Trees provide people and wildlife with oxygen to inhale into our lungs and stay healthy. One mature tree can sequester up to 22 pounds of carbon a year, depending on age and species, and forests absorb one-third of fossil fuel emissions every year! Give the gift of clean air this Giving Tuesday!

80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity is found in forests, including plants, animals, and fungi — all of which rely on both the forest and each other to survive. Beyond that, many people around the world still rely on forest resources for their basic needs.

Water is a fundamental requirement for survival. Trees are a vital part of Earth’s water cycle, and they also filter water through their roots, removing pollutants so that our aquifers and watersheds have a cleaner source. Trees also help reduce the speed and volume of water moving through landscapes, preventing damage (i.e. by creating a natural barrier in coastal areas to reduce the amount of sediment-filled stormwater that reaches watersheds).

Many people today rely on nature for their livelihoods. In fact, an estimated 1.6 billion people rely on forest resources as a way to make a living. That’s roughly 1 out of 5 people alive today. Land restoration practices such as agroforestry provide sustainable job opportunities to surrounding communities — and when managed sustainably, forests can also provide resources that meet global demands for materials.

A lot of our food comes right from trees! According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, almost 50% of fruit is produced from trees. Furthermore, trees help maintain the health and balance of other crops by creating shade and adding nutrients to the soil, protecting the land from mudslides and desertification, and creating a water cycle that supports the local microclimate. Around the world, food scarcity is an ever-present issue. This Giving Tuesday, plant trees to improve nutrition and food security for communities around the world.

Have you ever thought about where your medicine comes from? 25% of the key ingredients of medicine grow in forests! For example, aspirin comes from tree bark. The bark of the willow tree is also used as a pain reliever. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Beyond the physical resources that nature provides, there is a natural connection that we as living beings on the planet have with nature. There are countless studies about how immersing yourself in nature is good for your body, mind, and soul. According to the American Psychological Association, simply spending time outside with trees has been proven to help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Giving Tuesday is all about helping those around us. With everyday stressors of life always present, planting trees is a simple way to help people find reprieve.