The Importance of Rainforests
Did you know that rainforests are home to 50% of the world’s species but it only covers 2% of the Earth’s surface?! Rainforests are chalked full of life and are found around the world, on every continent but Antarctica. Not only do rainforests provide homes for tons of plants and animals, they are also an important source of fresh water. One-fifth of the world’s freshwater is found in the Amazon Basin.
Trees are absolutely vital to life here on Earth, but they are also being destroyed at an alarming rate. So many of the choices we make throughout the day when we’re shopping, eating, or even driving, are powered by deforestation. Trees are cut and burned down for a number of reasons. Forests are logged to supply timber for wood and paper products, and to clear land for crops, cattle, and housing. Other causes of deforestation include mining and oil exploitation, urbanization, acid rain and wildfires. And according to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the 33 million acres of forestland that are lost annually around the globe are responsible for 20% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions! Deforestation also contributes to air and water pollution, a loss of biodiversity, erosion, and climatic disruption.
So what can you DO about deforestation?
One easy way to combat deforestation is to PLANT A TREE. Not only is it fun for you and the kids, something they can watch grow with them through the years, it’s a great way to add some beauty to the back yard. And what day is more perfect to do that than Earth Day (April 22)? You can also take it one step further by making sure the choices you make at home, at the store, at work, and on the menu don’t contribute to the problem. Here’s what you can do:
1. Plant a tree.
2. Go paperless.
3. Recycle and buy recycled products.
4. Look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification on wood and wood products.
5. Eat vegetarian meals as often as possible.
6. Join Chipper in Making Change for the Better – it’s easy! Recycle a can; Print, color, and attach the label below; Collect change and donate to to programs and organizations that keep our earth clean and beautiful like Leave No Trace, Sierra Club, and the EPA!
If we all pitch in, we can make sure our planet is green and healthy for many generations to come! Let’s Go Chipper and Save the Planet!
