Forests cover 31% of total land area while at the same time supporting 80% of terrestrial biodiversity that live in them. Many of the worlds’ most threatened and endangered animals live in these forests, making them crucial to sustaining ecosystems. Not only animals live in the forests, as they also provide a home to more than 300 million people worldwide. Beyond supporting the natural habitat, forests sustain economic growth. In 2004 trade in forest products was estimated at $327 billion.
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5th in more than 100 countries. It is a day used by the United Nations to stimulate worldwide eco awareness of environmental issues and encourages political action. Although similar in spirit to Earth Hour and Earth Day, most people are not as familiar with World Environmental Day. This year, World Environment Day (WED) chosen theme is, ‘Forests: Nature at Your Service’, to encourage forest conservation and sustainable consumption for green growth, and in support of the UN International Year of Forests initiative.
How can you get involved? One approach is to personalize the issues in a way that has meaning to you in your daily life. Becoming aware of your habits and making more sustainable choices is one avenue to living green:
- Learn about the benefits of forests.
- Discover eco actions to take – Green your routine – Green is forest friendly!
- Protect natural resources: start by rethinking consumption patterns and identify ways to curb unnecessary consumption.
- Limit waste.
- Purchase items with the eco awareness in mind. Purchase products with minimal packaging or sustainable packaging. Products that can be reused before recycling offer more environmental value.
- Inspire others: adopt a green attitude.
Everyone counts in this initiative and WED relies on you to make this happen! We call for action – organize a neighborhood clean-up, stop using plastic bags and get your community to do the same, plant a tree or better yet organize a collective tree planting effort, walk to work, start a recycling drive . . . the possibilities are endless. Check out the WED pack for interesting suggestions on what you could do.
Julie
Julie Urlaub is Founder & Managing Partner of Taiga Company, a sustainability consulting firm located in Houston, Texas dedicated to accelerating the integration of sustainability concepts in business. Today, Julie speaks, writes, and advises clients on a variety of issues related to the intersection between environmental stewardship, and sustainable business practices. Her writing has been featured in SocialYell’s Corporate Advice, the GreenEcomonyPost, the Business Exchange and, the ThinkGreenAlliance. Connect with Taiga Company on Facebook and Twitter. Also Find Julie on LinkedIn.
