Photography, Fabio Fistrol, Unsplash
June 22 is World Rainforest Day, a day dedicated to protecting rainforests by raising awareness and encouraging action to protect them. Our Earth is home to many vibrant rainforests full of beautiful species and ecosystems, yet our rainforests are persistently being affected by deforestation.
Here is how you can make a difference this World Rainforest Day!
Limit deforestation drivers in your diet.
Many foods we eat are grown on deforested lands, such as meat, palm oil, soy, coffee, and cacao. These ingredients are ever-present in our diets and favourite foods, with palm oil present in about 50 per cent of supermarket products.
Our contribution to deforestation can be limited by shopping locally and supporting eco-friendly products. Check your food labels for ingredients and buy alternatives when possible.
Choose thoughtfully made products.
Support companies and products that care to make a difference in our environment.
Products that show a Rainforest Alliance Certified are grown and harvested on farms and forests that follow sustainable practices. Some companies that have achieved this are Whittaker’s and Dole.
The FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Good magazines have reached this certification on all printed magazines which are printed using materials that are based on renewable resources.
Another certification to look out for is the Orangutan Alliance, a palm oil-free certification. Some companies that have achieved his certification include Fix & Fogg and Ethique, with no traces of palm oil in any of the brand’s products or supply chain.
Learn about the effects of deforestation.
Deforestation can have a significant impact on our environment. It can cause issues such as climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and problems for native animals, ecosystems, and indigenous people.
Learning about the effects of deforestation helps us to become educated on deforestation and the presence that it has in our lives. This helps people know what to look out for and what changes to make to protect our rainforests.
Spread the word.
The more people know about rainforests, the more inspired they may be to support the cause. Consider sharing the message on social media by resharing posts from wildlife and conservation organisations. By spreading the word, you can make a global and long-lasting impact on our rainforests.
Donate.
There are many transformative nonprofit organisations protecting rainforests across the globe. By donating to organisations such as Rainforest Action Network or Rainforest Trust, you are sure to be backing charities that are making a difference.
