5 Ways to Save the Rainforest on World Rainforest Day — CuddlyNest

One of the most prominent ecosystems on our planet is the rainforest. Although they only take up a small percentage of the Earth’s surface, there are many reasons why we need to put rainforest conversation at the top of our priorities. That’s why we are celebrating World Rainforest Day by sharing five easy ways to save the rainforest. Together as a community, it is our responsibility to promote sustainable travel and the health of our incredible flora and fauna. Unless the global community puts in a strong united effort, we won’t be able to enjoy them for much longer. After all, the rainforest is the oldest ecosystem in the world, and it is our duty to help them thrive.

Fun Facts About the Rainforest:

Before we dive in and add saving the rainforest to your 2020 goals, let’s go over everything you need to know about these verdant green habitats.

• Rainforests have existed for millions of years. Thriving in warm, humid regions, rainforests used to cover the majority of the world.
• They are tall, hot, and are named for their continuous annual rainfall.
• While they are one of the most important ecosystems in the world, they only cover 6% of the Earth’s surface.
• The largest rainforest in the world is the Amazon Rainforest. It is over 5.5 million square kilometers, 1.4 billion acres, and extends over nine South American countries. The country with the largest part of the Amazon is Brazil with 60%, followed by Peru with 13%, Colombia with 10%, and the remaining 17% split between Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname.
• Rainforests compose over half the plants and animals found on Earth.
• Indonesia, the Dominican Republic of Congo, Malaysia, and many more countries also have large amounts of the rainforest.
• The first World Rainforest Day was launched on June 22, 2017, by the Rainforest Partnership. The environmental holiday has been celebrated every year since on the date, June 22.

How to Save the Rainforest:

Now that you know the facts, it’s time to learn how to save our beautiful green rainforests around the globe. Here are the five easy steps that you can take to preserve them. The best way to start is by changing some of your everyday habits.

Shop Local and Purchase Eco-Friendly Products

By shopping for locally made and purchasing organic, eco-friendly products you can reduce waste and the use of harmful materials. While many global conglomerates make products that you may use regularly, try substituting buying those from major brands and opt for a boutique eco-friendly shop. Many local and eco-friendly based stores set amounts of their revenue aside to contribute to preserving the rainforest and other environmental causes. When you buy local, that also helps decrease the number of products that are shipped from remote locations. This also helps reduce your carbon footprint. Sources like Going Zero Waste can provide you with tips on what you need to know when it comes to shopping eco-friendly and organic.

Support Indigenous Communities

Building strong relationships with and within the indigenous communities is one of the best ways to help save the rainforest. The rainforest is home to thousands of indigenous people. By supporting their rights you can help protect their land and their homes. This will prevent large corporations from entering their territories, taking all their resources, and depleting their land. Without rights and proper governance, it is incredibly difficult for these people to survive and keep their communities safe. By spreading awareness and educating yourself on organizations like the Amazon Aid Foundation, you can help conserve these communities and regions from deforestation and forced removal from their homes.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint

The rainforest is very efficient at storing carbon, however, this also means it is at risk of the effects of climate change. Changing your habits like driving less and relying on public transportation help reduce your carbon footprint. You can also avoid things at home like adjusting your thermostat and leaving your electronics plugged in when they are not being used. There are many businesses that let you know that their products are services that are done while offsetting carbon usage. Look up your favorite services and businesses and inquire about what they are doing to help reduce their own carbon footprint. You will then know what brands and businesses to use and promote, while also helping out the rainforest.

Promote Rainforest Sustainability and Ecotourism

Ecotourism is one of the best ways for countries to generate revenue to fund rainforest preservation. By choosing to visit locations and destinations that have a relatively low economy or low level of domestic tourism, you can help boost income for businesses and countries. Your travel spending can go directly into preservation reserves and organizations. The proceeds of those businesses then pay for things like national and natural park maintenance and conservation. But while everyone wants to help and visit every beautiful place around the world, do your homework and make sure that the areas you are visiting and places you choose to adventure to really do promote ecotourism and sustainable travel. You can contact the local governments in each area you visit to see what ways you can help during your stay.

Educate Your Community

Sharing what you have learned about preserving the rainforest can go a very long way in saving it. Check out the websites of wildlife and conversation organizations like the Rainforest Action Network, Survival International, and more to see what you can do to support their missions and educate your own community. Tell your friend and have them share with one of theirs and so on until your network grows and grows. You as just one person can make a global and long-lasting impact in seconds.

Let’s take advantage of World Rainforest Day by learning more about sustainable travel by both land and sea. Find more information about ecotourism on our blog and social media channels.

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Originally published at https://www.cuddlynest.com on June 22, 2020.