Merici College Green Tip #22 - Can you plant a tree too?

Friday 26th July was National Tree Day!

Friday 26th July was National Tree Day!

National Tree Day is a call to action for all Australians to put their hands in the earth and give back to their community.

This year’s Tree Report, entitled Living Cities: Trees in the Urban Environment digs deep into the science on trees and the countless benefits they provide in our urban environment:

  • 70% of Australians agree that individual actions can have an impact on global environmental issues, with planting trees one of the best things we can do for planetary health;
  • A 5% increase in tree cover can reduce nearby daytime temperatures by 2.3C, which could be crucial as heatwaves cost more lives than all other climate change impacts combined;
  • Healthy urban trees absorb carbon dioxide and air pollutants from the atmosphere while providing oxygen for us to breathe;
  • Time spent in green outdoor spaces can lower the risk of many diseases including heart disease and diabetes; and
  • Time in nature reduces stress while improving happiness, well-being and productivity.

Here at Merici we planted a Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) that will eventually grow up to 40 metres.

 

Felicity Maher

Sustainability Officer

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