Deforestation is a problem occurring around the world, with devastating consequences that will affect countless generations. The most obvious solution would simply be to stop cutting down trees. Still, innumerable economies require the use of tree-based products, such as paper and lumber. Plus, the world’s growing population needs more room to live, and will consume more of these products. These are three strong solutions to counter the problem of mass-deforestation without causing dramatic alterations of life as we know it.
1. Selective Foresting. Selective foresting, or selective logging, is the removal of only certain trees from an area. The trees that are selected to be cleared and saved are based on size regulation. Smaller trees are cut down, while larger trees remain. This leaves substantial tree canopy and cover, as well as protecting habitats for many animals. The cutting of only a few trees, as opposed to all trees allows the forest to regenerate as well.
2. Alternative wood sources. Bamboo is becoming more popular as an alternative to wood. It is an extremely fast growing plant indigenous to Asia. It has a consistency similar to that of currently-used wood pulp, and most paper mills’ current machinery can adapt to bamboo. When used as flooring, or in other products that would usually be made of wood, bamboo is almost indistinguishable from regular wood; in fact, many people prefer bamboo.
3. Recycle. It’s as simple as putting a used piece of paper in the blue bin marked “recycling”. Recycling is the processing of used materials into new products in an effort to prevent waste or decrease pollution. Not only does recycling help cut down the number of forests being cleared, but it reduces the amount of greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere by reducing the need for conventional garbage disposal.
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