Two weekends ago, Richmond celebrated Arbor Day in the first Celebrate Trees! sponsored by Richmond Tree Stewards. Stuff hosted tables at the festival in the Carillon in Byrd Park, providing a creative activity for the children. Our Stuff ladies and volunteers helped young Richmonders paint the pots and plant tree seeds in each. Additionally, we created cool recycled magazine trees. There was plenty of sunshine and fun. But no worries it is not too late to show your love for trees - this year Arbor Day is April 24th!

Arbor Day originated from J. Sterling Morton’s love of nature in the latter half of the 19th century. Morton was an American pioneer and journalist that moved to Nebraska in 1954. Recognizing the natural need humans and our planet have for trees, Morton encouraged many individuals and community groups to plant. Morton highlighted how trees help prevent soil erosion, provide building materials and fuel, and can also supply shade. Eventually Morton was able to organize and designate the first “Arbor Day” holiday, in which an estimated one million trees were planted. Since then, Arbor Day has spread out from Nebraska and become a national event.

Every Richmonder can still celebrate this holiday, just plant a tree, adopt a tree in your neighborhood, or just enjoy the outdoors. The Arbor Day Foundation has many more ideas for how everyone can celebrate.

Photo Cred: Lynne Marie Parson

How do you show your lover your true feelings? How do you share your love of the planet with your sweetie? Will a diamond, chocolates, flowers really prove your love?

Maybe these are questions you are asking yourself...maybe not. But, every Valentine’s Day in the United States, the materialism and consumerism that pervades our culture is corroborated in the name of love. With continued evidence of human caused climate change and our wallets suffering, maybe this year is the chance for you to show your love a different way.

Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day ideas:
>> http://www.treehugger.com/green-valentine/ a whole day of love
>> http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2008/01/recycle-project-no-11-egg-carton-turned.html easy, crafty project

For those of us that are not too crafty or don’t have the time, consider trading for/purchasing a green gift.
>> http://www.swaptree.com trade your stuff for someone else’s stuff without having to empty your wallet!
>> http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9100081 longest lasting bouquet ever
>> http://www.etsy.com/category_top.php?top_tag=vintage handmade vintage items
>> http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/environmentally-friendly/102
>> http://www.alchemyboutique.net/ local! in carytown
>> http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/home.php fair trade, also has store in carytown
>> local farmer’s markets

If your hunnybunny really wants that pink diamond, those yummy chocolate truffles, or fragrant roses, PLEASE go ahead and make your boo happy! We don’t want our suggested Valentine’s Day gifts to be the cause of a break-up. But, just consider another gift that shows you put time and effort into it, and you can always find eco-friendly chocolates, diamonds, or flowers.

...isn’t it the thought that counts?