Feature Photo by Felix Mittermeier
Another week, another celebration. September has ushered in a season of renewal and growth, filled with celebrations of environmental sustainability. From Zero Waste Week to National Organic Month, World Vegetarian Day, Second Hand September and Fairtrade Fortnight, this month is home to many international (and national) ethical campaigns. And the start of this week marks another important campaign: FSC Forest Week. Today, I’m here to break down what this actually means and what you can do to help.
ABOUT FSC FOREST WEEK
FSC Forest Week is a yearly event hosted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a global non-profit organisation committed to promoting responsible forest management. This initiative aims to unite individuals, communities, businesses, and organisations worldwide to raise awareness about the significance of forests and sustainable forestry practices. If you’re wondering how we individuals can help, the answer is simple: By choosing FSC-certified products, consumers can ensure that forests are managed in an environmentally, socially, and economically responsible manner. This celebratory week serves as a vital reminder of the essential link between forests and sustainable development, and this year, we can celebrate it from September 21st to the 27th!
what are FSC Certified products?
The goal of FSC Forest Week is to spotlight the critical role forests play in sustaining life on our planet. Forests are vital for global biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of millions. This week provides a platform to raise awareness about the destructive consequences of unsustainable forestry practices and deforestation, which can result in habitat loss, the acceleration of climate change, and the displacement of indigenous communities.
By celebrating FSC Forest Week, we are effectively acknowledging the value of forests and the influence we have as consumers and citizens to endorse sustainable practices. We can all take part and share the word, so that we can emphasise the importance of buying FSC-certified products, ensuring that the wood, paper, and other forest-related goods we purchase originate from responsibly managed sources.
By taking part in FSC Forest Week—whether through educational events, tree-planting initiatives, or making more environmentally friendly purchasing choices—we help preserve these vital ecosystems. This is an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together in support of forest protection, cultivating a shared responsibility for our planet’s natural resources. This celebration invites us to reflect on how our daily actions can have a positive effect on forests worldwide.
What's in a label?
ABOUT FORESTS
Forests are often called the “lungs of the Earth” due to their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is vital in combating climate change. In addition to this, forests provide habitats for approximately 80% of the planet’s terrestrial biodiversity, encompassing countless species of plants, animals, and fungi. Many of these species rely entirely on forest ecosystems for their survival.
Moreover, forests sustain the livelihoods of over 1.6 billion people globally, with many being indigenous communities that depend on forest resources for food, shelter, and medicinal needs. They also play a significant role in regulating water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing ecosystem resilience amid environmental changes. Nearly one-third of the Earth’s land is covered by forests, vast areas dominated by trees that host a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
types of forests
There are three types of forests, which include:
- Tropical Forests: Found in regions close to the equator, including Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America. Known for being the warmest and often the wettest forests, they host some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, tropical forests comprise of tropical rainforests, sub-tropical rainforests, and mangroves. Although they cover less than 10% of the globe, they are home to over half of the world’s species, including mangrove trees, Brazil nut trees, and African rosewood.
- Temperate Forests: Located in eastern North America, Eurasia, and parts of South America, our temperate forests include both temperate forests and temperate rainforests and are the ones that experience seasonal temperature variations throughout the year. Think coastal redwoods, oaks, and birch trees.
- Boreal Forests: Found in regions like Siberia, Scandinavia, and North America (Alaska and Canada), these forests typically experience average temperatures below freezing and have a fauna dominated by conifers, spruce, and fir trees, boreal forests cover vast, remote areas that serve as crucial carbon stores.
The Vital Role of Forests
Forests are not merely collections of trees; they are vibrant ecosystems brimming with life. Regardless of where you live, forests are essential to everyone. The cultural importance of forests is profound and cannot be overlooked. They are often deeply embedded in the traditions, myths, and spiritual practices of diverse communities worldwide. For many cultures, forests are considered sacred spaces, rich in spiritual significance and fostering a connection to nature and heritage.
In terms of health and wellness, forests provide a natural refuge from the chaos of modern life. Research indicates that spending time in forested areas can alleviate stress, reduce blood pressure, and enhance overall mental well-being. The practice of “forest bathing,” or shinrin-yoku, which originated in Japan, has gained global attention for its healing properties.
From an economic perspective, forests are essential assets. They supply raw materials for industries such as timber, paper, and pharmaceuticals, fueling economic development and generating employment. Implementing sustainable forest management practices ensures that these resources are utilized responsibly, striking a balance between use and conservation.
Looking ahead, the preservation and restoration of forests are of utmost importance. Reforestation and afforestation initiatives are gaining traction worldwide, focusing on reviving degraded landscapes and establishing new forested regions. These projects not only boost biodiversity but also help mitigate climate change by capturing carbon and safeguarding watersheds.
WHY ARE FORESTS ENDANGERED?
Just like many causes we advocate for through movements and campaigns, the very existence of forests is under threat. They face numerous challenges.
Deforestation And Degradation
Every day, vast areas of the world’s forests are being destroyed. According to the UN, we lose 100,000 square kilometres of natural forest globally each year—equivalent to the size of London disappearing every week, or about one football pitch vanishing every two seconds. This destruction primarily occurs for agriculture, timber, or industrial development. While some of this activity may be legal, much of it is not, and ultimately, most of it is unsustainable.
Climate Change
The overexploitation of forests is crucial to the climate crisis—not only because their degradation and deforestation release greenhouse gases like CO2 into the atmosphere, but because forests are also susceptible to the effects of global warming. The warmer and drier conditions brought about by climate change lead to additional challenges, such as drought, disease, and increasingly destructive wildfires.
Food And Farming
Up to 80% of global deforestation is driven by the demand for crops and livestock. The increasing need for food—particularly soybeans, palm oil, and meat—has resulted in substantial forest loss due to unsustainable agricultural practices that convert forests to other land uses. Brazil has emerged as the world’s largest beef exporter and the second-largest exporter of soybeans, primarily used to feed cattle. This has had devastating consequences for forests like the Amazon.
In Borneo, extensive peat swamp forests, home to orangutans, have been transformed into plantations for palm oil production, which ends up in our processed foods and household items (like chips and soap). Our forests require sustainable food and commodity production along with supply chains that are free from deforestation and further conversion of tropical forests.
Sustainable palm oil is cultivated, processed, and distributed under stringent guidelines that protect wildlife, preserve ecosystems, and ensure fair treatment of communities and workers in palm oil-producing regions. By focusing on halting deforestation, promoting ethical labor practices, and safeguarding biodiversity, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) aims to make palm oil a positive force for global sustainability.
With the global population expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, the need for responsible, sustainable practices is urgent. Sustainable palm oil offers a solution that can help meet the world’s growing demand for food, all while reducing environmental impact and fostering economic growth.
Unsustainable Financial And Trade Systems
Although a certain amount of public and private funding is allocated to forest protection each year, it constitutes only a tiny fraction of what is needed to halt deforestation and restore the world’s forests. Currently, significantly more money is spent on activities that harm forests than on restoration efforts. The core issue is that nature is often undervalued, making it seem more economically viable to cut down forests than to protect them.
WHAT WE CAN DO TO PROTECT OUR FORESTS?
The responsibility to protect our forests lies with each of us. But how exactly can we contribute to forest conservation as individuals?
Choose FSC-Certified Products
One of the simplest yet most impactful actions is to buy products that are FSC-certified. This label guarantees that the materials originate from responsibly managed forests that adhere to strict environmental, social, and economic standards. I know it sounds daunting, but it’s just about looking for a small logo next time you’re out shopping – some of these products can even be found in your local supermarket. My favourites? Bumboo, Cheeky Panda, Who Gives A Crap and Friendly Turtle’s range of FSC certified beech wood products and Moleskine and Pencils for your home office needs.
Promote Forest-Friendly Policies
Advocacy plays a crucial role in forest protection. Urge policymakers to create and enforce regulations that support sustainable forestry, safeguard critical forest habitats, and curb deforestation.
Minimise Paper and Wood Waste
Adopting simple lifestyle changes, such as cutting down on paper usage, recycling, and selecting digital options, can significantly reduce the demand for unsustainable forestry products. Additionally, repurposing old furniture, choosing second-hand goods, or opting for sustainable construction materials can alleviate pressure on our forests too.
Engage in Tree Planting
Participating in tree-planting initiatives offers a direct way to aid forest regeneration. Numerous organizations run reforestation programs that enable individuals and groups to plant trees in areas impacted by deforestation.
Educate and Raise Awareness
Education is vital for cultivating a culture of forest protection. Share insights about the significance of forests and sustainable forestry practices within your community. Get involved in or organize events during FSC Forest Week to help raise awareness.
Support Conservation Organisations
Many non-profits and NGOs are dedicated to protecting the world’s forests. Consider supporting these organisations through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about their essential work. Or simply by buying their products. I had previously written an article about some really cool NGOs in the UK, and you can read it here.
and finally........
FSC Forest Week 2024 is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action. Forests are essential to the health of our planet and our well-being. By acknowledging the significance of this week, we can make informed choices to protect and sustain these crucial ecosystems. Whether it’s promoting sustainable forestry practices or raising awareness about forest conservation in our communities, each of us plays a vital role in preserving our forests for future generations. Let’s embrace FSC Forest Week as a reminder that forests are not only a global treasure but a shared responsibility for us all.