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The Icelandic Forest Service is encouraging people to hug trees instead of friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis, promoting relaxation and a sense of normality. Forest ranger Þór Þorfinnsson advises finding the right tree and connecting with nature. Reykjavik aims to become carbon neutral by 2040.
The term “tree hug” has often been used as an insult, aimed at anyone who seems overly concerned about environmental causes (as if that were possible).
Now, however, Iceland believes that hugging trees can help keep people healthy and safe during the COVID-19 crisis. With social distancing now in vogue, the Icelandic Forest Service is urging everyone to hug a tree instead of hugging friends and family, thus giving us a sense of normality and warmth at a time when isolation is rife.
“When you hug (a tree), you feel it first in your toes and then in your legs, chest and then in your head,” says forest ranger Þór Þorfinnsson. “It’s a wonderful feeling of relaxation and then you’re ready for a new day and new challenges.”
The rangers did their best to keep the forest trails clear, to allow people to keep their distance from each other while still providing easy access to a tree to squeeze. Þorfinnsson wants to make sure that people get the most out of hugging by taking their time, finding the right tree and truly connecting with nature.
“There are a lot of trees… it doesn’t have to be big and sturdy, it can be any size,” he says. “You can also do it several times a day, that wouldn’t be bad. But once a day will definitely do the trick, even if it’s just for a few days.”
Within Iceland:
Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world, is home to over 60% of Iceland’s population.
Reykjavik has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, absorbing as much carbon as it produces.
Iceland and Antarctica are thought to be the only places in the world without mosquitoes.
