Reforestation

The forest is an ecosystem comprised of trees that buffer the planet and support many life forms. Almost a third of the planet’s surface is covered by forests. It is necessary to save forests, as these ecological systems play a vital role in soil conservation, hydrologic cycle maintenance, carbon storge, clean water preservation, recreation, wildlife habitat biodiversity preservation and climate change prevention. Forests play an important role in global sustainable development. Forests are vital for the economic growth of any country; about 145 countries are highly dependent on wood products and timber. Trash´Talk Tom with our Global Environmental Initiatives takes a reasonable approach, as the need for timber or wood products is necessary for homes, building structures, furniture, heating and other uses. The critical issue is that the depletion of earth’s vital forests and ecosystems is accelerating, and our efforts to replenish these forests are not robust enough. Many of the forests destroyed are in sensitive ecosystems such as rain forests and may never recover. This destruction affects the home of many species of wildlife, habitats and plants, and can be a contributing factor to a warmer climate.

The cost of deforestation on the environment is a catastrophe; for years, the warning about this issue has been voiced but with little action. Now, as time moves on, deforestation will continue to hurt mankind’s quality and way of life. On a global scale, we need to curb the amount of deforestation—the conversion of forests for grazing land, development and infrastructure—and balance things with a plan for conservation and preservation of land. We need to be proactive in afforestation and reforestation, the sowing of seeds or growing of plants and trees on bare land, on land where lost forests once stood, or on land that was used industrially and now has been decimated and abandoned. Several of our initiatives can be useful as a team effort, including our initiatives on conserving land and marine ecosystems; protecting wetlands, mangroves and vital forests; promoting nature-based carbon sequestration; and using forests as nature’s filters to absorb greenhouse gases and replenish oxygen.

Our initiatives also push for using natural wood for sustainable products; reducing the amount of plastics; and learning to recycle in a circular cycle. Planting trees is a tremendous way to get out in nature, as our initiative, Unplug and Connect with Nature, promotes. Being in nature is therapeutic both mentally and physically, and gives a positive mental feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction in helping the environment. Plus, you can be in nature alone or enjoy friendship with others in this all-important initiative. There are programs locally and internationally that encourage and support tree planting, wetland restoration, seagrass planting along coastal areas, and mangrove restoration and planting. Also, seaweed cultivation on sea farms is gaining international attention.

Our initiative is to raise awareness of vital environmental issues while also providing solutions and implementing strategies to create a green and healthier planet. Let’s all of us look for ways to give back and be the best stewards of the earth. It is time to act, time to care.