Plants, Plants, and More Plants

Sure, plants are all around us whether we realize it or not. They are such a huge part of our lives here on planet earth. They help us breathe and we help them breathe. We all share something in common: plants. Nearly every corner of the earth has some sort of native species of plants. Whether those are trees, shrubs, vines, or flowering organisms, these make our world amazing.

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In order to understand why plants are specifically important the concept of photosynthesis needs a basic understanding. The ingredients to this miraculous recipe are as follows: sunlight, water, and Carbon Dioxide (C02). These ingredients travel into the plant, which begins the process of the energy conversion. The outcomes of this recipe are sugars and Oxygen. See, it is just like a repetitive cycle.

1. We breathe in (inhale) oxygen
2. We breathe out (exhale) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
3. The plants take in the Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
4. The plants release oxygen

That is the repetitive cycle of photosynthesis. This is exactly why plants are so detrimental to our earth. I have taken many science classes that have talked about plants and the process of photosynthesis, but I often overlooked the importance of this concept. I truly believe that understanding this process will allow each of us to find plants a little more important to our health and life. Not only do they beautify the earth, they provide vital elements for both us and our other animal friends that call this planet home.

Conserving and protecting these plants will allow for a greener, happier, and healthier world. Using plants to landscape properties according to climate and temperatures will encourage plants to thrive. On top of that, planting as service projects brings together the community. Plants often bring together people to help serve their own community and world.

Plants are not only apart of the community and the necessary life elements, but rather, a part of cuisines from all around the world. Dishes from all cultures include plants. Plants make these plates very colorful and nutritious. Fruits and vegetables are a part of a necessary whole and balanced diet. They provide essential nutrients and vitamins that will ensure a healthier life. Here are some of my favorite foods that include plants:

1. Garden Salad
2. Spring Rolls
3. Lo Mein
4. Ka-bobs
5. Smoothies
6. Herbal Tea
7. Coleslaw
8. Zucchini Meatballs
9. Baked Carrots
10. Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese

Both gardening and plants brings forth a whole new world of learning. Life is all about learning, which means that gardening is a perfect way to expand that horizon. Exercising a green thumb also exercises the brain as well. Gardening is not always easy, but it always brings happiness. With the raising of serotonin levels that brings on a lot more positives in life.

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."
-Audrey Hepburn

​Implementing plants into your life will help you experience more joy and happiness within. Plants just create a whole new way of life -that is good of course. For one, it gives that bond between human and nature. Better understanding the surroundings and nature helps us be more in tune with the amazing world around us. Secondly, gardening and growing plants gives a sense of newfound awareness. Awareness is so important. Growing your own food is always -and I mean always- very important and essential.
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Ways to benefit both YOU and the environment:

1. Buy organic
2. Grown your own food
3. Check labels
4. Experiment and don't be afraid to expand your horizon
5. Always try new things
6. Be willing to learn
7. Care for the environment
8. Connect with the plant to gain a deeper understanding
9. Strive to grow and create as much as possible
10. Help spread the word
11. Know what GMOs are
12. Growing plants yourself will help gain the ultimate understanding
13. Do not forget that each plant is unique