For Discussion/Extensions

Did You Know

In addition to paper, trees supply thousands of products for our daily lives. We eat fruits and nuts from trees, use decorative woods for jewelry and art projects, and make practical items like books and fences from wood. Wood is used as a fuel for cooking and heating in stoves, fireplaces and barbecue grills. Houses are made from trees, and the fibers and chemicals from wood are used to make products such as rayon fabric and rubber balls. How can so many different products come from trees? It’s because of the tree’s structure. The lignin can be used to make different chemicals that go into products like cosmetics, medicines and some foods.

Since so many products are made from wood and wood fiber, we need to manage our forest resources in addition to our reducing, reusing and recycling efforts!

Explore which of the following could be considered tree products:

• Ice cream
• Wood logs
• Salad dressing
• Photographic slides and film
• Apples
• Cinnamon
• Rubber bands
• Pecans
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Tires
• Steering wheels
• Rosin
• Wood fence
• Lipstick

For help with this activity:

• Check out the Forest/Tree Products activity in the Project Learning Tree Guide
• Contact the Forest Service and set up a visit to a forest near you or for a forester to come to your classroom. Have them discuss how forests are managed for recreation, habitat and resources.
• Read the book titled The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, and check out these cool activities.

Glossary of Terms to Introduce with This Activity

Biodegradable

The property of a substance that permits it to be broken down by microorganisms into simple stable compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and minerals.

Cellulose

Wood fiber.

Composting

Nature’s way of recycling; process by which organic materials are turned into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Conservation

The wise use of natural resources (nutrients, minerals, water, plants, animals, etc.).

Decomposition

The natural process of the chemical and mechanical breakdown of dead material.

Lignin

A glue-like chemical that holds a tree’s wood fibers together.

Non-Renewable Resource

Resource that is NOT capable of being naturally restored or replenished; resource is exhausted because it has not been replaced (e.g. copper) or because it is used faster than can be replaced (e.g. oil, coal.).

Pulp

Soft, wet mass of wood fibers used to make paper.

Recyclable

Material separated from the waste stream, processed so that it’s used again (often taking the place of virgin material) and then bought back as new item.

Recycling

The recovery, remanufacture and buying back of materials in their new form—conserves resources, energy and landfill space.

Renewable Resource

Resource that is capable of being naturally restored or replenished (e.g., trees.).

Reuse

To find a new function for an item which has outgrown its original use; use again (e.g. peanut butter jar for Pog collection; wash and reuse dishes).

Source Reduction

Reducing the amount and/or toxicity of an item before it is ever generated (e.g., buying an item with less packaging, using a non-toxic alternative to clean with.)