National Tree Hugger Day is Saturday, October 16th
American Forests, the nation’s oldest conservation group, and IKEA are inviting community groups, students, youth leaders and nature enthusiasts everywhere to take part in Tree Hugger Day on October 16th. Take time for a quick and fun gesture of appreciation for all that trees do for us. The idea for Tree Hugger Day first arose as a way to celebrate the million trees planted by IKEA and its customers in American Forests’ Global ReLeaf projects.
Why Would I Hug a Tree?
Think about the people in your life who have done so much for you. Mothers, fathers, grandparents; they each have special days set aside for you to show how very much you appreciate them. But trees, the lungs of our planet, which contribute in so many ways to make our communities and our earth livable, are often overlooked. Take some time on this day to show that you appreciate all that trees and forests do for us. Hug a tree and see what comes of it: a smile, a good feeling, maybe even the urge to become more involved in greening the planet!
Who Can Be a Part of It?
Everyone! If you like breathing clean air and drinking clean water; if you like shade on a hot day and lower electricity bills in the summer; if you like knowing that we live on a planet full of a wonderful diversity of creatures, or if you simply think that trees are pretty, then you should be a part of Tree Hugger Day.
American Forests & IKEA: A growing relationship!
Since 1998, American Forests and IKEA have been working together to plant trees to improve the environment. We’ve provided students with “Living Classrooms,” and planted over 1 million native trees to provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, cleanse our water and air, and improve communities worldwide.
Big Blue Bag
From March 15, 2007 through September 2008, IKEA charged 5¢ for every plastic bag used in its stores in an effort to reduce America’s use of disposable plastic bags (estimated to be upwards of 100 billion bags per year). All proceeds from the sale of plastic “throw-away” bags went to American Forests’ Global ReLeaf program, and supported the planting of more than half a million trees.
Plant a Tree. Clean the Air. Cool the Globe.
In 2006, this campaign between IKEA and American Forests helped to offset the CO2 produced by cars IKEA customers drove to and from IKEA stores. The campaign funded the planting of almost a quarter million trees in ecosystem restoration projects.
Living Classrooms
Some IKEA stores have sponsored the gift of Living Classrooms to local schools. The Living Classrooms programs consist of 10 historic southern magnolias being planted on campus, CITYgreen GIS software, tree-planting kits, granite markers, and more. They are an innovative and effective way to teach hands-on, multidisciplinary lessons in history, environmental studies, science, geography, mathematics and arts.
Early Planting Projects
Baltimore
On November 9, 1999, IKEA sponsored a project at Joppa View Elementary School in Baltimore County, Maryland. Students and IKEA associate volunteers worked together to plant some 115 trees around the school’s campus.
Los Angeles
On April 11, 2001, school children and IKEA volunteer associates bused to the Los Pinetos Springs area of the Angeles National Forest to replant an area devastated by wildfires. By the end of the day, they had planted 1,500 trees on the hills of Los Pinetos Springs.
Chicago
In June 2001, through American Forests, the local IKEA store sponsored the restoration of Wrightwood Park. IKEA associates and community volunteers came together to plant 100 trees and 200 Stella d’Oro daylilies to reestablish a community garden on the north side of Chicago in the Wrightwood Park area.
