How everyone can do something against deforestation

April 3, 2018

Some of them have been standing in the same place for hundreds of years, defying wind and weather. They provide shade on hot summer days and shelter in the rain. They come in all shapes and sizes. Their wood can be used to make all kinds of furniture or serves as a source of warmth in winter. They provide shelter and food not only for people, but also for animals. They serve as models in proverbs and in "Lord of the Rings" they are even humanized and take part in the battle for Middle-earth - with hobbits on their shoulders, of course.

That's right, I'm talking about the tree. The fact that it is an all-rounder is also shown by the fact that it brings with it benefits that are certainly hidden from some people. Until now!

Take a look at the exciting facts about the tree.

Like every plant, the tree produces oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis.
The tree filters dust and particles out of the air. This is why it is also known as the "green lung" of the city.
The tree stores carbon, which it extracts from the air. It therefore makes an important contribution to combating climate change.
The forest floor stores large quantities of water and thus prevents flooding.
The forest is home to countless animal and plant species.
The forest is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Despite the benefits that people enjoy every day, trees are not given the respect they deserve everywhere. Deforestation is carried out ruthlessly all over the world. This is done for reasons such as the exploitation of natural resources, the creation of fields for agriculture or the conversion of forests into plantations. As a result, 4.2 million hectares of virgin forest are lost every year. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every second (!) an area of forest equivalent to half the size of a football field is destroyed worldwide. Brazil is the country most affected by deforestation, followed by Indonesia and the Congo. In these countries, the rainforest, which protects the earth's surface from warming with clouds of haze, is shrinking most drastically. Deforestation is destroying our protective shield, so to speak.

If you are now thinking that the current situation is worrying, but that you can't do anything about the disappearing rainforest anyway, then you are completely wrong! Deforestation - regardless of where and to what extent it takes place - affects all of us. Once you are aware of the many consequences of deforestation, it is almost impossible to ignore. The consequences of global deforestation range from a lack of habitat for plants and animals to the threat to biodiversity. An increase in greenhouse gases is promoted by deforestation and climate change is thus assured a further OK. In addition, indigenous peoples are losing their livelihoods and natural disasters such as droughts or floods will occur more frequently as a result of deforestation.

Do you still think that deforestation is none of your business? No? That's good!

Then read through the following tips and you will see that they can be implemented by anyone - especially you.

You have already read about the wonderful and useful properties of trees. So take a stand against deforestation and plant trees! Either with NIKIN in cooperation with OneTreePlanted or why don't you just try it yourself? You can find step-by-step instructions here: Tree Care Portal.
We all know Google. But how about an alternative? Try ecosia.org! Ecosia is a search engine that uses 80% of its revenue for reforestation projects, e.g. on volcanic or mountain slopes. If you use Ecosia for more than 45 search queries, you plant a tree yourself. Take a look - it's worth it!
Keep your use of paper to a minimum! NIKIN has also set itself the goal of becoming paperless. That's why your invoice will only be sent to you as a PDF by e-mail. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to dispense with paper for shipping, but alternatives are being discussed.
Since I'm not going to advise you to do without toilet paper, I'll give you a tip anyway: Buy recycled paper. The same goes for paper printed with notes from your fellow students or for coffee cups, carrier bags etc. Next time you go shopping, just check to see if there is no recycled alternative on offer. If so, then add it to your shopping basket!
While we're on the subject of paper, make sure you choose FSC-certified paper or paper from sustainably managed forests. If the paper costs a little more and you start to have doubts about it, remember that you are doing something about the widespread deforestation worldwide - and ultimately for future generations.