Carbon Neutral Cleaning
The energy that we all use and depend on for day to day living primarily comes from fossil fuels, like coal, oil and natural gas. When we burn fossil fuels, it results in the release of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is thought to contribute to global warming.
All Green Services is committed to a healthier planet, so we offfset, or "neutralize" the amount of greenhouse gases we generate as a business by driving back and forth to work, and in providing our services.
We have calculated how many metric tons of CO2 we create and we offset the CO2 that we produce with the help of a non-profit organization that specializes in carbon offsets.
In order to offset our use of CO2, we thought that planting trees seemed like a great way to help our environment. So All Green Services plants trees by donating to Trees for the Future.
Planting Trees is an important way to help the environment.
Here are some facts from Clean Air Gardening:
“Planting trees in your neighborhood really is one of the best things you can do for the local environment and for the planet. It’s no secret that trees help the environment, but you may be surprised by all the benefits that planting trees can provide. Besides producing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide and contaminants from the air, trees have many other social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Environmental Benefits of Planting Trees
Trees are like the lungs of the planet. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Additionally,
they provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. But that’s not all trees do for us.
CO2 is one of the major contributing elements to the greenhouse effect. Trees trap CO2 from the atmosphere and make carbohydrates that are used for plant growth. They give us oxygen in return. Trees also help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas. In New York City, a 10 percent increase in urban canopy translated to a reduction of peak ozone levels by around 4 parts per billion. (Source: Luley, Christopher J.; Nowak, David J. 2004. Help Clear the Smog with Your Urban Forest: What You and Your Urban Forest Can Do About Ozone.)
Trees reduce urban runoff and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. The USDA reports that 100 mature trees can reduce runoff caused by rainfall by up to 100,000 gallons!
Trees also absorb sound and reduce noise pollution. This is especially important for people who live near freeways. In some cases, a well planted group of trees can reduce noise pollution by up to 10 decibels. (Source: New Jersey Forest Service.)
Additionally, trees shade asphalt and trees, reducing what is know as the “Heat Island” effect. The EPA has some great information on how planting trees and other vegetation can help to reduce the urban heat island effect.
How Trees Help to Save Energy
Planting trees can also help cool your home in the summer. The Arbor Day Foundation states that the overall effect of the shade created by planting a healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day!
In the winter, trees can act as windbreaks for your home and will help you save on heating costs. The Journal of Horticulture claims that saving on heating costs can reach as much as 25 percent!
Trees shade buildings, streets, and homes. If enough trees are planted in cities, the overall microclimate improves and total energy use for heating and cooling is reduced. The EPA has some great information on how planting trees and other vegetation can help to reduce the overall high temperature of your city!
Social and Economic Benefits of Planting Trees
Just being around trees makes you feel good. Can you imagine your community without trees? Trees, especially in urban areas, have numerous social benefits. For example, the addition of trees to a neighborhood or a business district can greatly improve the mental and physical health of residents and workers. In fact, the University of Cambridge did a study on job satisfaction of employees of business with a view of trees from their office. They found that these employees suffered from fewer diseases than workers without a view of trees.
As you can see, it's clear that trees are essential to our life on the planet. The great thing is that we as humans can play an active role in planting trees to help offset deforestation and urbanization.” |
