Thursday, March 21, marked International Day of the Forest. This day was declared by the United Nations to bring attention to all types of forests. Trees provide clean air, clean water and biodiversity. This day is a good time to reflect on the effect deforestation has on our environment.

What is deforestation?

Deforestation involves cutting down forests to make way for such things as agriculture, road construction, or the production of goods such as paper. Every two seconds, an area of forest the size of a soccer field disappears. Cutting wood in itself is not a problem. The problem is that it is done on a large scale and no new trees are planted in its place. 

Impact of deforestation

Forests are of great importance for the health of our earth. Therefore, cutting down the forests has a great impact on the climate.

• When many trees are cut down, more CO2 is released, causing the earth to heat up faster.
• The habitats of different types of animals, plants and insects are lost due to cutting down forests. This makes it difficult for animals to find food.
• In addition, cutting down forests impacts humans, especially local people who depend on the forests for their livelihood.

 

Why are forests being cut down?

• Palm oil extraction
  Palm oil is widely used in many different products. Think of different cosmetics products but also different foods such as chocolate, margarine or ice cream.
• Wood as a raw material
  There is still a high demand for paper. It is therefore important to buy products with an FSC label.
• Soy for cattle feed
  Much of soy is used for animal feed. Brazil supplies a lot of soy for the European market. About half of Brazil's soy is grown in the Cerrado. This has resulted in only one type of crop being grown on 18 million hectares of land: soy.

What can you do to combat deforestation?

• FSC label
  Choose products that are sustainably produced and do not contribute to deforestation. Consider wood and paper products with an FSC label. At TakeAware, we offer a wide range of products with this label. For example, check out our FSC-certified cutlery, straws, snack trays or take a look at our complete collection of FSC-certified items.
• Support reforestation projects
  Support/donate to organizations that help sustainably manage forests.
• Raise awareness
  Talk to friends or family about the importance of forests and what they can do to stop deforestation.
  
  

By being aware and taking action, we can collectively contribute to the preservation of our forests. It is important not only to pay attention to the importance of forests on March 21, but to be aware daily of how we can play a role in stopping deforestation.