All life on this planet is guarded and nourished by trees. Our survival is dependent upon them. They can exist without us, but not we without them. Our planet is in critical condition. All of us need to take the responsibility for ensuring the survival of every tree in our jurisdiction.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS OF HOW TO HELP:

PERSONALLY:
--Recycle all kinds of paper.
--Write and print on BOTH sides of a sheet of paper.
--When paper doesn't print correctly, don't throw it away! Use the reverse side for "proofs" and for preliminary thoughts. That is, use it as scrap paper.
--Buy recycled paper - packaged reams, greeting cards, etc.
--Email or phone people rather than write them letters - to save trees.
--Use cloth napkins rather than paper ones.
--Use regular, washable dishes rather than paper ones.
--Ask for plastic bags at the grocery store, instead of paper ones. In current garbage dumps, paper doesn't biodegrade any faster than plastic does, believe it or not. And, plastic is excellent for taking out the garbage; no need to buy special bags for that, which come in a paper carton.

OUT-REACH TO OTHERS:
�?Feel free to copy this article and distribute it at will.
�?nbsp;Send this article to:
- Private individuals, as appropriate.
- People with clout in our community, state and national governments.
- Builders, power companies, state highway construction officials.
- Newspaper editors, to be printed for public knowledge.
- Science teachers and elementary teachers in public schools.
�?Commend:
- Those who actively strive to save trees.
- Governments who have tree ordinances.
- Builders who do not clear-cut land prior to building.
- Builders who selectively leave tall trees stanging, to beautify the land.
- Legislators whose policies are environmentally conscious.
�?nbsp;Remind government officials that private property owners think nothing of restrictions on water useage, when to burn leaves, animal movement, what kind of animals they may keep, and aesthetic upkeep of property. All of these affect other people, locally. The value of trees to our lives surpasses all of these, in their importance. The oxygen alone goes beyond all geographical boundaries, influencing more than just the individual ownership of trees. It is strange and unconscionable that trees are not included in most city guidelines, despite the fact that they generate oxygen and clean the air not only next door, but throughout the world! Yet very few communities consider trees important enough to our existence to pass laws that restrict the cutting of them. And no state or national government restricts such at all.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?!

�?Form a group of interested individuals to push for tree ordinances in our community and state.
�?In letters, state that the only trees that need to be cut down are ones that bear no foliage during the spring and summer. The life force travels throughout the tree via the bark, not the inner region of the tree. A hollow tree can still be strongly vital, if it continues to produce healthy foliage during the warm growing season. It is still alive and excellent for housing owls and other birds.
�?Seek to educate people regarding the value of trees.
�?Monitarily support environmental groups who strive to save trees. The Wilderness Society, National Arbor Society, and Dogwood Alliance are three who specialize in saving trees and forests.
�?Monitarily support Land Conservancy organizations that specialize in buying land and instituting state laws that ensure that the land will never be developed no matter who buys it in the future. Land Conservancies preserve the land for both trees and wildlife.
�?Plant trees wherever and whenever you can. Encourage others to do the same.
�?Give live trees to people for presents at Christmas, birthday and on other occasions. Make sure to give people the kinds of trees they will take care of, for best possible survival (in other words, know what types of trees they like). Be sure to acquire the trees at a reputable nursery, who will plant them for us and assure their survival.
�?Speak out for trees when you become aware of any construction that is to be done in your area. Write or phone the appropriate officials.