This is the second year in a row that Phil has seen his shadow, and quite frankly, we’re sick of it. Next February, we must, at any cost, prevent that groundhog from seeing his shadow again. There have been several possible solutions proposed, ranging from turning the burrow door into the sun, to blindfolding Phil’s little eyes, to blasting him from all directions with high-intensity spotlights. Be we here at Tee Hugger have a plan so crazy it just might work: Plant more trees.
Hear us out. If we surround Gobbler’s Knob with a ring of heavy trees right now, then no matter how sunny it is next year, the shade from the trees will prevent Punxsutawney Phil from casting a shadow at all, let alone seeing it. Trees are our only hope of breaking this two-year chain of groundhog-induced wintery dystopia, and that’s why we say “More trees, please.” If you’re going to be in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania this year, spread the word to the Groundhog Club Inner Circle with your 100% organic “More trees, please” tee (http://www.teehugger.com/product_p/thjs1038.htm).But even after we’ve finished our crusade in Pennsylvania, there is still much work to be done. Trees are good for so much more than just rigging rodent-based weather forecasting systems.
1. Trees help clean the air.
A large factor contributing to smog accumulation in big cities is the “heat island” effect. Urban infrastructure, such as blacktop parking lots and concrete buildings, absorb the sun’s heat and radiate it back. A healthy tree cover, or “urban forest” helps to keep our cities in shade, reducing the heat buildup and in turn, reducing smog (which forms more easily in increased temperatures). On top of that, trees naturally pull carbon dioxide from the air as part of their principal life process: photosynthesis. “Tree foliage also removes from the atmosphere other chemicals, such as nitrogen oxides, airborne ammonia, some sulfur dioxide, and ozone, that are part of the smog and greenhouse effect problems.” That’s a lot of good work. Arguably even better than obscuring groundhog shadows. (http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/articles/misc/plntclar.html)
2. Trees save energy.
According to the Sacramento Tree Foundation, “Four trees planted around a home can save up to 30% on summer cooling costs.” In addition to providing shade, trees cool the air through the evaporation of water from their leaves. If your house is under a canopy of natural, oxygen-producing air conditioners, you don’t have to run the man-made kind as often or as fervently. This saves money in your wallet as well as resources at the power plant. Having a pleasant, energy-efficient summer is even better than scoring a few less weeks of winter. (http://www.sactree.com)
3. Trees are good for business.
In addition to their climate-controlling canopy, studies show that trees can also keep money in our troubled world economy by encouraging business. “A program of scientific studies has found that shoppers respond positively to trees in downtown business districts. These findings have been consistent across large, small and mid-size cities of the United States. The most positive consumer response is associated with streets having a mature, well-managed urban forest where overarching tree canopy helps create a ‘sense of place.’” (http://www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind/consumer.html)
That’s right, trees are the greatest. No matter how our furry weatherman friend makes his call next year, planting a tree or two is still a good idea. If you don’t have the space or the patience to plant a tree yourself, you can turn your green cash into green trees through TreeLink.org. TreeLink will put you in touch with a local tree bank in your area, so no matter where the groundhog goes, his shadow will be safe. (http://www.treelink.org/)
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