From your office to the forest. Befriend nature and protect the planet

Although the Oaky Earth Week and the environmental awareness month are now coming to an end, taking good care of the planet remains our priority. Sustainable production, responsible sourcing of materials, zero waste lifestyle, and utilizing green energy make up only a fraction of what we can do for the Earth. Today we would like to introduce you to the idea of afforestation and to the ways in which each of us can cultivate and deepen their relationship with nature.

 forest drone

Photo by Geran de Klerk on Unsplash

Forests for the planet

Here at Oakywood, planting trees is something we consider indisputable and crucial. Since the production of our eco-friendly accessories involves using the renewable resource that is wood, we want to give back and return the trees to Mother Nature. This is why we regularly support organizations such as One Tree Planted and Las na Zawsze (Forest Forever).

Providing wood for our sustainable production is only one of the many incredibly important roles forests play in our lives: without them, our chances of survival would be dangerously slim. Their main functions are producing and releasing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and lowering temperature – the scorching hot summer weather we experience in big cities (especially those with predominantly concrete landscapes) is a depressing preview of a treeless world. Moreover, forests prevent both draughts and floods: they are essential in regulating water circulation, keeping the soil adequately moist, and facilitating water absorption.

 woman in forest

Photo by Gus Ruballo on Unsplash

Forests for health and wellbeing

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.

Henry David Thoreau
Walden

You don’t necessarily need to follow in Thoreau’s footsteps and move to the woods to strengthen your relationship with nature and live more consciously – a long walk in the forest will do just fine. Forest baths are hugely beneficial in terms of your health – especially if you practice them regularly. A purposeful walk in the woods with your phone turned off and your senses switched on does more than improve your mood and lower your stress levels. Such exposure to nature supports your immune system, reduces the risk of developing cancerous cells, lowers your blood pressure, as well as decreases cortisol and glucose levels.

In order to take full advantage of your forest walk and reap all its health benefits, you should banish work-related thoughts, leave behind daily distractions, and focus entirely on experiencing nature: listen to the forest sounds, breathe in the fresh air full of essential oils released by the trees, and admire the soothing greenery. A walk like this will help you concentrate on your day-to-day tasks and maintain balance.

 minimalistic plant

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

‘Forests’ for your workspace

A leisurely stroll in the woods is, for many, a luxury they can only afford once in a while. This is why we advise you to have regular contact with nature in your office and home. Potted plants in the workspace can serve as a surrogate forest: they promote focus, increase productivity, minimize stress, provide oxygen, purify the air, and introduce a more relaxing, tranquil atmosphere.

What sort of plants are most fitting for a home office? The choice is yours and the world of plants is your oyster. However, we have compiled a few classic options for those who aren’t experienced gardeners:

  • Spider plant (chlorophytum) – this evergreen plant is low maintenance but still unique,
  • ZZ plant (zamioculcas) – survives well in low-light environments and requires infrequent watering – it stores large reserves of water in its stems and leaves,
  • Peace lily (spathiphyllum) – this eye-catching plant thrives in low-light spots and needs little water (water one or two times a week, depending on the season),
  • Swiss cheese plant (monstera deliciosa) – requires some indirect sunlight – keep it away from direct sun if you have south-facing windows. Monsteras don’t need frequent watering (make sure the soil is dry to the touch before watering),
  • Fig tree (ficus) – this shrub is most suitable for large spaces as it can grow to around 1,5 meters. It benefits from regular misting and infrequent watering.

Strengthening our connection to nature, increasing environmental awareness, and taking care of Mother Earth are the best actions we can take for our wellbeing, our future, and the next generations. We wish for this message to accompany you not only on Earth Day but every other day as well.