There’s an old proverb that says you can either curse the darkness or light a candle.

I thought of that proverb lately when I was feeling overwhelmed and helpless about our recent terrible air quality from the burning forests in Canada.  So I wrote a letter to the editor of my local newspaper, which is included below.

It was my “one small candle” for that moment.

I understand those who say that a small contribution like this is negligible and so, “why bother”?

But I agree with Richard Rohr, who quotes a mystic as saying that the work of saving humanity and our world will never be completed, but we each must still do our own share of the work.

Peace,

Luann

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One person cannot fix climate change.  But one person can help.

I can do one simple thing, and you can also:  plant a tree.

In addition to producing the oxygen we need to breathe, trees improve our air quality by filtering harmful dust and pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide from the air we breathe.

Trees also reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways.

Deciduous trees placed on the south and west sides of your house can provide shade in summer that reduces your cooling costs, but will let the sunlight through in winter, helping to warm your house.

Trees are readily available from local landscapers and from the Internet.  If you are lucky enough to already have trees in your yard, chances are you have tree seedlings growing in your flower beds. Perhaps you can give one to a neighbor. If you don’t have money for a tree, find a neighbor with mature trees and ask for a seedling or two.

If you live in an apartment or condo, you can still plant a tree by going online and giving a small donation.  Local funeral homes often list reputable places to send money to donate a tree.  I like this site, where you can donate towards planting a giant redwood or sequoia: the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive: 

https://www.ancienttreearchive.org/product-category/certificates-of-planting/.

One person cannot stop climate change.

But one person can improve air quality by such a simple thing: planting a tree.