5 ways to stop deforestation

We need trees for so many reasons ... here's how to keep them around.

Mon, Jan 12 2009 at 9:42 PM EST

Photo by crustmania

Trees are absolutely vital to life here on Earth, but they are also being destroyed at an alarming rate. So many of the choices we make throughout the day when we're shopping, eating, or even driving, are powered by deforestation. Trees are cut and burned down for a number of reasons. Forests are logged to supply timber for wood and paper products, and to clear land for crops, cattle, and housing. Other causes of deforestation include mining and oil exploitation, urbanization, acid rain and wildfires. And according to the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the 33 million acres of forestland that are lost annually around the globe are responsible for 20% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation also contributes toair and water pollution, a loss of biodiversity, erosion, and climatic disruption.

So what can you do about deforestation?

One easy way to combat deforestation is to plant a tree. But you can take it one step further by making sure the choices you make at home, at the store, at work, and on the menu don’t contribute to the problem. Here’s what you can do about deforestation.

Plant a tree.
Go paperless.
Recycle and buy recycled products.
Look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification on wood and wood products.
Eat vegetarian meals as often as possible.