Meaningful Fact of the Day #4

Deforestation has been negatively impacting the earth since the late 1950s, and today it is worse than I ever imagined it could be. Every second I have spent typing this article an acre and a half of forest was cut down. Imagine 20 football fields disappearing every minute, that is what is happening to the rainforests. At this completely unsustainable, and absurd rate in less than 100 years there will be no rain forests left on earth. 

The timber and cattle industry are destroying our planet

Not only does deforestation endanger wildlife, it also increases global warming by creating 12-17 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions, effects the water cycle by creating drier environments, and ultimatly causing massive wildlife extinctions. The Amazon Rainforest alone produces 20 percent of our oxygen, and 18 percent of the rainforest has been cut down already!!

Deforestation in Borneo 

There are more than 121 natural remedies found in rainforests that can be used as medicines, 25 percent of those are cancer fighting organisms. (Still think the Pharmacetutical industry wants to "cure" you?) In the United States, we have less than 5 percent of the world's population, yet we consume more than 30 percent of the world's paper. -Think twice about making that sign that says "Save The Trees"- The paper industry is the fourth largest in producing greenhouse gas, thereby majorly contributing to deforestation!

Increasing the carbon footprint and emissions 10-fold

41 pounds of junk mail are sent to almost every adult in the United States, almost half of that goes unopened, and pretty much all of goes in the trash.

"Slash and Burn" operation in Amazon Rainforest

What can we do to stop this? 
There are many things you can do on a daily basis that will slow down the rate of deforestation. If everyone just in America alone did this every day the deforestation could be in big trouble. The paper and agricultural industry are mostly responsible for the reckless rate of deforestation and by not supporting those industries, it puts pressure on them to use more sustainable methods of business.

1. Re-using paper and plastic bags discourages deforestation 
2. Using canvas bags is a great alternative to paper and plastic
3. Support eco-friendly companies that promise more durabililty and affordability 
4. Be Proactive and plant trees, at home, in your backyard, your neighborhood, even teaming up with local businesses can be a great way to combat deforestation 
5. Reducing consumption of beef products will tone down the pressure to clear more land for cattle
6. Boycott unsustainable companies and methods by supporting organizations that genuinely care about the envirnonment and the future of our planet
7. Seek more knowledge on deforestation, spread the word, and make it go viral!