This year’s theme is Forests: Nature at Your Service, which is a good choice since forests are essential to keep climate balanced and absorb carbon. Yet, we are clearing 5.2 million hectares of forests per year.
India has been chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the global host of World Environment Day 2011. However, wherever you are in the world, you can celebrate the date by publicizing it on social networks, talking to friends about it, planting a tree, having a vegetarian meal, leaving the car in the garage, switching to alternative energy and only buying products that originate in sustainable forestry.
“Civil society can play a significant role by independently monitoring all parties involved, raising awareness on forests and supporting grassroots initiatives. Check that furniture, wood, paper and other products you buy are verified as coming from legal sources. A quick and easy way to do this is checking for an Forest Stewardship Council certification logo. Most importantly, taking action on forests requires an ongoing commitment to changing lifestyle and therefore is not a one-off action. Your new lifestyle demands that you are forest-conscious in all your choices, consumption and actionsâ€, the UNEP advises on its website.
Ditto!
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