• CONTACT US
• ABOUT US
• VIEW CART

Seattle is losing trees in its parks and urban forests. The aging public forest is dying, being slowly choked away by invasive plants or killed by disease. There are 60 fewer acres of parks and nature that were shaded or protected by trees in 2007.  Seattle does have a goal of increasing its stock of trees.  Seattle has a long history of conservation efforts, and parts of the city-owned forests were established as long ago as 100 years –so although it is natural for trees of this age to begin to die, council members are committed to the continuation of the trees . Budget cuts interfere with maintenance efforts but leaders and arborists are working on policy and dealing with the sad truth that in the wake of budget cuts, tree and budgets are usually cut first, and the heaviest.

Posted by Sha Granville | March 28, 2011 | Tell Us What YOU Think...

 From grade school all the way to adulthood, American’s are taught that tree’s are important. Trees provide oxygen for us to breathe, are more effective coolers than air conditioners, combat erosion and even prevent noise pollution. We understand that the quality of our world forests reflects the health and wellbeing of our societies. Although these are great reasons to protect and conserve our natural forests, scientific research reveals that trees and forests provide important health benefits to adults and children.

 Research shows that trees have a restorative quality that helps people feel and function better. For example, drivers exposed to nature are less likely to have a negative response to stressful situations. Moreover, recovery surgery patients who could see trees outside their window have a quicker recovery and require less pain medication then patients whose vies is a high...

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. With support from the U.S. Forest Service, NASF has partnered with the American Forest Foundation to act as co-chairs of an ad-hoc steering committee to develop, guide and facilitate plans for the U.S. celebration. Life as we know it depends on sustainable practices and protection of our primary forests. Edward Norton, UN Goodwill Ambassador, states, ““Without large healthy forests there would be no oxygen to breathe, no clean water, much less water and almost no medicines to heal us when we are sick,” and with millions of acres of the world’s  forests destroyed yearly, deeming 2011 the International Year of Forests is not only ground breaking, but urgen...

With fashion weeks around the world well under way, it’s fun to find eco and earthly trends on the runway. Wood is back in a big way in two leading fashion trends that hit the spring and resort runways: Tribal prints and the 1970’s trend. With 70’s inspired accessories, oversized pieces have been ushered in by designers such as Michael Kors and Chole. Chunky bracelets and watches adorn the wrists of fashionistas, and  oversized sunglasses and shoes in experimental materials such as crepe, tweed and wood complete the bohemian, oversized look. Tribal fashions are back as well, but with a modern twist. Classic designs such as the pump and the wedge brought up-to-date with tribal patterns, as well as tribal accessories made of wood and other natural materials rather than metal and hard plastics. Wood is the leading lady of the runways and the trend does not seem to be dying down.

A daring, unisex trend that continues to be a hit on and off the runways is the oversized accessory trend. Chuncky bracelets, heavily layered necklaces, and oversized knits and hats all embody the oversized style. Wrist watches have really explored this trend, bringing fashion and functionality back to the world of timekeeping. Heavy chain-links, sporty rubber wrist bands, and large faced timepiece styles in fresh materials such as canvas and wood bring a personalized touch to this blooming fashion.

Read more about the oversized trend here

Taking vacations during spring and summer can be hard on our environment. Printing boarding passes, disposable bottles and trays for every meal takes a toll on paper resources. Hotel stays and transportation can expand the carbon footprint a little more than anyone would want or expect.  This no longer has to be the circumstance –Sweden recently opened their first-in-kind stunning mirror-walled Tree House Hotel, set in the pristine forests of Northern Sweden.  The Microcube is a prefabricated cube accessed via a ladder that runs straight up from the ground into the heart of the unit. The Mirrorcube is completely encased in mirrored walls that reflect the surrounding forest, allowing the structure to blend into the environment.