgenyc.org/group/nycschoolgardens

·        Support planting movements. Participate or donate your time or money in planting efforts such as www.milliontreesnyc.org

·     If you do have a yard, use the area sustainably. Lawns are water and energy intensive. Plant with native vegetation, which is more adapted to the local climate, instead.

·     Defend forests and other natural environments.There are many organizations devoted to protecting natural resources. Volunteer your time, donate money, sign petitions, or send letters to politicians to support their actions. [link to Get Involved]

 Extra Effort

·        Join a community garden. http://greenthumbnyc.org

·        Create a home garden. Whether outside or indoors hydroponically, growing your own food provides a nutritious snack or herbs while decreasing carbon dioxide emissions. http://www.nybg.org/hgc_online

·     If you don’t have a yard, consider planting with hydroponics. http://www.cityhydroponic.com

Big Changes

·        Plant trees.Plant on the south and west sides of a building to provide shade and cooling. This can save 200-600 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, save money on energy bills, and add to the aesthetic quality and property value.

·        Compost your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings.Many farmer markets and composting centers will accept your compost. Convert small quantities of organic materials into compost that can be reused as fertilizer in garden beds, under shrubs, or as potting soil for outdoor plants.Visit www.nycompost.org.

Look! (videos)

Eco Tipping Point, Guerrilla Gardening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNAz4Sf5_aU

For more information:

National Tree Benefit Calculator:

With inputs of location, species and tree size, users will get an understanding of the environmental and economic value trees provide on an annual basis.

http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator/index.cfm

Trees Are Good, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA):

Provides information about the value and importance of proper tree care.

http://www.treesaregood.com/home.aspx

MillionTreesNYC

A citywide, public-private program with an ambitious goal: to plant and care for one million new trees across the City's five boroughs over the next decade.

http://www.milliontreesnyc.org/html/home/home.shtml   

Guerrilla Gardening

http://www.guerrillagardening.org/

New York Restoration Project

http://www.nyrp.org/About