Go Greener – National Tree Day

Are you upset by all the negative news surrounding the state of the environment? Do you want to do something to help our planet? National Tree Day is an opportunity to get your hands dirty and do something positive. This year, Schools Tree Day is on Friday 29 July and National Tree Day is on Sunday 31 July.

Planet Ark began National Tree Day in 1996 and it has since grown to be Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature event. So far, 10 million volunteers have planted twenty-six million trees.

Trees are important as they provide a range of environmental, cultural, and emotional benefits which affect our health and wellbeing. Of course, they absorb carbon dioxide and filter the air we breathe, but did you know they also capture up to 60% of the rainfall reducing runoff in streets? They provide a vital habitat for animals and insects and in the right location, trees can also help reduce cooling bills in summer by providing much needed shade. Finally, they bring joy and add an aesthetic touch to our urban environment as they move through their changes each season.

Trees also have a big role in our health and wellbeing. Julia Baird in her book Phosphorescence, said “when we are exposed to sunlight, trees, water or even just a view of green leaves, we become happier, healthier and stronger.” She discusses Shinrin-Yoku or “forest bathing”, an idea developed in the 1980s in Japan. This is based on Shinto and Buddhist practices and is a way of immersing yourself in nature using all your senses. It is a form of “ecotherapy” and has been found to have measurable health benefits.

This National Tree Day, why not try some forest bathing or get involved in one of the many activities organised by your local council. See below for a list of some events:

Sue Zipfinger
Environmental Co-ordinator