Trees are a great investment! They invest in our environment with long term benefits.
One large tree can supply a day's worth of oxygen for four people!
100 trees remove 53 tons of carbon dioxide and 430 pounds of other air pollutants per year!
Strategically placed trees can shade a home saving up to 56% on annual air-conditioning costs!
Each large front yard tree adds to a home's sale price!
100 mature trees catch about 139,000 gallons of rainwater per year, reducing flooding and saving the community millions of dollars!
Plant a tree!*
*from columbus.gov/branchout
Trash and tire piles present the ideal living and breeding environment for rats, mice, and other rodents, in addition to ticks, flies and mosquitoes that may transmit disease.
Illegally dumped materials also present the risk of physical injury resulting from contact with broken glass, sharp metal, needles, and biological or chemical waste.
Many materials that are illegally dumped contain toxic or hazardous substances that can threaten surface or groundwater supplies. Tires that catch fire cause air pollution, may harm the health of persons exposed to the fumes, and damage the environment.
Decaying garbage and yard waste dumped in residential areas create unpleasant odors and can contribute to the impression that the entire neighborhood is in decline, thus negatively impacting property vaues. Research has shown that such conditions also lead to higher crime rates.
Open dumps along secodary roads, utility right-of-ways, water courses, abandoned lots, open fields, railroad tracks, and near construction sites are the responsibility of the property owners. Often the property owner is unaware that dumping is occurring and should be notified of their need to clear it.
Many counties have an environmental crimes task-force to investigate and deal with illegal dumping. Contact your county or community administrative offices to report open dump sites and to learn more about dealing with illegal dumping. Check out www.itsacrime.org.
Take responsibility for your own property and give responsibility for other property owners to take care of theirs. Each of us has a part to play in protecting our environment.
Storm drains in our streets connect directly to rivers.Pick-up trash, spills and depris to keep local waterways clean and safe.
Care for you lawn responsibly. Check out http://www.greenspotbackyards.org and http://www.get grassy.org*
*City of Columbus, Ohio
