The Dirt on Carbon Dioxide
Get Your Paws Dirty in 2008
A group of environmentally concerned citizens, led by Ken Hemminger, got a green start to 2008 by planting 34 Western Red Cedars on Rock Ridge. This fast-growing species will help reduce storm water runoff in the area and reduce erosion, encourage native wildlife to thrive, and assist in countering the carbon footprint of the neighborhood.
With increased construction, more attention needs to be drawn to “greening” new developments. With the West Vancouver mudslides as an example of over-development, builders and citizens alike should be conscientious of the benefits of preserving existing trees and reforesting any areas that would sustain their growth.
Last year the United Nations met its target of planting 1 billion trees worldwide. When one considers that a single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide @ 48lbs/year, that’s a good start. However, each person generates approximately 2.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year (in first world countries), so the work to counter the human footprint must persist. If every family in the US alone planted just one tree, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would be reduced by one billion pounds annually. Ken Hemminger’s crew, after a couple hours work, reduced their footprint by 1632 lbs/year. Make an afternoon of it, and go get dirty.
