There’s a melody in the air and an energy that is palpable. Applause resonates through the crowd as individuals from all walks of life congregate for a cause close to their hearts. Gathering in the City of London on Earth Day is not merely an event. It’s a statement – a declaration that the loss of rain forests and the catastrophic consequences that accompany it are not going unnoticed.
The crowd includes people who have travelled from different parts of the country, with a common purpose: to make a difference and urge the government to take action. One of the attendees, Jessica Gitsham, Corporate Partnerships Officer at Friends of the Earth, expresses the joy of bringing her three-year-old to the gathering, showing the younger generation the power of collective action.
An Unravelling Crisis
The pressing issue is the swift loss of rainforests, which, according to one campaigner, Dr Teo Hoon Seong, Anaesthetist and Activist with Clean Up the Tropical Timber Trade, is one of the overlooked tragedies of our time. The Amazon rainforest receives significant attention, but many are unaware that rainforests are being lost at an alarming rate globally. For instance, Borneo is losing forests much more quickly than the Amazon.
How You Can Advocate for Change
1. Lobby for Legislative Action
As Jo Finburgh, Philanthropy Manager at Friends of the Earth highlighted, one way to contribute to put more pressure on government departments. Advocate for stronger laws that prevent deforestation, particularly in regions like Malaysia. Write to your local MP or participate in petitions that urge the government to implement stricter laws protecting these vital ecosystems. You can support campaigns like “Planet over Profit” by Friends of the Earth, which demands companies to be legally responsible for cleaning up their supply chains, urging a focus on sustainability over short-term profits.
2. Make Informed Consumer Choices
Being an informed consumer is crucial. Opt for eco-labels that ensure sustainability and ethical sourcing. Furthermore, if you’re purchasing wood products, inquire about their origins. Given the environmental impact of cutting down tropical hardwood, such as mahogany and teak, simply refrain from buying these products and communicate your reasons to suppliers.
3. Start Conversations
One of the most potent tools you have is conversation. Raise awareness by educating yourself and engaging with family and friends about environmental issues. Bring up what you’ve changed recently. Participate in community gatherings, workshops, and seminars. Encourage schools, churches and community centres to include environmental education in their curriculum.
4. Adopt Sustainable Living Practices
You hold a lot of power in your personal choices. Embrace a sustainable lifestyle by making environmentally friendly changes. Whether it’s adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet, using public transport, or making sustainable choices in daily life, each action has an impact.
5. Utilise Social Media
Use your social media platforms to spread awareness. Share articles, info graphics, and videos that enlighten people about the importance of rain-forests and the steps they can take to contribute to their preservation.
Make an Impact
The participants who gathered in the City of London on Earth Day, are fighting not just for themselves, but for future generations. Through legislative action, responsible consumer choices, educating others, and adopting sustainable practices, there is hope for the protection and preservation of rainforests and the planet.
Remember, your voice matters. By taking small, actionable steps, you are a part of a larger movement towards a more sustainable and greener Earth. Don’t let the voices for the rain forests fall on deaf ears – let them resonate across the globe.
