What changes can we make in our everyday life to help save the rainforests?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080202/ap_on_re_af/60_acres_a_minute_i

I just got done reading the article above and it wouldn't be the first time I've heard this news... I find it sad and alarming. I've made a lot of changes in my life but I don't know what else I can do, short of moving to these countries where this is happening and spiking the trees and/or shooting at the loggers. As much as I'd love to take that kind of action, it's not realistic nor is it legal. So I've decided to make changes like recycle and buy recycled materials since paper comes from trees, no longer eat meat because it demands the clearing of forests, and donate and buy my clothing from thift stores so as not to support an industry of consumption.

I know there's more small, legal changes that I can be making and I'd love to hear your ideas...

Answer 1

Definitely look for fair trade products and ask your local businesses if they are willing to shelf them if they already aren't.  Support your local farms and don't depend on large corporations.  oh, and say no to paper and plastic...byob!

Answer 2

PAUL

Looks like you have you eyes open. Can’t say that about to many people in society today. Most of us walk around with blinders until a catastrophe hits, then we wake up pretty quick. Unfortunately we go blind again a few months later…

Let me start off by saying we (my family and I) live 100% off of the grid and are completely self-sufficient with a 0% Carbon footprint. I believe this is the first step anyone can make “help the environment”. Once you convert your own life style to a greener more eco friendly route, you can start helping others.

Without getting to in depth here, Using alternative fuels in your vehicles and harnessing your own electricity from the sun, water, earth and wind are the 2 are key elements in making a green transition and erasing your carbon footprint.

I've been installing Solar panels. Solar stoves, Solar batch and inline hot water heaters. Solar radiant heating. Solar home heating and AC, along with home made wind gens and other alternative energy items for the last 3 years in apartments, homes and rentals.

You can even make the above projects on site with simple parts from the local hardware stores or auto stores or junk yards. For more info check out some guides I wrote / compiled on how to DIY http://www.agua-luna.com/guides.html...

Again these projects can be accomplished anywhere by anyone.

if you absolutely can't do anything in your home at least you can put alternative fuels in your car. most major automotive manufacturers (Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors, etc) recommend the use of bio fuels, and nearly every car manufacturer in the world approves ethanol blends in their warranty coverage.

In fact your probably even driving an ethanol car and didn't even know it.

The trick is finding fuel.

I've been producing biofuel for about 3 years now, it's not extremely difficult. Basically you need general household ingredients, a processor (or still for ethanol) and some used oil. Blend it, let separate, screen and use. I complied a guide a while back to help walk you threw the process step by step, just email me or check out..

http://www.agua-luna.com/guides.html

as for recyling the best way i've found without taking money from your won pocket is to join a free freecycle group in your area or visit the habitat for humanity. see..

http://www.freecycle.org/

http://www.habitat.org/

If you’d like help in making your self sufficient steps, feel free to contact me directly. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at http://www.agua-luna.com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others “help the environment”.

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at http://www.agua-luna.com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin

Retired Boeing Engineer now living 100% Off-the-Grid with my family, using Alternative Energy & loving every minute.

for more info visit agua-luna com or email me at

http://www.agua-luna.com

Stop Global Warming, Receive a FREE Solar Panels Now!!!

Answer 3

what you are doing there is great I am glad to see someone so dedicated.

Recycling isone of te simplest things to do and buying recylced products as well which I see you are doing any way.

Try buying products that say they hae used special plantations instead of forests them selves which most products shoul;d be any way.

Another thing you can do is teach others to do what you are doing and teach them the effects of deforestation, Education is one of the best ways for caring for the environment because the more people know about the issue the moe they want to do to stop it.

Answer 4

Go here http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive...

click on each of the half dozen tabs & buttons. 30 seconds per day. Helps half a dozen different causes - including rainforest preservation.

Answer 5

Drink shade grown coffee...or no coffee at all.

Answer 6

You R only one person..don't be so hard on yourself. The 3rd world countries need to clean up their act...esp China! The USA can't do it all alone! Keep doing your share..recycle, etc. We all need to conserve water! If it's yellow let it mellow--if it's brown flush it down. Use outdoor rain barrels for gardens. Change light bulbs from incandescent to florescent. Volunteer. Plant trees. And don't f**t..that makes greenhouse gas..methane. Sorry. Can't stop the cows either.

Answer 7

I'm sure you know that you already do more than most people, which is sad.  I clicked on your link and dryheatdave's link...I also copied them and e-mailed them to everyone in my address book.  So you see what you've started?