Ways to Celebrate Earth Day 2013 #14: Plant a Tree

5 Reasons Planting a Tree Benefits the Earth

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.
Trees provide oxygen. While removing CO2 from the atmosphere, one acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people in one year.
Trees help cool urban landscapes. By shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves by up to 10°F. Think of the impact on your air conditioning bills.
Shade from trees slows water evaporation from landscaped areas like lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week, while lawns can use upwards of 100 gallons.
Trees prevent erosion and water pollution. Their roots hold down soil and act as a filter for pollutants.