Trees are vital for the environment, the planet and every living thing. Trees give us clean air and water, they absorb harmful carbon, provide shelter for over 80% of the world’s land dwelling animals and so much more. 

And yet, 46% of the world’s forests have already been destroyed!

There are endless facts that we could list about how many trees are being chopped down as you read this blog, but instead we want to focus on why trees are so important and what can be done to help.

Why are trees so important for the environment?

AIR

As we continue to burn fossil fuels and chop down trees we're contributing to the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the air as well as other harmful gases. These pollutants trap heat in the atmosphere significantly contributing to global warming and climate change. Trees, however, absorb these harmful pollutant gases, helping to clean the air, offset carbon and reduce the effects of climate change. 

CLIMATE

Pollution and air quality is known to be worse in cities and towns and with more than 50% of the world’s population living in cities, pollution and overheating has become a real threat. A mature tree can absorb an average of 48lbs of carbon dioxide a year, helping to make cities a healthier place to live. This is especially important as the population of people living in cities is expected to increase to 66% by the year 2050. 

WATER

Trees also play a vital role in the water cycle. They capture rainwater and reduce the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides. Not only that but their root systems act like water filters by removing pollutants and slowing down the water’s absorption into the soil. This helps prevent harmful waterslide erosion and reduces the risk of flooding. 

BIODIVERSITY

If there are no trees, around 80% of land-dwelling species would have no home. Trees are vital for the biodiversity of the planet. Just one tree can be home to hundreds of species of insects, fungi, moss, mammals and plants.

SOCIAL IMPACT

Trees are not just important for the air that we breathe and the water we drink, but also where and how we live as well. Sustainable farming provides timber for homes, shelter, furniture, and wood to burn for cooking and heating. Moreover, food producing trees also provide fruit, nuts and berries that are nutritionally important for both humans and animals. 

HEALTH

We’ve mentioned before about the importance of nature to help improve both your mental and physical health. Studies have found that patients who see and experience nature recover faster than those who don’t. Trees also help reduce stress and anxiety and encourage creativity and productivity. 

How do we help? 

These are just some of the reasons why trees are so important, which we hope has highlighted why it’s so necessary to help reforest the world. 

That’s why we’re thrilled that we’re partnering with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every purchase with The Naturality Lab.

Trees clean our air and water, create habitats for biodiversity, contribute to our health and wellbeing and create jobs for social impact. We’re honoured to be working with One Tree Planted as an integral part of our business. 

One Tree Planted is a non-profit organisation on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provides jobs for social impacts and restores biodiversity. 

Started in 2014, One Tree Planted have more than doubled the number of trees planted year over year in North America, South America, Asia and Africa and planted over 4 million trees in 2019.

Click here to learn more about their amazing projects and their incredible impact.