Keep Calm and Plant Trees: Lessons from the Coronavirus

Reforestation has been recognized as a top climate change solution, and now more than ever we need to work together to restore forests around the globe. When native trees are planted in the right places, they help address climate change by sequestering carbon in their roots, trunks and branches. They also increase climate change resilience by reducing ambient temperatures, slowing the flow of water through landscapes, absorbing pollutants, holding the soil together, providing food and habitat for biodiversity, and more!

Decreased air travel may not have been great for the airline industry, but itwasgood for nature and demonstrated how quickly we could reduce carbon emissions if we treated climate change like the crisis it is. As the world begins to open back up, resist the urge to fly to allthe places and consider traveling more sustainably if you can. 

The pandemic lockdowns forced many people to reconnect with nature in a big way. After all, most outdoor activities are naturally COVID-safe and helped people to reduce stress and get out of their homes (and heads) even if just for a little while. Although you may no longer have as much time for those long hikes or glorious bike rides, try to get out there as much as you can. And to show your appreciation for Mother Nature's role in keeping you sane over the last 13 months, take a tote bag with you to pick up any trash you find along the way.

On average, 30% of the food we purchase is wasted because we often stock up with the best of intentions, only to eat out meal after meal as the lettuce slowly wilts in the fridge. But 2020 saw a lot of us getting reacquainted with our kitchens as restaurants closed down and food costs skyrocketed. And while we encourage you to support your favorite restaurants as they reopen after a really tough year, we hope you'll keep some of those pandemic eating habits with you — like shopping more efficiently, eating at home more often, and actually consuming your leftovers. These simple habits will go a long way in reducing food waste and the methane that results from landfills.

As the world slowly opens back up, it's a great opportunity to green up (or keep green) every area of your life. Individual actions like composting or recycling are fantastic, but what if you challenge yourself to think bigger? What more can you do with the skills, connections, or resources that you have? Can you give a presentation at your school, initiate a local tree planting, or start a massive campaign geared toward political leaders?