The quality of life for humans, wildlife, and the environment is greatly impacted by the negative effects of deforestation. While there are governmental policies in place, trees are cut down at an alarming rate – 10 million hectares a year to be exact. So what can we do to prevent deforestation? We can start by supporting reforestation programs and encourage education to spread awareness.
Reforestation
Replanting an entire area of trees yourself may not be a feasible action. Luckily, there are worldwide organizations dedicated to planting trees and protecting forests. Our partner, Eden Reforestation Projects operates in 10 countries and plants almost a million trees each day. They partner with community leaders to make an impact on the local environment and economy by providing jobs and teaching simple planting techniques. The organization prioritizes community development and habitat restoration to keep families together while also protecting the forest from poachers and natural threats.
Interested in supporting Eden Reforestation Projects? Donate today.
Reduce Consumption
The following are a few tips to reduce the daily consumption of products made from trees.
Go paperless. With the increase in technology, there is less need for printing and paper copies. When possible, utilize online versions instead.
Recycle paper products. Recycling paper and cardboard saves trees from being cut down. Recycling one ton of paper can save the energy amount of consuming 322 gallons of gas.
Buy sustainable products. Search for products that are made from recycled materials. For wood products, look for those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as they are companies producing sustainable wood and respect workers’ rights.
Do not buy palm oil. Palm oil production is a major cause of deforestation in tropical rainforests. According to the World Wildlife Fund, an area equivalent to the size of 300 football fields in the rainforest is cleared every hour for palm oil production.
Support sustainability efforts. When possible, support companies and organizations that prioritize sustainability through purchases, donations, and recommendations.
Education
Take time to educate yourself about deforestation and how it impacts the world around us. You may be surprised by what you learn. Spread awareness and take steps to make a difference by joining local and global groups with like-minded people looking to be the change in their community.
Here are a few deforestation resources to get you started:
The Hedrick Project is dedicated to preventing deforestation through our partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. Donate today and explore the shop to join our mission to better animal, human, and environmental life globally.
Written by: Faith Foushee