8 real ways you can help save the Amazon Rainforest now

As we watch the videos and see the images of the burning Amazon rainforest, it’s easy to feel powerless. It’s so much devastation, it’s so fast, and it’s so scary. 

But instead of feeling overcome with helplessness, try to channel frustration into action. Wherever we are, no matter our backgrounds, we can all help in some way.

Here are 8 ways to help save the Amazon rainforest 

1. Donate 

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#EarthAlliance, launched in July by @LeonardoDiCaprio, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Brian Sheth, has formed an emergency Amazon Forest Fund with a commitment of $5 million dollars to focus critical resources for indigenous communities and other local partners working to protect the life-sustaining biodiversity of the Amazon against the surge of fires currently burning across the region. Join Us. 100 percent of your donation will go to partners who are working on the ground to protect the Amazon. Earth Alliance is committed to helping protect the natural world. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in the Amazon, which highlights the delicate balance of climate, biodiversity, and the wellbeing of indigenous peoples. To learn more or to donate, please visit ealliance.org/amazonfund (see link in bio). Photos: @chamiltonjames, @danielbeltraphoto 2017

A post shared by Earth Alliance (@earthalliance) on Aug 25, 2019 at 6:47am PDT

One of the most straightforward ways to show the Amazon rainforest we care is by donating to organizations like the Earth Alliance Amazon Forest Fund,  Rainforest Action Network, Amazon Watch, and Rainforest Alliance. 

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Nipa palm, also known as mangrove palm, is the only species of palm adapted to the mangrove biome in Indian and Pacific Ocean estuaries (where the water is not too salty) 🌿💦⠀ ⠀ The trunk grows beneath the ground, so only the leaves and flower stalks are seen above the surface. And those leaves are used as roof material for thatched houses, basket weaving, feeding animals, or the flower sap can be used as a sweetener or biofuel.⠀ ⠀ There are so many incredible trees and plants in this world, we may just have to share them all 💚😍🌳 . . . . pc: @trunglna 👏🏽 #nature #biodiversity #plantlife #sustainability #conservation #environment #greenliving #nipapalm

A post shared by One Tree Planted (@onetreeplanted) on Aug 29, 2019 at 7:10pm PDT

Even donating a single dollar to One Tree Planted means a tree will be planted because of you.

2. #FollowTheFrog

When shopping, look for a little green frog! It’s the Rainforest Alliance’s symbol of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and can be found on farm and forest products all over the world. For a full list of Rainforest Alliance certified products go here.

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🎉 A huge thanks to all of you who have participated in our #FollowTheFrog Giveaway! We’ve had more than 700 entries in just two weeks and so many inspiring answers about how you incorporate sustainability into your daily lives. We truly believe that when people and nature are in harmony, both will thrive, and these two weeks have inspired us to work even harder towards that goal. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 🥁 And now to the winners: @Jillmi79!! You have won: a stainless steel stovetop espresso maker, a case of @allegrocoffee coffee, 2 tumblers, 2 boxes of @teapigs tea, titanium utensil set & straw, a 3 tier stainless steel lunch box, @chocolove, @toms_of_maine soap bars, an exclusive @chantecaille eye pallet, 2 bags of @zoegaskaffe coffee, and more. 🎁🎁 @Aletta_merrick, you have won all of the above plus a a ceramic and stainless steel teapot with tea infuser, by Kinto, and the book @projectdrawdown! Congratulations to you both!! ⁣⁣Please send us a DM so we can get your prizes to you.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ And to everyone else, THANK YOU again. We ask you to remember, that #FollowTheFrog is active year-round, and that small actions can make a big impact. 🙌🏼🙌🏽🙌🏾🙌🏿 When it comes to tackling issues like climate change and deforestation, your everyday personal choices can make a difference. If each individual committed to being more thoughtful in their choices and actions, we could live in a more sustainable world.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 🌎🌍🌏 Thank you for joining together with the Rainforest Alliance, your fellow citizens, and our partnering companies to #FollowTheFrog for a better future! #rainforestalliance #rainforestalliancecertified #sustainableliving #sustainablefuture

A post shared by Rainforest Alliance (@rainforestalliance) on Sep 24, 2018 at 9:27am PDT

Also, keep an eye out for the FSC Label when buying any product that comes from the rainforest like paper towels, furniture, etc. 

3. Speak up

Shout, retweet, repost, share. Tell your friends, family, coworkers, anyone and everyone that you’re outraged about the Amazon burning and why. 

Here’s a list of important facts from Nat Geo and WWF to share:

• The Amazon is home to 10 percent of all known wildlife species
• It is the world’s largest rainforest
• It’s often called ‘the lungs of the Earth’ because the rich vegetation takes carbon dioxide out of the air and then releases oxygen back in
• It’s home to 1.4 billion acres of dense forests, which is about half of the planet’s remaining tropical forests

4. Make lifestyle changes 

Walk more, consider public transportation, and carpool. Adjust your thermostat to save energy (and money). Opt for reusable items whenever possible and go paperless as much as you can. 

Even the smallest of changes will add up over time if enough of us make them. 

 5. Sign your name

Considering signing the Amazon Emergency Petition, which is demanding that the UK government no longer allow products that cause deforestation to be imported to the UK. And check out this petition on Change.org that’s urging authorities to investigate what is leading to the increase in fires.  

6. Waste less food

About one third of the food that we buy ends up wasted for one reason or another, which creates greenhouse gas emissions. And healthy eaters need to be extra mindful when it comes to this problem because produce usually goes bad faster than most food. 

Freezing food, shopping smarter, and getting crafty in the kitchen are three easy ways to waste less. And check out this post for more tips on how to eat more of the food that you buy. 

7. Eat sustainably

Reducing your palm oil consumption is a big way to help the rainforest. We know this is easier said than done, as palm oil seems to be in so many things. But shopping for palm-free products and learning the label lingo will help you be more aware of what you’re consuming.

Also, eating more plant-based foods like veggies, nuts, and beans (and less meat) will not only help you eat more sustainably, but also help you get more nutrients in your body. We wrote more in-depth about this issue here. 

8. Be humble 

This is a hard one to put on a list of “things to do.” Humility isn’t something that we can cross off a list and pat ourselves on the back for doing. But the more we show humbleness and compassion to all beings, all things, and all places, nearby and faraway, the more we can help this beautiful, interconnected planet.  

If you want to learn more about what’s happening to the rainforest, check out these articles and videos:

• In Bolsonaro’s burning Brazilian Amazon, all our futures are being consumed – The Guardian
• Indigenous people face losing the Amazon rainforest – CNN (video)
• What you need to know about the Amazon rainforest fires – Washington Post
• Experts say many animals may die from Amazon fires – CNN (video)

Eating less meat (particularly beef) is one of the main ways to help the rainforest (and the planet). Not sure how to transition to a plant-based diet? Don’t worry –  we’re here to help! Here are some posts to get you started:

• The unbelievably easy guide to going vegan 
• How to eat vegan and get every vitamin and nutrient you need 
• The best apps and more for making going vegan easy 
• How to cut meat and cheese cravings out of your life for good 
• How to get all the plant-based macronutrients you need 
• Everything you need to know about eating out when you don’t eat meat 
• Say goodbye to meat now with these 5 easy tips