Meena Mangalathil:

Recycle in a smart way. Some good ways to do this are: 1. Throw paper and cardboard in a bag separately from cans, glass and plastics. Look for tips on recycling so you know that your efforts will be rewarded with recycled material. Cut down on and share magazines, return unwanted catalogs to the sender. 2. Don't make exceptions at restaurants. If a waiter/waitress brings you napkins, just say no nicely. 3. Before printing a picture or document, ask yourself, "Do I really need to print this out?" If you're writing a paper for school, most teachers will accept neat handwritten work. 4. Try to use both sides of your papers. Use a printer that prints on both sides automatically Make a draft box(if you are in your office). Put in this box all the papers that have been printed on one side and use them as draft papers. 5. Make sure any paper you buy (toilet rolls, tissue papers, writing paper) comes from recycled sources. 6. Reuse paper bags or compost receipts and...

Since the beginning, trees have furnished us with two of life's essentials, food and oxygen. As we evolved, they provided additional necessities such as shelter, medicine, and tools. Today, their value continues to increase and more benefits of trees are being discovered as their role expands. Trees reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change; trees increase biodiversity essential to human existence; trees store and purify water for agriculture and drinking; trees provide us with food, medicines and other forest produce; and trees beautify our surroundings. Ecological and Environmental Value Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon d...