National NeighborWoods Month - More trees in US Cities get them back to their roots
Last updated 10/7/2010 8:50:33 AM
National NeighborWoods Month - More trees in US Cities
Throughout October 35,000 trees are to be planted across the USA in efforts to improve urban communities for this year's National NeighborWoods Month.
Organised by Alliance for Community Trees (ACT), a network of over 170 organisations engaged in tree planting, care and education; 500 events will be staged in more than 150 cities in the country, recruiting 20,000 volunteers to raise awareness.
Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation and the USDA Forest Service, tree planting projects, tree maintenance and stewardship programs, training activities and educational seminars are planned to take place for the Month's events.
The National Wildlife Federation estimates that there are about 60- to 200-million spaces along US city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy costs.
"This year's celebration is a reflection of a growing movement for green cities. Dozens of major cities have declared city-wide tree canopy goals, involving residents and the private sector to plant and care for trees," said Alice C Ewen, executive director of the Alliance for Community Trees.
Since 2002, the Home Depot Foundation has supported non-profit organisations dedicated to creating and preserving healthy, affordable homes as the cornerstone of sustainable communities.
The Foundation's goal is for all families to have the opportunity to live in healthy, efficient homes they can afford over the long-term; to have access to safe, vibrant parks and greenspaces; and to receive the economic, social and environmental benefits of living in a sustainable community.
The Home Depot Foundation has granted $190 million to nonprofit organizations and supported the development of more than 95,000 homes, planted more than 1.2 million trees, and built or refurbished more than 1875 playgrounds, parks and green-spaces.
Trees also have a direct impact on economic development. According to University of Washington research, trees attract business and tourism... commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, buildings rent more quickly, and tenants stay longer.
Ewen added: "People everywhere are looking for simple, affordable ways to go green and improve their communities. Just by shading a home, you can cut summer energy use by a third, eliminating harmful emissions. What's more, that same shade tree will clean the air, save money, and enhance your home's curb appeal."
Other research according to real estate experts, suggest that trees can increase property values by as much as 10% - 15%.