Sometimes when looking at the trouble the planet is in, it may not seem like a single person, let alone a single tree can make a difference. One man, Dave Deppner has made a difference. He started out alone and with a tree. Now, Trees for the Future has planted 50 million trees all around the world and is still planting. Currently the trees cost 10 cents each!
The impact trees have on the environment and on society goes far beyond the 50 lbs of carbon dioxide that it can clean from the air per year. Trees are just the starting point.The carbon dioxide is converted into food, shelter, fuel, and medicine that can improve the quality of life for many. The roots guide water back into the ground, adding to the aquifers. Introducing a few trees can trigger the growth of seeds and roots that have been dormant. People who are able to sustain themselves and support themselves are less likely to be taken advantage of and less likely to be exploited. They are also less likely to do either to others. People who have their own resources are not going to fight others or start wars to acquire resources.
One project that Trees for the Future had was to replant trees in an area that had been stripped of all trees. After over a century, it still had not begun to restore itself. They introduced three tree species that they believed would grow. When the area was re-evaluated, there were an additional 38 species. Dormant seeds and roots came to life. Wild pigs entered and did there part by rooting and eliminating. A bird that is a related to the chicken, and that many believed are extinct, returned to the area.
Below is a video that talks about the 50 million tree project.
