In This Article
- Women and girls shoulder an inordinate amount of the burden of fetching water in developing countries.
- When women have nearby, reliable sources of water, they have more time and energy for other pursuits.
- A new generation of Heifer projects are being designed specifically with water access and water quality in mind.
Trees Bring Good Luck
Why do we knock on wood for good luck? That comes from long-ago pagans who tapped on tree trunks to summon the good spirits living inside.
Trees Are a (Literal) Breath of Fresh Air
An average-sized tree produces 260 pounds of oxygen per year, enough for two people.
One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.
Trees Provide Mental and Physical Health Benefits
Exposure to trees and nature reduces mental fatigue and can reduce blood pressure and muscle tension. And neighborhoods with more trees experience less crime.
Or, do you live next to a busy road? Plant some trees. They muffle noise that’s keeping you up at night as efficiently as a stone wall, all while producing oxygen, controlling erosion and spurring along our water cycle.