Rainforests are necessary to enable a continuation of life on our planet. You find tropical rainforests in South and Central America, Africa, Australia and Asia. Temperate rainforests are found in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Tasmania, Chile, Ireland, Scotland and Norway. All in all, they only cover 6% of the earth’s surface.
While most of the significant areas of rainforest are to be found in poor countries, it is evident that they suffer deforestation. Poor farmers are just trying to put food on the table for their families. This poverty costs themselves, their country and the world through the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services like erosion prevention, flood control, water treatment and fisheries protection. Success in conserving the rainforest in such countries will require reconciling the inevitable conflicts between short-term needs of local people with the long-term needs of nature.
We could elevate on general systems to save the planet, but there are also things you can do!
At home, you can save the rainforest by recycling as much as possible. You can also try to use laundry and dish soaps that are phosphate free. Another thing is not to let water run needlessly and set your water heater no higher than 130 degrees.
In your yard, you can put up birdfeeders, birdhouses and bird baths. You can pull weeds instead of using herbicides. Compost your leaves and yard debris and use mulch to conserve water in your garden. Plant short, dense shrubs close to the foundation of your home, to help insulate the house against the cold.
When you drive a car, you should recycle your engine oil and keep your tires completely inflated to save gas. Better still, use the public transport whenever possible or ride your bike or walk. Another good idea is to carpool.
When you go shopping, avoid buying food or household products in plastic or Styrofoam containers (they can’t be recycled). If you must use disposables, buy paper products. When you need a major appliance, go for the model which is the most energy-efficient. Also buy locally grown food and locally made products when possible.
At work, you can also recycle office and computer paper, or use scrap paper for personal notes. Print and copy on both sides of the paper. Use smaller paper for smaller memos. Use washable cups during coffee break. Use the stairs instead of the elevator on trips less than three or four floors.
While you are on vacation, you can turn down the heat and turn off the water heater before you leave. Make sure your trash doesn’t end up in the ocean and don’t litter the beaches you visit. Leave plants and flowers where you see them. Don’t buy souvenirs that are made from wild or endangered species. Build small campfires and make sure they are completely out before you leave. And stay on the trails, don’t trample fragile undergrowth.
And most importantly, spread the word! Encourage your family, friends and neighbors to save on their resources too. Try to learn more about conservation issues in your community or state, and teach your children to respect nature and the environment.
