Trees tackle heat islands, leave people
with better mental health, and more
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the summer heats up and urban
areas grow hotter, the TurfMutt Foundation – which has advocated
for the care and use of yards, parks and other green spaces for 15
years – reminds homeowners of the importance of trees and other
living plants for mitigating the heat island effect. A report by
the research group Climate Central shows that more than 40 million
Americans live in urban heat islands – areas within cities that are
hotter than nearby rural spaces. Trees, along with plants like
grass, shrubs and bushes, help cool the environment through the
processes of evapotranspiration.
Trees are one of nature's environmental
superheroes. One tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each
year.
"It seems like every year we hear of record-breaking
temperatures, and these hot summer days are a good reminder about
why we need more trees and other green space in our yards and
neighborhoods," said Kris Kiser,
President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. "It's remarkable to
think about all of the positive effects the green space in our own
backyards and community parks can have on our everyday lives."
Here are just five reasons why trees are tops at reducing heat
islands…and more:
- Mother Nature's Air Conditioner
By providing shade,
trees lower surface and air temperatures. In fact, shaded surfaces
could be 20-45°F cooler than temperatures in unshaded areas,
according to the EPA. Additionally, the EPA reports that the
process of evapotranspiration can help reduce peak summer
temperatures by 2-9°F.
- Increased Tree Canopy = Decreased Heat-Related
Illnesses
According to the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HSS), heat-related deaths have been increasing in
the U.S. HSS statistics show 1,722 people died in 2022 from heat
and in 2023 that number increased to 2,302. But more trees can help
people stay safe during hot days. In fact, according to a study
published in The Lancet, increasing the tree canopy in 93
European cities to 30 percent coverage could prevent an estimated
four in 10 premature heat-related deaths.
- Better Mental Health
According to the Arbor Day
Foundation's Canopy Report, people who engage with trees and green
spaces on a daily basis are happier and score higher in their
mental and physical health than those spending time in nature less
often. The report also indicates city dwellers with access to
adequate green space experience 31 percent less psychological
distress. Furthermore, children who live near more green space have
a decreased risk of developing mental health disorders as they
age.
- Good for the Environment
Trees are one of nature's
environmental superheroes. One tree produces nearly 260 pounds of
oxygen each year. Two mature trees provide enough oxygen for one
person to breathe over the course of a year. In Los Angeles
alone, trees remove nearly 2,000 tons of air pollution each
year.
- Energy Savings
Strategically placing trees around
buildings and homes can save up to 30 percent on air conditioning
costs and up to 50 percent for heating, according to the U.S.
Forest Service. The U.S. Department
of Energy devised computer models that predict the proper placement
of only three trees can save an average household between
$100 and $250 in energy costs annually.
To learn more, download the TurfMutt Foundation's International
Backyarding Fact Book here.
For more, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with
backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation
here. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit
TurfMutt.com. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky
Dog television show on Saturday mornings.
Media contact
Debbi
Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation,
240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com
About TurfMutt
TurfMutt, which is celebrating its
15th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute's (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has
reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since
2009. Championed by Foundation spokesdog, Mulligan the TurfMutt,
and through education partners such as Weekly Reader, Discovery
Education and Scholastic, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers
how to "save the planet, one yard at a time." Today, TurfMutt is an
official USGBC® Education Partner and part of their
global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt has been an education resource at the
U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S.
Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance
for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project,
Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the
coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial
Series. TurfMutt's personal, home habitat was featured in the
2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at
www.TurfMutt.com.
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SOURCE TurfMutt Foundation