Plant a tree to save the Earth
By Emily Lomax
Source: WWF 2019
Threats to the Rainforests
Deforestation for agriculture (primarily beef, soy, and palm oil)
Forest fire caused by human activity
Harvesting of wood as a resource (timber, paper products)
Threats to Canadian forests
Forest fire caused by human activity
Invasive Species
Harvesting of wood as a resource (timber, paper products)
Opt for beef raised in Canada
The greatest reason for deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is clearing for cattle ranching. Purchasing beef that has been raised in Canada provides greater assurance of the agircultural practises, and also supports local community and economy.
Refrain from buying products containing palm oil
The majority of the world’s palm oil is produced in Malaysia and Indonesia. The demand for agicultural land for palm oil production has resulted in vast deforestation of the countries’ rainforests.
Palm oil is in countless products, from candy bars to margarine to lipstick. Make sure to read labels to see which products contain palm oil and its derivitives (a.k.a palm kernel oil, palmate, palmitate).
Volunteer or donate
There are many efforts occuring at both the local and global level that are takingn action on and making real progress towards forest conservation, afforestation, and restoration.
Rainforest Alliance Certified
Farms meet sustainability requirements, including standards on biodiversity conservation, human livelihoods and well-being, natural resources conservation, and effective planning and farm management systems.
The Rainforest Alliance, an international non-profit organization.
Fairtrade
Farmers are given fair prices and workers provided with decent working and living conditions
Certified by FLOCERT, an independent thirdparty certification body and ISO65 accredited
Bird-Friendly
Coffee farms follow specific ecologically sustainable methods, are 100% organic, and shade grown (providing bird habitat)
Certified by Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
Canada Organic
Products contain 95% or greater organic ingredients (produced without the use of conventional pesticides or synthetic fertilizers).
Certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Forest Stewardship Council Certified
Products are made from responsible sources and have been verified to meet certain environmental and social standards.
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests.