Help the rainforest
The world has watched in horror as the Amazon rainforest has been burned at unprecedented rates to make way for agriculture. The Amazon wildfires are so alarming as scientists have said that trees are the planet’s first line of defense against global warming. Due to deforestation and wildfires, scientists estimate that we are near the tipping point where the Amazon can no longer function as a much needed carbon sink. Brazil’s Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and a vital carbon store. We all need to do something to protect this vitally important place on our planet.
While there’s no way to stop the fires without hopping in a plane and flying to Brazil, there are a few things you can do to help the rainforest right now: – Reduce your paper and wood consumption or buy rainforest safe products through the Rainforest Alliance.
– Reduce your beef consumption. Rainforest beef is typically found in fast-food hamburgers or processed beef products.
– Reduce your palm oil consumption. As you pick up food, cleaning and beauty products, make sure to scan the ingredients to see if it contains palm oil. If it does, see if it has a RSPO label which certifies that it was sourced sustainably. Other names for palm oil is PO, palm kernel oil (PKO), or palm glycerides. It also appears under the source tree’s Latin name, Elaies guineensis.
– Protect an acre of rainforest through the Rainforest Action Network.
– Support the rainforest’s indigenous populations with Amazon Watch.
– Support arts, science, and other projects that raise awareness about the Amazon through the Amazon Aid Foundation.
– Help protect animals living in the jungle through WWF.
– Make your voice heard by signing the Greenpeace petition to the Brazilian government to better protect the Amazon forests.
– Help buy land in the rainforest through the Rainforest Trust.