Deforestation Effects

Fewer trees = less shade, less water stored in the forest, more soil erosion and more carbon in the air. More carbon = warmer weather. Warmer weather = big trouble, especially in already dry areas!

As much of the industrialized world is increasing its carbon and fuel emissions into the atmosphere, there is a growing concern for caring for the environment. One way that Fair Trade companies are helping the environment is by working to reduce deforestation. By allowing craftspeople to retain cultural traditions (such as gourd carving, knitting and weaving), by promoting sustainable farming, or by developing new crafts out of renewable or recycled materials, we help alleviate the burden some indigenous people feel to farm trees for lumber and livestock. Fair trade often provides an alternative business opportunity – one that is renewable from year to year.

Don't yet see how this all fits in? We hope this gives you a sense: Trees breathe in carbon dioxide, so as many forests are being stripped from the earth, more carbon is staying in the atmosphere. Many people - scientists, laymen, government officials, etc - consider this a huge problem as it influences the warming trend on earth. For example, many scientists are predicting most of the glaciers in the Andes will be gone within the next 30 years http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19095038/. If the idea that the source of the Amazon river drying up does not concern you, then we hope that the idea of millions of Andean people losing their supply of fresh water for drinking and irrigating their crops will. Now, cutting down trees isn't the only cited cause for the warming trend, but more trees means more shade and less carbon. And that helps to make the world a cooler place. Besides that, deforestation often leads to desertification and soil erosion, which often spoil the farm or range land created by deforestation in the first place.

Help us protect forests and promote alternative businesses for our producer partners! Encourage furniture recycling, support fair trade shade-grown coffee, teas, and cocoa, and support Certified Wood Programs. There are many ways to help!