Sustainability is about considering all of the potential value associated with the decisions we make. According to this document available online from Cleveland State University, Ohio, the true cost of deforestation is much higher than expected. The document includes some really interesting information about Waste, Printing, Consumption, Growth, Energy, Water, CO2, Forests, and Ink, as well as Trees themselves.
One of the last points included is as follows:
According to the USDA Forest Service, a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water, and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion, over a 50-year life span.
Interested in learning more?
Check out the link below!
http://cua6.urban.csuohio.edu/~sanda/syl/envpol/materials/GREEN%20FACTS.pdf