Jamie Durie

Jamie Durie, National Tree Day ambassador, talks to OK! about thinking green on August 2…

Hey Jamie! Thanks for chatting to us.
So tell us, what is National Tree Day all about?
Tree Day is all about teaching people about the importance of native Australian trees – appreciating and preserving those that we have for future generations. If we all get out there and plant trees and shrubs that are native to their area, it helps our soil, wildlife, creeks and rivers and also helps to combat global warming.

This is your 10th year as an ambassador…
Yeah, I’m passionate about looking after the environment – for us and for future generations. I don’t think you can work with plants and gardens and not feel the intrinsic and natural connection we have to the environment. We are part of nature, so looking after the environment is really looking after ourselves as well.

What do you want to see come out of this year’s Tree Day?
One of our main angles this year is to plant the 15 millionth native seedling since National Tree Day began in 1996. Planet Ark are also calling on all Australians – whether it be schools, community groups, businesses or individuals – to ‘get growing’ for Schools Tree Day on Friday, July 31 and National Tree Day on Sunday, August 2.

How can people get involved?
We need communities and schools, parents, teachers, kids, everyone! It’s vital that we show our kids that they can make a real difference to the environment. We need councils, community and environmental groups to rally together with local businesses to get behind Tree Day. We also work in conjunction with Toyota Dealers and Lions, Apex and Rotary groups, and consult with groups like Greening Australia and Landcare Australia to make sure Tree Day planting sites work best for the community and the environment.

Are you worried people are a bit over being ‘green’?
No, not at all. Looking after the environment is not a fad or trend – this is about evolving and growing as a species. It’s about becoming responsible and not thinking of the earth as just a commodity to be used and exploited... the earth is our home.

If people were to make one lifestyle change, what would you suggest?
An easy thing to do is ring your energy provider and ask to switch over to green energy, or find out more about green energy at www.originenergy.com.au.

What other green projects are you working on?
I just recently launched the Greenpeace Good Wood Guide in Sydney. My team and I have been working on our latest range of outdoor lifestyle products which are sold through Big W stores and also a range of beautifully coloured paints and finishes through Porter’s Paints.

For more information on National Tree Day head to http://treeday.planetark.org.