This coming April 22 marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day - an annual event for showing support for environmental protection - and nonprofit organization Rainforest Trust has released "Seven Ways to Help the Environment."
Earth Day 2021 will place as the world continues to reel from and fight against the global coronavirus pandemic, a zoonotic disease believed to be indirectly caused by anthropogenic activities - including those that harm the environment. US President Joe Biden has invited 40 of his fellow world leaders to the "Leaders Summit on Climate" to fall on Earth Day (April 22), and the following one on April 23.
As for Rainforest Trust, an environmental nonprofit known for purchasing pieces of land for protection and strategic conservation of threatened species around the world, it has launched its "Rainforest Climate Action Fund." The new fund aims to fund critical projects that help fight forest loss, with Rainforest Trust matching every contribution, 1:1, up to $100,000.
CHUPINGUAIA, BRAZIL - JUNE 28: A lone tree stands in a deforested section of the Amazon rainforest on June 28, 2017, near Chupinguaia, Rondonia state, Brazil. Deforestation is increasing in the Brazilian Amazon and rose 29 percent between August 2015 and July 2016. According to the National Institute for Space Research, close to two million acres of forest were destroyed during this timeframe amidst a hard-hitting recession in the country. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, 'Deforestation causes climate change on a global scale, and is responsible for about 15 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions."
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Part for Everyone in Environmental Conservation
Rainforest Trust stresses that while not everyone can actively conserve tropical land around the world, there are seven simple things anyone can do that will help make a difference for the planet, the fight against climate change, and ultimately to help in environmental conservation efforts:
1. Recycle
Most of the things we purchase will have an impact on the environment in some way down the line. Recycling plastics and other materials could help reduce waste that goes into landfills, ultimately reducing carbon footprint. Recycling also helps reduce the need to process natural resources in creating new products.
2. Cut Down on Food Waste
The US Department of Agriculture estimates that 30 to 40 percent of the food supply goes to waste every year. Rainforest Trust suggests that consumers be made aware of their purchases and reduce the food that they'll waste in the end. Cutting down on both purchase and waste food materials will help the environment.
3. Compost
If throwing food away is inevitable, at least try to compost them. A compost pit or even a separate bin for food scraps would allow food to degrade naturally, which reuses the nutrients in these materials to fertilize the soil and help plants grow.
4. Buy Sustainable Food Products
Food production is among the largest drivers of deforestation and wildlife losses. Agricultural production of meat and dairy products not only pushes deforestation but also relies on energy-intensive processes - most of which adds to the total carbon footprint. Consumers might want to take a look at locally and organically sourced foods, which support the local economy aside from supporting sustainably produced products made with significantly less energy.
5. Support Eco-Friendly Companies
Consumers have the power to choose whether to support environmentally friendly companies that use sustainable methods in developing products. Also usually, these companies also devote a part of their profits toward supporting environmental causes.
6. Stay Informed
With virtually limitless information available at the touch of our fingertips, consumers should take the time to learn more - from reputable sources, of course - and better understand how the world of today works.
7. Donate to the Right Groups, Whenever Possible
There are a number of organizations, like Rainforest Trust, that work tirelessly work toward environmental conservation. Do some research and find one that actually acts for the environment.
About Rainforest Trust
Rainforest Trust is recognized by independent evaluator Charity Navigator as among the most efficient and effective nonprofit organizations in the United States. It traces its roots back in 1988 to "three visionary conservationists" who had a rather radical plan: to purchase pieces of tropical rainforests to save endangered wildlife and conserve forests.
According to their website, they have already helped protect more than 33 million acres around the world, still working to achieve a 50-million-acre land area under its care.
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Check out more news and information on the Environment in Science Times.
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