Forests are the lungs of the earth. They are essential for environmental stability and human health. These ecosystems are home to 50 percent of all species in the world. And yet they are under siege, disappearing all over the world at an alarming rate. Unsustainable agriculture, development, logging, and mining. Read on to discover 9 ways to protect our forests.
Why do we need our forests?
Protecting the world’s forests should be our priority in fighting climate change. Trees provide a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits. Around 1.6 billion people rely on them directly for food, shelter, fuel and income. But if current deforestation rates continue, tropical rainforests could be gone within the lifetime of young people alive today.
Forests regulate the climate, improve air quality, clean our water and control floods. They prevent soil erosion and landslides and provide shade, lowering energy consumption. Finally, forests are beautiful places to visit. In short, we really need our forests
The loss of this natural resource would spell disaster for our planet. Luckily, there are solutions within our reach. Read on to discover 9 things you can do to protect our forests.
Print less
The less you print, the fewer trees are cut down. Rather than printing, store information on your computer or phone. And invest in a portable hard drive to back up your important files at home.
Use double-sided paper
If you do need to print, use both sides of the page. This will cut your paper consumption in half, saving half the number of trees.
Paperless billing
Opt for paperless billing. Request your bills and correspondence by email instead.
Choose FSC Certified
When buying wood products, look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified. FSC is a third-party council that sets standards for forest products. They’re sourced in an environmentally-friendly, socially responsible and economically viable manner.
Alternative resources
Buy sustainable alternative products such as bamboo. Bamboo, sugarcane and hemp are grasses, not hardwoods. They grow quickly (reaching maturity in up to 5 years), requiring very little light and water.
Read digitally
Instead of buying a paperback, try using an e-reader or tablet. You can store hundreds of books on one gadget. If you prefer the paper version, borrow from the library, buy used, or organize a book swap in your community.
Online magazines
Buy an online magazine subscription. Most magazines offer a better yearly online subscription rate than buying the paper version.
Send e-cards
It’s estimated that around 900 million Christmas cards are sent in Britain every year. One tree produces just 3,000 cards. So that’s 300,000 trees used for cards at Christmas alone. Send e-cards instead. They are great and most are free.
Plant new trees
The easiest way to support trees is to go out and plant new ones yourself. Whether you plant a single tree in your back garden. Or plant several with a group. Your actions will have a significant positive impact on the planet.
Educating yourself is the crucial first step in the fight for Earth’s forests. And once you know how to do it, you can go out and show others how to save trees too!