Forestlands around the world are being depleted at an alarming rate. The demand for paper products, mined minerals, animal products, oil and land has driven the loss of forests on every continent as trees are cut down and land is cleared for other uses. Take a stand against deforestation today by adopting a few eco-friendly practices that will reduce the number of resources that are acquired from the planet’s most vital ecosystems. 

1. Plant Trees

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to prevent deforestation is to simply adopt an eco-conscious mindset in your daily life and go out of your way to correct the problem with your own hands. If you’re lucky enough to own property and research home insurance quotes for your investment, carve out a little space on your land for greenery. If you have the time and resources, get involved in a domestic tree-planting initiative or support a similar organization abroad. 

2. Recycle

It’s widely known that both paper and cardboard come from trees, but these materials are often thrown into the garbage instead of the recycling bin where they could go on to live another life as something else. Dismantle your cardboard boxes and toss your paper goods into the correct bin to be part of the effort to save millions of trees around the globe. 

As well, try to reuse paper goods whenever possible. Use old mail to jot down a grocery list or as scratch paper, or use a cardboard box as a storage container. 

3. Go Paperless

In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to take care of your bills and utilities with just a few taps on your phone. If you haven’t already, contact your subscription providers, utility companies and bank or credit card companies and make the switch to paperless billing methods. Try to take notes at school or work on an electronic device instead of a piece of paper, and opt for digital documents over printed ones. 

4. Look for Sustainable Products

A large number of products are manufactured using shady practices, or even unethical logging or farming methods. Try to only shop for products, goods and services that are certified by eco-friendly councils to be good for the planet and those who inhabit it. That way, you can be certain that your buying power is used to support sustainable and ethical practices that won’t cause harm to the planet’s forests. 

5. Go Meatless

Animal agriculture is incredibly land and resource-intensive, which puts a strain on the earth’s forests as they’re cleared for livestock, feed and factory farming purposes. As often as possible, minimize or cut out completely any animal-derived products such as meat, eggs and dairy and, instead, opt for delicious vegetarian or vegan meals. 

When you do purchase an animal product, ensure it’s sourced responsibly. Large companies may claim to practice ethics across the board, but pre-packaged meats are often sourced from deforested land. When in doubt, look for organic options, as these are more likely to have come from ethical and responsible sources. 

6. Skip Palm Oil

A large number of grocery items contain this palm fruit-derived oil, which means a staggering number of rainforests have been cleared for the purposes of harvesting and producing palm oil. Check the labels of your grocery items and try to steer clear of products that contain palm oil unless you can be certain that it was sustainably harvested. This is typically indicated on the label with a special certification seal that indicates the oil was obtained through eco-friendly practices that do not contribute to deforestation. 

7. Support Eco-Friendly Companies

While there’s much you can do as an individual to cut down on deforestation worldwide, the burden rests largely on the corporations and companies more directly responsible. Consider every dollar you spend a vote toward a better future and be mindful of where you invest your money. By supporting companies that lean toward sustainable practices, you can use your every day habits to fight deforestation and take money out of the pockets of those who cause it.