Plant a native tree and then another

Give yourself permission to plant a tree.

In March 2020, the world stopped for a brief moment in time. Our artificial world constructed for non-stop production had halted. An entire global logistical channel became disrupted instantaneously. 

Grocery markets began to ration, and products that we bever paid attention to became scarce. 

Many people at that moment, already too late, realized they were completely dependent on the magic of the global economic infrastructure that allows us to consume at such a disproportionate rate compared to the rest of human history. 

We got lucky, but what if things took a turn for the worst? 

Fewer people realized they craved a more sustainable lifestyle, and even fewer people realized they could gain access to such a change in lifestyle. 

The good that came from that brief panic was this shift in consciousness, and the growth of the gardening, urban forestry, and permaculture groups that sprang up as a result of these pondering reflections. 

Still, I believe our flawed and dependent modern society is far too disconnected from nature and our food production system. 

And this reflects in how we have wholeheartedly mistreated the ecosystems and our food production system for quicker and prettier-looking food—utilizing methods that produce in quantity, at the cost of the long-term health of the ecosystem. 

Floating into the ancient Chinampa system in Mexico

I propose for every person who reads this, to comment below “they will plant a native tree, and then plant another.” 

We need to organize ourselves to create a movement centered around real action. That action. To plant as many native trees as possible. To revive our ecosystems one plant at a time. 

Plant drought-tolerant varieties if you live in a drier region. Plant water-soaking varieties if you live in a wet and flood-prone region. 

Plant fruit and nut trees in areas with partial shade. Why under partial shade? Because the shade will increase the rate of survival. We are seeking a system that creates food sustainably, not necessarily for quantity. 

This is the only way we can effectively grow long-term without harming the ecosystem or without the need to constantly maintain it. 

Grow your own medicine.

We are seeking a strategy to provide an abundance of food over time. We are seeking awareness and understanding of the complexities of biodiversity and the use of shade to protect soil and other plants nursing during their youthful years. 

Plant a native tree, and then another. Plant a fruit tree adapted to your region, native to your region. Plant in the shade, the partial shade, plant pollinating species, plant nitrogen-fixing natives, and non-invasive plant shade trees that can house and feed wildlife. 

It can be free. It can be low cost. All you need is a shovel, a plant, and some time. Maybe a friend or two. Go plant a native tree.

Goco