I left last week's Arbor Day celebration with the usual stash of items found at local government events: a program, some brochures even a fistful of finger foods wrapped up in a napkin. The most important thing I took away from the event, however, was what I learned about the impact Gainesville's trees have on the environment.
City trees provide Gainesville residents with more than just aesthetics or a boost in property value; they play an active role in lowering carbon dioxide emissions and soaking up stormwater runoff.
The shade provided by a few well-placed trees on the east and west sides of a house can reduce household energy usage by 23 percent, according to the U.S. Forest Service. In addition to lowering energy consumption, trees also absorb carbon dioxide and the pollutant-riddled storm water that washes off of paved roads, parking lots, etc. after rainstorms.
Some studies have even shown that the presence of trees in inner-city neighborhoods is linked to lower rates of crime and domestic violence. With the exception of free wi-fi, trees provide countless benefits to the community and contribute to the overall standard of living.
We can learn a thing or two from our city's trees when it comes to passive cooling, which means cooling our homes without the use of electricity. Shutting your blinds or drapes during the day keeps out the heat from solar radiation, while opening windows on opposite sides of a room promotes cross-ventilation.
Posts in The Alligreener appear on Fridays.
