What can we do to save the Earth's forests?

Helpful actions you can take to support Mother Earth and help forests recover from deforestation.

Forests are essential for the stability of the environment and our climate. And not just because they are home to over 50 percent of all animal and plant species on Earth. Trees are essential for survival for many reasons; one of many is their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released in excess by human activity. Without our forests to filter them, these heat-trapping gases enter the atmosphere and exacerbate global warming.

Currently, 30 percent of the earth is still covered by forests, but they are disappearing faster than we can control. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, we have lost 420 million hectares of forest in the last 35 years alone. Unimaginable, isn't it!

Contrary to what most people believe, deforestation is not mainly caused by urbanization. 50% of forest destruction is actually due to unsustainable agriculture, farming, mining and drilling. Most forests are disappearing to make room for growing products needed for today's consumer goods. These include palm oil, wood products, and paper products.

Given this state of affairs, it is up to each individual to ask themselves what can be done to combat this life-threatening problem for the entire planet. And indeed, there are steps that everyone can take in their daily lives, and in this blog we have compiled a small list of them.

Closeness and attentiveness

A first step to becoming more responsible is to go out into nature and experience it. When you learn to enjoy the forest, you automatically become more respectful of trees, plants and our wildlife.

But be respectful and considerate in the process. Don't carve trees, break branches, make careless campfires, leave trash behind, and treat nature as you would your own home.

Support organizations for the conservation of forests

There are many options for supporting conservation organizations. Volunteer in your local area, attend rallies, sign petitions, or donate to organizations that advance reforestation projects.

Many companies donate a portion of their profits to reforestation projects or compensation initiatives. At Outchair, for example, we support Eden Projects, an organization that works with local communities in Madagascar to reforest forests on a large scale. We donate 1 euro for every product sold, slowly creating our own Outchair® forest.

Reduction of disposable paper and wood products

For example, replace paper napkins and towels with cloth napkins and cloths. Avoid disposable items such as paper plates and cups and use washable items instead. Eliminate paper bags when shopping and use reusable shopping bags.

But of course there is no other way for some hygiene products. Then you can at least make sure that the products are made of 100% recycled paper.

Less (beef) meat products

Livestock farming is largely responsible for deforestation. These animals need large grazing areas to feed themselves, and trees are cut down to make room for industrial farms. So eating less beef not only helps combat deforestation, it also helps with another major environmental issue: global warming. Cattle, in fact, are responsible for a large share of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas they release when they digest grass and plants.

Switch from paper to digital

As the world becomes more and more digital, it is absolutely possible to use less paper for office and household organization. Whether it's invoices, bank statements, other official correspondence, or even cash receipts, they can now be easily sent and filed digitally.

"Buys" a carbon offset

The most important and largest part of emissions reduction and decarbonization must be achieved by the economy. However, time is so extremely pressing that some of the technologies needed for this step are not yet available.

This is exactly where carbon credits or CO2 offsets help. Companies, organizations or individuals can offset their unavoidable emissions by buying CO2 certificates from climate protection projects. Carbon offset projects promote sustainable development in project areas, create jobs for local people, support efficient technologies, and reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Just search the Internet for carbon offset projects and pick the one that interests you the most.