Deforestation and Caring for the forest
The purposeful clearing of forested land for human purpose – such as making space for agriculture and using the wood for fuel, manufacturing, and construction – can cause wide scale damage. Since 1990, the world has lost more than 420 million hectares or about a billion acres of forest, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [1]—mainly in Africa and South America. Of course, cutting trees is inevitable for the continuation of production, however, the important part is to replace the trees that are cut down. It is also crucial to apply due diligence and assure sustainable wood sourcing.
It is estimated that 80% of land animals and plant species live in forests [2], and deforestation not only wipes out their habitats, but also deprives the forest of portions of its canopy which leads to extreme temperature changes, harming plants and animals. Deforestation removes trees which absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale, and greenhouse gases emitted through human activities. With fewer trees to absorb the gases, more gases will enter the atmosphere which leads to climate change.
By engaging in efforts such as reforestation and helping to promote the sustainable use of the world’s forests, we can ensure that future generations will benefit from the natural resources provided by forests. Protecting forests and ending deforestation are part of our mutual responsibility to the Earth and this is the best chance we have to regulate the climate, protect wildlife, and improve the planet.
Start by planting a tree
Planting more trees is one way to combat deforestation. Trees help regulate the climate and curb climate change, filter water, capture dust particles and pollutants from the air, and create homes for plants and animals. There are two types of reforestation: urban reforestation and rural reforestation. Urban reforestation tends to be used to increase shady areas, protect against heat, and improve air quality by trying to capture the excess CO2 from traffic. Rural reforestation refers to the large-scale planting of trees to restore deforested areas which helps to preserve species native to the areas, fertilize the soil, and protect against erosion. By doing this, we can start to rebuild previously destroyed forests. In addition, we can join One Tree Planted, a non-profit focused on global reforestation, at their tree planting events, or sign up to be a Tree Planting Ambassador.
Shop for certified wood
Your purchase decisions can also play an important role in helping the world’s forests. Next time you go shopping, look for Responsible Wood-certified products. The Responsible Wood logo can be found on a huge range of products, from tissues, toilet paper and notebooks, to wooden flooring, bookshelves, and garden sheds. Responsible Wood is an Australian nonprofit which sets globally recognized standards for managing forests sustainably. Sustainable forest management has wide reaching environmental advantages: it reduces the risk of fires, prevents deforestation, preserves biodiversity, helps mitigate climate change, and preserves water and soil. It also provides economic benefits as it improves productivity by streamlining the exploitation and use of forests.
Recycle and reuse
Did you know that a single piece of wood can be reused and recycled through a succession of different products? This process reduces the volume of virgin wood that needs to be harvested from forests. In addition, huge areas of forests have to be cleared to meet the needs of people using paper. However, by simply recycling paper, you can help to reduce the destruction of forests and reduce the impact of climate change. These two simple steps will make a huge difference. Better sorting of waste, reusing and recycling, as well as responsible consumer choices can all contribute to companies making less resource-intensive products, thus saving lots of energy and water. #It’sInYourHands to make a change. Wood you?
[1] https://www.fao.org/state-of-forests/en/
[2] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/deforestation
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