Deforestation is one of the main drivers of climate change, leaves indigenous people without their homelands, and causes the extinction of countless animal and plant species daily. Something needs to be done and you can help. So without further ado, here’s how to save trees!
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Table of Contents
Go Vegan
Veganism is one of the (if not THE) most efficient ways to reduce deforestation.
Why?
80% of deforestation is caused by agriculture, with cattle ranching being one the main culprits.
With a rising global demand for meat, millions of acres of land are cleared every year for feed crops and grazing pastures. Beef and lamb in particular are the most harmful meats in environmental terms.
Animals always require more calories to raise than the calories they produce for humans to eat. That’s why a plant-based diet is much more eco-friendly than any other diet there is.
And that’s not the only benefit of being vegan – living a plant-based life is also good for your health, our oceans and equality!
Reduce Reuse Recycle
Follow these three R’s if you want to adapt an environmentally-friendly consumer behavior:
Reduce your consumption in general – trust me, you need much less that you think. Mindful choices are good for our planet.
Reuse what you already have – get creative with old clothes or packaging and sift through the garage before you shop brand new stuff. If you are sure that you won’t use something again, donate it!
Recycle your waste – that way you reduce the need to source new raw materials, which is a major cause of deforestation.
Buy Forest-Friendly
When you do groceries, buy forest-friendly.
Soy, uncertified coffee and palm oil, as well as many other products that come from the tropics, are especially harmful for forests.
The largest certification scheme is The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). An FSC certification confirms that the forest where the product comes from is being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity, and benefits the lives of local people and workers. It also ensures that it sustains economic viability.
Other popular certification schemes are Rainforest Alliance, USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project.
Read: 17 Food Certification Labels Decoded
Demand Better Labeling of Products
In order to know which products are forest-friendly, proper labeling is necessary. Unfortunately, the majority of commercial stores don’t carry certified products.
And now? Address the issue!
Call out your local supermarket and ask them to sell sustainable products. Build pressure by creating (or joining) campaigns and signing petitions.
Take Care Of Your Cell Phone
Studies have found that buying a new smartphone consumes as much energy as using an existing phone for an entire decade.
The reason for that are the materials inside our small, smart devices. Mining operations for the metals and rare earths produce an enormous amount of CO2 and cause extensive deforestation.
If you are one of those people who constantly lose or break their technological devices (yep, that’s me too), remember: A protective phone casing can save trees.
(Our go to brand is Pela – the world’s most sustainable phone case. Check them out here!)
Visit Forests
Be curious, educate yourself, and spend time in forests. It’s good for your health!
Being in nature reduces your blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.
Climb a tree, take a nap in a hammock, go for a hike or simply soak up the sun. The more you are around the fauna and flora, the more you will understand why we need to save trees.
Plant Trees
How to save trees 101: Plant a tree.
Planting trees helps prevent soil erosion, stabilizes coastlines and increases land fertility. And – of course – it slows down global warming.
Even though this is pretty straightforward, it is not always as easy as it sounds. Inform yourself about reforestation, deforestation and afforestation before you grab your spade and shovel!
Become An Activist
Voice your opinion – Together we can make a difference!
The impact of protests is evident worldwide. Protesters can influence public opinion, draw attention to problems, such as climate change and social injustice, gain a wide audience for the cause, and push public policy or legislation forward.
Plus, joining demonstrations will allow you to connect with others who feel passionate about the issue, and provide inspiration and a sense of being part of a larger movement.
Demand change with Fridays For Future, Extinction Rebellion, 350.org, Peoples Climate, and others!
Donate
If you have a little money to spend, consider using it to help save trees. There are countless organizations worthy of your support.
However, it is important that you do your research before you decide on an NGO. Check out the official website, but also get an overview of recent developments and other opinions.
For example, Greenpeace ended its FSC membership and heavily criticizes the international organization’s practices in several countries.
You see, it can be tricky to make a decision in the beginning. Maybe you prefer to donate to a smaller local NGO that you know personally?
We recommend checking out organizations like the Rainforest Action Network, the TREE Foundation, and the Nature Conservancy.
Read: 35 Environmental Organizations and Nonprofits For a Sustainable Future
In any case: Transparency is important!
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance is a good place to start your research.
Spread The Word
Communication is key. In order to save our forests successfully, we need to educate others on how to save trees, and share not only our passion for forests, but also reasons for the urgent need to act now.
We can do this!
Do you have more ideas on how to save trees? Let us know in the comment section below!
