climate change

Tree-mendous Benefits!

With my daughter earning a college degree in forestry and wildlife, I have learned a lot about trees and appreciate all they do for our earth. I am learning to see trees through her eyes and how extremely essential trees are to our very existence. The last Friday of April is Arbor Day, a day dedicated to planting and caring for trees.  We recognize the importance of trees for their ecological and environmental benefits, such as air and water purification, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity protection.

View looking up into forest, with sunlight coming through the trees

Trees provide numerous health benefits to humans. Trees improve our air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Trees provide shade and cool the air through a process called transpiration. Trees also help by enhancing green spaces, which encourage outdoor activities and can improve cardiovascular health and reduce obesity. Trees can also improve our mental health. Spending time around trees and nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Exposure to green spaces with trees can enhance mood, improve attention, and reduce behavioral problems, especially in children.

Trees benefit the environment in many ways, such as preventing floods by absorbing rainwater, which reduces runoff and soil erosion. Trees also provide habitats for various species, contributing to biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem. Trees help slow the progress of climate change by cooling the air. This can be especially important in urban areas, where buildings and pavement absorb and retain heat, creating heat islands which can be five to eight degrees warmer than surrounding areas.

View looking up a large tree with sunlight and blue sky above it

You can get involved in celebrating Arbor Day by donating to tree-planting organizations or volunteering for an organization to plant trees locally. If you have the right space in your yard to plant your own tree, consider selecting a tree native to your area, to support the ecosystem and attract native wildlife. For Ohioans, this fact sheet describes native trees that enhance biodiversity. You can find native trees in local nurseries or by ordering through online sources or mail catalogs. There are many factors to consider in selecting the right tree and the right location. This brochure from the Ohio Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture details proper tree planting steps. The Arbor Day Foundation also has guidelines and tips for planting trees.

With all these amazing, tree-mendous benefits, consider what you can do to support the planting of trees in your community and worldwide.

Writer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County

Reviewers:

Sofia Carter, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Champaign County

Allie Carter, Forestry & Wildlife Undergraduate Student, The Ohio State University.

Sources:

6 Ways Trees Benefit All of Us. (2025 Feb 3) The Nature Conservancy. https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/build-healthy-cities/cities-stories/benefits-of-trees-forests/

 

As unlikely as a disaster may be, are YOU prepared for the unexpected?

Infographic Outlining Preparedness

Thankfully, most of us will never have to deal with the unimaginable devastation that some areas have experienced over the past several years., and certainly the past several months. This doesn’t mean that we should not try to be as prepared as we can for disasters. When we think about disaster preparedness, many people may think about the structure of their home and their property. Some may consider vehicles and other large investments. These are very important, yet there are other areas to consider when developing a comprehensive disaster plan, like important documents, medications and medical equipment, adequate insurance coverage, income replacement or supplementation, pets and livestock, and most importantly, your own physical safety.

Disasters are often caused naturally (floods, fires, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, etc.) though they may be caused by humans (fires, riots, wars, power outages, etc.). If you do not know which disasters the area you live in or may be visiting is prone to, you can use this interactive map to determine for which ones you might want to prepare. It is important to know which disasters are most likely so you prepare your disaster plan accordingly. For instance, here in Ohio, tornadoes are one of the most likely natural disasters. Since there have been several tornadoes of varying intensity spread across the Buckeye State the past few years, this is definitely a natural disaster you want to include in your disaster preparedness and planning. Other disasters you might consider when making your plan listed below.

According to the map, everyone should prepare for the following disasters:

Flood: NEVER walk, swim, or drive through flood water.

Home Fire: Test smoke alarms monthly and practice your fire escape plan.

Extreme Heat: Stay aware of the heat index, drink plenty of fluids, stay inside and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on neighbors and family.

Power Outages: Keep battery powered lamps and flashlights handy. Do NOT use candles. Know how to properly use a generator and NEVER use one indoors or in other enclosed spaces.

Thunderstorm: Seek shelter inside. Designate a safe place to gather away from windows or glass doors.

Winter Storm:  Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Avoid driving when possible. Stay indoors. Dress in layers and cover your extremities if you must be outside.

In October, the most common emergencies across the nation are hurricanes, home fires, and floods. SE Ohio is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions and almost the entire county I live in is still experiencing the highest drought level. So, the last thing on anyone’s mind around here right now is flooding! Which highlights the importance of knowing the current risks wherever you are and doing what you can to be prepared for the unexpected and possibly the unimaginable.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 27). Preparedness & Planning. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/index.asp

Common natural disasters across US. The Most Common Natural Disasters Across The U.S. | Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/common-natural-disasters-across-us.html#all

FEMA. (2018, July). Document and insure your property. DOCUMENT AND INSURE YOUR PROPERTY. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf

FEMA. (2019, September). Emergency financial first aid kit (EFFAK). Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_effak-toolkit.pdf

FEMA. (n.d.). Safeguard critical documents and valuables. Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables. https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_safeguard-critical-documents-and-valuables.pdf

Pet disaster preparedness & recovery. American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

Protect your home with Flood Insurance. FEMA.gov. (n.d.). https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/protect-your-home-flood-insurance

Tornadoes. Tornadoes | Ready.gov. (2024, June 24). https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Turner, T. (2024, October 9). Ohio State assists farmers as drought, rain create challenges for soybean crops. https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-assists-farmers-as-drought-rain-create-challenges-for-soybean-crops/

Types of emergencies. Types of Disasters | American Red Cross. (n.d.). https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html

Winter Weather. Winter Weather | Ready.gov. (n.d.). https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Written by: Misty Harmon, Assistant Professor and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Ryan Kline, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, kline.375@osu.edu

Consider Environmentally Friendly New Years Resolutions

Picture of Trash

I can remember growing up in Michigan in the 70s and 80s, we would get our first snowfall around Thanksgiving, and we wouldn’t see grass until late March. Every year here in southern Ohio, it seems the idea of a white Christmas is a thing of the past. The past decade has seen the warmest average temperatures on record. Climate experts paint an ominous picture for our planets’ future and our overall quality of life. Issues such as plastic pollution and food waste contribute to climate warming and also immediate wellbeing.

If you are looking to set a New Years resolution, consider some ideas that are eco-friendly. Here are a few ideas:

  • Buy and use reusable straws. Keep them on hand and refuse single use straws at restaurants.
  • Stop using single use plastic bags. Keep reusable bags in your cars so you don’t forget them when running into the grocery store.
  • Freeze left overs and use ingredients later in smoothies, soups, etc.
  • Start a compost pile for food waste. Keep an old coffee bin in the kitchen to discard food scraps.
  • Start using bar soap or refill soap containers to avoid purchasing plastic bottles.
  • Reuse glass jars, Tupperware, and beeswax wrap to store food and leftovers instead of single use plastic sandwich bags.
  • Refill a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
  • Participate in a neighborhood clean up or roadside garbage pick up.

These are just a few ideas. Small changes can really add up over a lifetime. The actions of millions of people can can collectively reduce the amount of plastic and food going into landfills and contributing to climate change.

Author: Dan Remley, Ph.D., M.S.P.H. Associate Professor, Field Specialist, OSU Extension

Reviewer: Jenny Lobb, M.P.H., Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension

Sources:

Beyond Plastics. (2021). THE NEW COAL: PLASTICS AND CLIMATE CHANGE. REPORT: The New Coal: Plastics & Climate Change — Beyond Plastics – Working To End Single-Use Plastic Pollution

Ohio State University Extension. Sustainable Action through Video Engagement (S.A.V.E.). Sustainability in the Kitchen. Left-overs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlDXy80yraY

Ohio State University Extension. Sustainable Action through Video Engagement (S.A.V.E.). Sustainability in the Kitchen: Single Use Plastics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CangcvETxk

Ohio State University Extension. Sustainable Action through Video Engagement (S.A.V.E.).Composting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lOMPTRj7eE