Our Beautiful Vanishing Forests

Forests are places of inspiration and myth.
              

They are some of the most biologically rich habitats on Earth, home to 2/3 of the world's land animal and plant species.

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However, many forests are endangered. In the last 50 years, 20% of the world's ancient forests have been cut down or destroyed.

           

That means that many unique species of animals and plants are losing their homes and are threatened by extinction.
And extinction is forever.

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So what can you do to help save our planet's forests?

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Reduce you paper consumption

       -Think before you print, "Do I really need to print this?"
       -Print your documents double-sided when possible, and use both sides of a sheet of paper
       -Use electronic resources instead of paper when possible
       -Make sure that you recycle the paper that you do use.
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Be mindful of what you buy

       -Buy paper products with high recycled content
       -Make sure that wood and timber products you buy have the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label, which ensures that these products did not come from illegal logging activities
       -Find out in your area which lumber is plantation grown and which is harvested from old growth forests in damaging methods (don't buy old growth forest products)

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-Spread the word about forests, how important they are not only from an ecological standpoint, but also how they enrich and support the lives of many people.
-Teach your children and those around you about sustainable living practices

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Remember always that every little bit helps and that you can make a difference in the future of our planet.
For more information, see these links:
www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaig…
www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_w…
Or google search for your local chapter of WWF, Greenpeace, or any other environmental organization to see what else you can do to help.
Thank you