You can’t watch the news anymore without hearing about America’s big push to go green. Companies are announcing daily their new plans to be green and reduce their carbon footprint. I often load materials into customer’s cars and more often now see people driving hybrids, they usually have their reusable grocery bags in the back as well. Now don’t get me wrong I think this is incredibly important. Anything we do as a society to reduce our impact on the environment is a step in the right direction.

Should we all not be concerned in leaving our planet in better shape then when we got it? Do our children and grandchildren deserve to enjoy those beautiful sunny spring days, the crystal clear waters of lakes such as Tahoe? Of course they do, so with us making an effort today tomorrow can be a brighter “GREENER” future.

All this has made me realize what a huge impact we can make on reducing our personal carbon footprint right in our own yards. Plants, trees and shrubs are not only green friendly but they provide oxygen, some provide food and nutrition, they assist in cooling our homes in the summer and in some cases are instrumental in removing toxins and pollutants from the soil. A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs. /year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings.

So think about it if we all planted one single tree what a difference we could make in our planet. Reducing your carbon footprint can be as simple as planting a beautiful dogwood in your yard, reduce it even further by planting a fruit tree, then not only are you getting the benefits of the tree but you reap the reward of the harvest for your family and friends. Not that difficult, right?

It just makes sense! Being earth friendly does not mean you have to spend a fortune, it does not require huge sacrifices, you can be green just by looking around your home. Plant a tree or two, compost your yard waste, take a look at an effective organic green waste composting system such as a O’Donnells Worm Composting Bin. Recycle, papers, cans and bottles. Get the whole family involved in making your home GREENER! Now go plant a tree!!

So now let’s go into that garden shed or garage?? We’ll cover that on my next blog !