Protecting the endangered species of the rainforest
The rainforests are being eliminated at an alarming rate. We need the rainforests to produce oxygen, to help clean the atmosphere, and to ensure that we can continue to breathe! Without the rainforest, we endanger the continuation of human life and the life of every creature on the planet. Rain forests help regulate the climate and the water cycle of the earth and are a fantastic source of medicinal plants that we use in modern medicines to keep many deadly diseases at bay.
The rainforests are also home to an incredible array of wildlife and plant life. As we continue to eradicate them, we drive these animals out of their habitats or kill them in the process, and because of our actions, many species that were once thriving in the rainforests are now classed as endangered.
Enjoying our planet responsibly is so important. The good news is that we can manage these forests effectively without continuing to endanger rare species of plants and animals or causing environmental damage on a global scale.
So what are some of the things that we can do to take action and help save endangered species in the rainforest?
Saving endangered species in the rainforest – how to take action
Change your diet
Many of the everyday products we consume without thinking are causing deforestation thousands of miles away. For example, in the Amazon basin, beef and soybean products are the primary cause of deforestation in that area. Buying locally, reducing meat consumption, and checking food labels to see where your food comes from can help eliminate deforestation from your diet. Select sustainably produced foods and look for products that actively assist the rainforest and who stand against companies that don’t have policies to protect the rainforest and the species that live there.
Change your shopping list
If you commit to only purchasing products that have been sourced responsibly, you can feel safe knowing that your buying habits aren’t contributing to the problem. Mining precious metals is hugely destructive to the Amazon rainforest, causing deforestation and polluting the river. Buying products created from certain wood such as Mahogany and Ebony, and tropical hardwoods also drive the destruction. Instead, look for products made from recycled materials or those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or a similarly recognised and reputable organisation.
Buy products from companies taking positive action
The less you buy, the less you contribute to deforestation, and therefore the more you help protect endangered species in the rainforest. However, not buying anything ever isn’t practical for most people. When you choose to shop, research companies that are taking steps to help protect the rainforests and the animals that live there. There are hundreds of companies that have pledged to give back to the environment, and it won’t take you long to find one that sells what you want.
Take steps to reduce your own carbon footprint
If everyone did a little to reduce their waste, choose environmentally friendly products, and shop sustainably, we would achieve a great deal. Do your bit by taking notice of your current habits and considering where you can take steps to reduce your carbon footprint. You can do this in countless ways, such as choosing to walk or cycle when you only need to travel short distances, swapping out cleaning and beauty products for environmentally friendly ones, remembering to turn off lights, turning the heating down, and so on.
It may feel like a daunting prospect, but you don’t have to try and eliminate everything at once. Taking small steps and making changes bit by bit will make a difference over time.
Pictured – Amazonian Jaguar, one of the endangered species in the Amazon Rainforest.
Spread the word
By contacting the editors of your preferred news outlets and asking them for more coverage on deforestation and endangered species, you can help spread the word and encourage more people to take notice and take action. News outlets want to present important stories to the public, so encourage your family and friends to do the same, so they’ll see that it’s an important topic that people want to know more about. You can also use your social media to keep up to date with news about the rainforest and its endangered species and share any stories or campaigns with your following to help them gain traction. Your voice is powerful and can be a vehicle for change.
Contact your representatives
Pushing the powers that be to change laws that are damaging to rainforests can be another fantastic way to do your bit in helping to protect them. Your elected official is the person who can influence the government, and they have a duty to represent the interests of the electorate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has made it clear that the protection of rainforests is fundamental to helping tackle the climate change crisis. Go to meetings and lobby them for support in low-carbon development agendas and social safeguards to ensure indigenous people’s rights are protected. By putting pressure on local government officials to raise important issues such as businesses acting responsibly in terms of sourcing, fair trade, and deforestation, you can keep these critical issues in the spotlight.
Become a volunteer
If you have time to spare, you can volunteer to work with organisations that are helping to protect the rainforest and stop endangered species from becoming extinct. Numerous organisations are looking for people to help. Even if you only have a spare hour or so each week, your time is valuable and could help them advance their work. If you can’t commit to a regular contribution, why not host a fundraiser to raise money for one of these charities, or contribute yourself financially?
Pictured – South American Tapir, a hoofed mammal considered in danger of becoming extinct in Peru’s forests.
Help save endangered rainforest species now!
If you want to help to create a more sustainable future for the rainforests and the endangered species who depend on these habitats for their survival, you can use the above as a guide to take action and do your part. You can make a real difference, so get started today! Travelling responsibly is at the heart of what we do at Rickshaw, so if you want to speak to one of our travel specialists about how you can make sure your next trip has a positive impact don’t hesitate to contact us.
