How to Fight Deforestation

The destruction of the world's forests (deforestation) affects the world as a whole. Deforestation causes flooding, climate change, erosion, the loss of animal habitats and biodiversity in general. Fighting deforestation should be on the minds of all humans, as the future of the Earth depends on it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Discuss deforestation with business owners whose companies harvest materials or use products from forests. During these talks, recommend that the companies do their work with as little environmental impact as possible. Teach them how to use the forests and trees responsibly and let them know the importance of being environmentally conscious.
2. Plant trees to replenish those destroyed by mankind. This process, known as reforestation, helps make a forest sustainable by not allowing the forest to entirely disappear. Many volunteer organizations plant trees in forests all over the world. Joining one of these organizations, or simply planting trees on your own, can greatly help fight deforestation.
3. Speak with your elected government officials. Insist the local government enact legislation to make companies in your area be more responsible with the way that they use forests. You can also help support legislation that creates penalties for companies who do not act responsibly.
4. Try to get local forests turned into National Parks, National Monuments or National Forests. Doing this makes forests property of the federal government, which affords them protection from practices that cause deforestation. Write to your local government officials in support of these designations.
5. Boycott companies that are not environmentally responsible on the issue of deforestation. Avoid using products made by these companies. If enough people do this, a company may get the message that they need to become more environmentally conscious. In addition, write letters to the company, telling them about your boycott.
6. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Harvesting trees for producing paper and paper products is one of the biggest causes of deforestation. If you reduce the amount of paper and paper products that you use, or if you reuse or recycle your paper products, fewer trees will need to be cut down and there will be fewer forests destroyed. Paper products such as napkins, paper towels, tissues and notepaper are easily recycled, reduced or reused.