Planting Trees and Protecting Green Spaces: Healing the Earth While Healing Yourself
Updated: Sep 29
It’s sad to say, but as a society, we kill a lot of trees. Every time I look around, I see construction sites, new roads, or stores that once stood where green spaces used to grow. We often forget that trees are not just decoration. They are life. We share a symbiotic relationship with them. What we breathe out, they breathe in. What they breathe out, we breathe in. Without trees, the very air we depend on would become toxic, and both humans and animals would struggle to survive.
I am as guilty as anyone. I use napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, and disposable products that all come from trees. The more the population grows, the more we consume. Every item feels small until you think about the millions of others doing the same thing. It adds up, and the result is fewer forests, more waste, and an atmosphere that struggles to keep up.
But here’s the thing — I am learning. I am trying to do better. Little by little, I am changing habits that once felt normal. I’m going back to the old-fashioned way of using a washcloth to clean spills instead of grabbing paper towels. Two of my adult children have switched to bidets and love them. I haven’t quite made it there yet, but I’m proud of them for making that change.
I try to recycle and reuse. I look for ways to cut down on paper products and switch to things that can be washed and used again. I’m like everyone else — I love convenience. But I also love breathing clean air. I know what it’s like to have asthma and feel that tightness in my chest when the air is heavy. That feeling makes me more aware of how connected we are to nature. The air we share connects every one of us.
When I take steps to reduce my waste or support organizations that plant trees, I feel like I’m helping, even in a small way. I may not be perfect, but I am trying. And those small changes matter more than we realize.
Our Connection to Trees
Trees are more than scenery. They are living systems that support life on Earth. They clean the air, filter water, provide shade, prevent erosion, and create homes for countless species. A single mature tree can absorb more than 40 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year and produce enough oxygen for two people to breathe.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both emphasize how forests help regulate the planet’s temperature and protect against climate change. When we destroy large areas of forest, the effects ripple across the world — less oxygen, more pollution, and weaker ecosystems.
We cannot all plant forests, but we can make mindful choices. Every paper product, every disposable plate, and every grocery bag adds to the demand for more trees to be cut down. And yet, every choice to reuse, recycle, or buy from companies that replenish what they take makes a difference too.
Planting Trees: The Healing Power of Trees
Spending time among trees has powerful effects on the mind and body. The Harvard Health Publishing team and the American Psychological Association have both studied the impact of “green therapy.” Time spent in forests or even city parks lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and boosts concentration.
Trees help us breathe easier — physically and emotionally. Their steady presence, the rustle of leaves, and the filtered sunlight all remind us of calm and continuity. Walking among trees can slow racing thoughts and bring perspective to problems. It’s no wonder many people say they think better when surrounded by nature.
Planting or protecting trees also builds a sense of purpose. Knowing that something you planted will outlive you gives a feeling of legacy. It’s a reminder that what we do today affects generations tomorrow.
Healing the Earth, Healing Yourself
When we care for the planet, we also care for ourselves. Every small act of conservation strengthens the bond between humanity and nature. Whether it’s recycling a cardboard box, refusing a paper bag, or supporting a company that plants trees, it all contributes to the cycle of life.
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley found that environmental acts like tree planting and conservation can reduce feelings of helplessness and increase optimism. Doing good for the earth releases endorphins and creates a deep sense of satisfaction — something psychologists call “eco-gratitude.”
For me, that feeling comes when I see my recycling bin full or when I choose to use a cloth instead of a paper towel. I know I’ve saved something small that adds up to something bigger. And while I might not live on a farm where I can plant fruit trees for my neighbors, I can still support organizations that do. I can still care in my own way.
Self-Discovery Through Green Choices
Self-discovery is not just about knowing who you are, but about understanding how your choices reflect your values. The way we treat the earth says something about the way we see ourselves.
When I choose to reduce waste or support tree-planting efforts, I am choosing to honor the world that supports me. I am recognizing that I am not separate from nature — I am part of it. The air that fills my lungs has passed through leaves and branches. The oxygen that keeps me alive came from trees that were here long before me.
As humans, we often forget this connection until it’s threatened. But rediscovering it can bring balance and purpose. Even small lifestyle changes, made slowly over time, can restore a sense of control and peace. Each adjustment — from switching to reusable cloths to buying recycled products — is an act of care for both the planet and yourself.
What You Can Try Today
Plant something. Even one tree or shrub helps filter the air and improve the environment. If you do not have space, support organizations that plant trees globally.
Reduce disposable paper products. Try cloth napkins, towels, or handkerchiefs. Keep a basket for easy washing.
Recycle properly. Clean containers before placing them in the bin and follow your city’s recycling rules.
Choose sustainable brands. Look for paper and cleaning products marked with certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or other eco-friendly organizations.
Spend time with trees. Visit a park, hike a trail, or sit under a tree near your home. Let the peace of nature refill you.
Talk about it. Encourage family and friends to take small steps too. Change spreads through example, not guilt.
No one can do everything perfectly. But if everyone did something consistently, the effect would be extraordinary. You do not have to give up convenience entirely. Just find a balance that works for your life and makes you feel connected to the world around you.
Where to Go From Here
Healing the earth while healing yourself is easier when you are not doing it alone. At Surviving Life Lessons, we believe in life survivors helping life strugglers. Our Volunteering & Giving Back Community is a place to find meaning by helping others, and our Personal Growth and Healing group is a place to grow with others on the same path. You can also browse our Community Groups Catalog to find every group that fits where you are right now.
For more, read Speaking Life to Yourself: Healing Self-Talk or Facing Yourself: The Hardest Part of Emotional Healing.
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References
Harvard Health Publishing: "The Healing Power of Nature", https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-healing-power-of-nature
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): "The Role of Trees in the Earth’s Climate", https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2915/forests-the-earths-lungs/
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): "Benefits of Trees and Green Infrastructure", https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/benefits-trees-and-vegetation
American Psychological Association: "Nurtured by Nature", https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/04/nurtured-by-nature
Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley: "How Helping the Environment Helps You", https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_helping_the_environment_helps_you
About the Author:
Deborah Ann Martin is the founder of Surviving Life Lessons, a published author, poet, speaker, and trainer with over 20 years of management experience across multiple industries. An MBA graduate, U.S. veteran, single mother, and rare cancer survivor, Deborah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Her mission is to empower others with practical wisdom and real-life insight to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.
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