Tree Hugger– Proposal

1) Plants need love. While controversial to some, it’s widely accepted within the horticultural community that speaking directly and affectionately to plants increases growth to a statistically significant degree. While some would claim this to be the residual effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, I say no. It is because plants need love, just like people. A child will grow stunted and prone to violence in a loveless environment. Surely the same is true for plants.

2) To know love is to give love. To give love is to know love.

3) I propose the outfitting of a tree with a prosthetic love delivery and acceptance device. To be direct, I wish to grant the ability to hug. What could be more basic than a hug? Universally understood, the hug is basic declaration of love, be it between parent and child, lover and lover, or long lost friends.

4) This hug prosthetic would consist of two parts. First, an array of touch sensitive surfaces, allowing the tree to sense a firm hug or affectionate caress. Secondly, combination of pulleys, servo motors and shape memory alloy, that will allow the tree to demonstrate it’s affection in return. The entire system would be powered by a small bank of solar panels, allowing the tree to maintain autonomy while using a familiar power source. Implementation will be non invasive and will have no lasting effects on tree.