Parrot News
22 September 2009
Ten easy things to do to help save the rainforests:
The oceans and rainforests of planet earth are life-sustaining resources
that are slowly being destroyed, endangering our way of life and that
of billions of other creatures. Here are some things to consider, to help
make a difference:
1. Visit the rainforest!
And engage in sustainable tourism activities. A great holiday and adventure,
and every eco-dollar means someone doesn't have to mine or farm cattle.
2. Beef? Try the chicken instead
According to the latest figures, beef industry has been responsible for
80% of rainforest destruction, either directly (for clearing through pasture)
or indirectly (through demand for soya-based feed products). Cattle also
produce methane, a green-house gas.
3. Consume sustainable forest resources
Brazil nuts and shade-grown coffee are some examples. Soya and products
with palm-oil are not good.
4. Join a conservation organisation
Conservation International, WCS and WWF are some of the big names in wildlife
conservation, but there are many other smaller, more focused, and in many
ways more effective, local organisations that do great work.
5. Don't buy tropical hardwood
It may look pretty - but hardwood trees take hundreds or even thousands
of years to grow. Although the case of mahogany has been a semi-conservation
success, many other hardwood trees have not received the same attention
- Dipteryx, a key nesting and food resource for many rainforest animals,
has no protected status and is currently being decimated.
6. Learn more
Subscribe to a conservation science news-feed. Mongabay.com is a good
one.
7. Don't buy gold
Unlike diamonds, which can be ethically approved, gold extraction is responsible
for the destruction of thousands of hectares of rainforest and creates
very uneven wealth with associated socio-economic problems.
9. Show the children
Only if they learn to love, will rainforests survive, and you can't love
what you don't know! Wildlife is everywhere, even in cities.
10. Don't encourage the exotic pet trade
Rescue centres already struggle with the number of abandoned exotic pets.
Too many animals are cute, cuddly and endangered.
But if its only one thing you want to do, then do this: Don't be selfish.
Your consumption and lifestyle choices do make a difference.
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