Be a tree hugger! Earth Day 2015

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd! Help us celebrate by hugging a tree! Send us a photo of yourself hugging a tree and we’ll send you an official Tree Hugger t-shirt!*  Hurry, this promotion ends Friday, April 24th!

1. Trees combat the climate change
   Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by many factors is a building up in our atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.
2. Trees clean the air
   Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
   
3. Trees provide oxygen
   In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.
4. Trees cool the streets and city
   Trees cool the city by up to 10°F, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.
5. Trees create economic opportunities
   Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.
6. Trees help prevent soil erosion
   On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.
7. Trees increase business traffic
   Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic – enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.
8. Trees increase property values
   The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.
9. Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife
   Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums and squirrels.
10. Trees prevent water pollution
    Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.
    
    Source: treepeople.org

* One t-shirt per tree hugger. Limit two t-shirts per household. Contest open to residents of Omaha and surrounding communities.