2010 Is the International Year of Biodiversity - What Are You Going to Do to Help?

By Anne Erasmus

2010 will be a year of celebration of the biological diversity of Earth, its value for our lives, and a chance to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity. From micronutrients in soil, to big predators like sharks and humans, each species on earth, and its habitat, affects the lives of other species, and of humans.

Biodiversity is the life support system of our planet, and change to the dynamics of that system affects more than just the participants in each system. Population decreases and species loss in animals threatens the existence of their ecosystems. The replacement of naturally diverse vegetation that supports a vast array of plants, insects, birds and animals by single crop farming has far-reaching consequences that threaten human existence too.

Protecting biodiversity includes:
- protecting wildlife, especially rare and endangered species
- preventing the extinction of individual species
- protecting the biodiversity of different regions
- protecting ecosystems

Climate change drives the loss of biodiversity, as is being seen in the polar regions where polar bears and penguins are threatened by the melting of their habitat and feeding grounds. At the same time, the deterioration of habitats and loss of biodiversity worsen the effects of climate change, and in some instances contribute to it. Fighting global warming and protecting biodiversity is a responsibility we all share, as it is human activity that has done more to damage our planet than any other factor.

What Can You Do?

• reuse and recycle wherever possible
• save water, energy and fuel
• remove invasive species from your garden
• plant a water-wise, indigenous garden
• build a pond, bird boxes and plant wildflowers to attract wildlife, birds and insects into your garden
• grow your own organic vegetables
• use environmentally friendly pesticides and household cleaning products
• buy products that support sustainable development projects
• support local initiatives like river clean-ups and wetland restoration
• use renewable energy sources
• don't buy hardwood products from unsustainable sources
• when on vacation, don't buy coral, shells and ivory or animal skins
• visit nature reserves - your entrance fee helps sustain the reserve
• support wildlife conservation organisations, with donations of time or money
• petition against unfettered development and industrial creep
• report pollution to the relevant authorities

Make 2010 the year you get actively involved in preserving our planet and teach your children about it too.
For more green tips, products, services and news, get to http://www.green-community.info today. Make 2010 the year you get involved in saving our planet.

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Deforestation - What is the Main Culprit?

By Rosi Lehr

Tropical forests cover only 7-13% of the earth's land surface according to a Greenpeace case study written in 2008. The Amazon is the world's largest tropical forest and deforestation is a concern for its inhabitants and the rest of the world. The misconception lies in what the majority of uninformed individuals view as the leading cause for this devastation. Illegal logging is commonly cited as the reason for this debilitating issue. Research shows that clearing land for soy farming and cattle grazing actually accounts for more than 80-90 % of deforestation.

A quote from Dr. Pat Moore, founding member of Greenpeace, "If you want to save tropical rainforests, boycott tropical fruit and vegetables, and buy tropical woods instead, because than people will grow trees instead." He suggests we put a value on the trees by purchasing products made from them thus creating a need to care for the forest. The good news is with the new systems in place like the Lacey Act developed by the Department of Agriculture, illegal logs will not enter the US. Sustainable forests will grow and we can make trees a valuable commodity so that land can be set aside for their growth not cleared for the above mentioned farming and cattle grazing.

Brazil has become a major if not the biggest exporter of beef which results in cattle grazing and clearing of precious forest space. Soy bean demand has increased at an alarming rate as well which accounts for the agricultural cash cropping and devastation of rich soil and minerals. We choose to become indignant about the destruction of our forests but if we really want to look at the source we can blame the demand we all put on beef, soybeans, tropical fruits and tropical vegetables. China and Russia alone have a huge demand for cattle that is increasing at an alarming rate which Brazil attempts to fill. The cattle industry has a lot more sophisticated resources to keep this out of the media but the numbers don't lie.

So the next time you look at a wood deck or floor made from tropical lumber remember that it can actually be helping to keep the forest intact otherwise the land would be slowly being used for other money making resources. Tropical hardwoods have gotten a bad rap but with the education and help of everyone, it can actually be harvested and sustained for future use for us and the indigenous people it supports.

Learn more about Ipe Decking and tropical lumber.
Rosi Lehr is a contributing writer for Advantage Trim and Lumber Co. Ipe Decking

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