Forest

Why is a forest important?

1. Releases vapor which in turn produces clouds.

2. Releases oxygen.

3. Holds topsoil in place.

4. Provides a home for plants, animals, and other living things.

5. Releases nutrient like nitrogen back into the soil from naturally dying trees.

Did you know that?

1. In 1950, 10% of Earth's land surface was covered by rain forests. Now it is 6%. For every minute that passes, rain forests are being felled in an area that would amount to 60 football fields. At this rate rain forests will be extinct in 50 years.

2. 2.5 billion tons of carbon are added to the atmosphere as a result of deforestation which contributes to global warming.

3. Rain forests are home to an estimated 1,000,000 species of plants, animals, and insects.

4. 40% - 50% of what we throw away is paper.

5. Much hamburger used by the United States comes from Brazilian cattle which are raised on deforested land.

How can students be more sustainable?

1. Use both sides of notebook paper.

2. Recycle all paper products
   1. junk mail
   2. newspaper.
   3. notebook paper.

3. Use cloth instead of paper bags.

4. Buy recycled products.

5. Use reusable storage items instead of disposable storage items.

6. Ask everyone not to buy rain forest wood.

Return to ELSI Home Page