Sunday 19 October 2014

Appropriate Gifts For Tree Huggers

By Patty Goff


It's really easy to please people who call themselves 'Tree-huggers', since they love nature in all its forms. The whole natural world is an inspiration for those looking for gifts for tree huggers. Of course, nothing is more symbolic of life than trees, either ones planted in the side yard, growing in virgin rainforest, or detailed on an article of clothing or home decor.

The planet is dependent on trees, scientists say. Because they remove carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen, they and other green plants make life possible. They also remove other pollutants, both man-made and natural, like smog in cities, smoke from forest fires, volcanic ash, and dust from farming and construction. They add moisture to the air, too.

They clean the soil, which many people don't know. Planting trees on soils tainted with industrial waste can reclaim it, as toxins are absorbed by the roots and stored in the wood. They build soil by dropping leaves or needles and pulling important nutrients from subsoil deep underneath the ground. The roots also stabilize the ground, keeping precious topsoil from washing away when it rains.

Trees help save energy by casting shade in summer. A large one that protects a house from the afternoon sun can save up to 30% in air conditioning costs. They intercept winds that can dry soil until it blows away and can make householders use more energy to cool or heat their homes. This is one reason why trees add significant value to a home. Another reason, of course, is that they're beautiful.

One large trunk, branch, and root complex, like a majestic oak, will trap hundreds of gallons of water a year, which replenishes the groundwater which people draw on when they have a well. It also allows rainwater to seep into the ground slowly and maintain water levels in rivers and lakes. Paved surfaces like roads, parking lots, and driveways, in contrast, send the rainwater off into storm drains or run-offs.

Every one of these large plants feeds and/or houses wildlife, like birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. This means that a gift for a tree-lover can be almost anything from nature's huge variety. An appropriate T-shirt could feature a majestic spreading chestnut of yore or a perky squirrel just like the one in the front-yard maple.

Go online to find wonderful gift items and many, many great ideas. T-shirts portray the Tree of Life, brilliant fall leaves, scenes from the forests of mountains and exotic jungles, and slogans that promote saving the planet. Garden decor can range from woodland sprites to gnomes, from flags to stepping stones. Coffee mugs, mouse pads, dish towels, calendars, stationery, greeting cards, and sofa cushions make great small presents. The list is almost endless.

There are other things to do, too, like planting a tree to replace one lost elsewhere, making a donation to save the rainforest in someone's name, or even building a tree-house. Seasonal ornaments, window art, or a pretty picture or painting can acknowledge someone's passion. The wide world and over ten thousand species of tree serve as inspiration, so checking tree-huggers off your list is not a problem.




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