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Sure, sure, we all know that the cliched environmentalist motto is "Go hug a tree." There's an entire website based on upending that stereotype—you've probably heard of it: TreeHugger. But there'd be no trees to hug (or no way to make fun of people too intent on hugging them) if they never grew in the first place.
It sounds quaint, or again, cliche, to recommend planting a tree—and yet, that's one of the major problems with the modern environmentalist mindset. Everything seems to take place on a global scale now: big green ideas, revolutionary new technologies, etc. So it might be useful to step back a second and respect and participate in the simpler acts that the whole green movement was initially founded upon.
And you can start by simply planting a tree.
To grow a tree in your own backyard, check out this guide for successful greenery planting. You can get tree seeds extremely easily (a google search for 'tree seeds' should do) and it's pretty rewarding to watch a tree you planted grow up.
Joining a more concerted effort to plant mass trees is also a very worthy pursuit—look into programs like the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation if you're interested in tree planting on a larger scale.
If you don't have time, or aren't able to plant one yourself, there are other options: considering sending someone a Tree Greeting, an e-card from a program in which every card sent means a tree planted. Or, if you happen to be an avid reader, check out the Eco-Libris and BookMooch programs. The former will plant a tree for every dollar donated, and you can use points generated on Bookmooch (from swapping books) towards tree planting. And for the absolutely time-strapped, you can plant a tree just by logging onto a website.
Happy planting.
Need proof that it's possible to balance being green and still be a supportive partner and parent? See how Ed Begley, Jr. does it on Planet Green TV's Living with Ed.
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