How to Celebrate World Rainforest Day

Eat less beef.

One of the leading deforestation causes is the beef industry. Demand is increasing for beef, meaning the beef industry clears more trees for their feed and cattle. World Rainforest Day is the perfect time to do your part and start decreasing the amount of beef in your diet. Instead, opt for plant-based meals whenever you can. This doesn't mean you have to immediately remove all beef from your diet. Start with removing it for just one meal, then perhaps you can progress to one day a week, then eventually add additional days.

Decrease your carbon footprint.

Climate change threatens rainforests and the species that live there. Do your part to help lessen the impact of climate change on this habitat by taking steps on World Rainforest Day to start reducing your carbon footprint. Some actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint include: Walking, biking, using public transportation or carpooling whenever possible instead of driving Switching to LED lightbulbs Turning off the lights whenever you leave a room Unplugging electronics when they aren't in use Recycling properly, following all local guidelines

Buy a responsibly sourced product.

A lot of the processes for making products contribute to tropical deforestation. On World Rainforest Day, make an effort to purchase something that is responsibly sourced. Some examples of products you can purchase include: Products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council Paper products that are made using recycled pulp Flowers that are locally and sustainably sourced

Support Indigenous communities.

Indigenous peoples have lived in tropical rainforests for quite awhile. While living there, they have made significant contributions to science, as well as established societies that are complex. On World Rainforest Day, honor the important work they do by purchasing fair-trade products made by Indigenous peoples. To avoid supporting a company that engages in cultural appropriation, it's best to purchase products from Indigenous-owned companies directly. You can also purchase from the organization Ten Thousand Villages, which sells products that are produced in an ethical manner, and sourced from Indigenous and low-income communities.

Consider donating to a rainforest-related charity.

Several charities are working to help rainforests. World Rainforest Day is a great time to pick one of these charities and donate to them. Do some research on the missions of rainforest organizations, and choose one to donate to that aligns with your values. Before you donate to a charity, check their rating on a site like Charity Navigator and/or the Better Business Bureau to ensure they're reputable Some examples of reputable rainforest-related charities include The Rainforest Alliance, Rainforest Trust, and The Rainforest Foundation.

Contact your representatives.

Contacting your representatives is a great way to work to promote positive change. Let them know why protecting rainforests is important to you, and ask them to support important bills relating to protecting indigenous communities, as well as bills aimed towards lowering carbon usage, both of which are beneficial to rainforests. You can find contact information for your representatives if you're in the United States here.

Attend the World Rainforest Day Summit.

Every year, there is a summit held on World Rainforest Day. This event features several workshops, and multiple industry experts are usually in attendance. Especially you are considering a rainforest/environment-related career, you may want to consider attending this event if you are able. The World Rainforest Day Summit is free and held online.

Share information about rainforests on social media.

Social media can be a great way to spread the word to a large group of people that rainforests need help. Make a post on your social media that explains why rainforests need help, a fact or two about rainforests from reputable sources, and some of the steps you're taking to help. This may encourage your followers to want to do their part as well. Encourage your followers to share the post with their followers. This may help get the word out about the need to help rainforests. The World Rainforest Day organization offers a digital toolkit, including things like hashtags and sample captions, that you may find helpful as you prepare your post.

Talk about rainforests with people you know.

One of the best ways to help any cause is spreading the word. Spend some time talking with people you know about rainforests and why they are important to you. Share some of the ways that they can help rainforests, as well as some reputable organizations and websites that can provide more information. Be sure you're only directing them to websites and organizations you know are reputable.