How to Conserve Trees Each Day 

Who can forget the first time they climbed a tree and felt like they conquered the sky? What would we do without the nice shade of a large, mature oak tree on a hot summer day? What better way to appreciate wildlife from your bedroom window than to keep watch over birds, squirrels, and other tree-dwelling critters?

For all the aesthetic benefits of trees, these amazing plants do much more under the surface to help keep our planet healthy. As few as six mature trees can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide in a given year, which is more important than ever due to climate change and record emissions. Trees also conserve rainwater, trap pollutants, provide food, enrich soils, and help prevent erosion. A third of the world’s population live and work in forested areas. Almost 80 percent of the world’s organic beings depend on trees for survival.

This is important because forested areas around the world are dwindling. In 2019, for instance, the world lost 24 million hectares of trees—roughly the size of the United Kingdom. Over the last 10,000 years, Earth has lost about a third of its forested area.

We provide these statistics not to alarm you but to empower you to help combat this decimation. Despite what some pessimistic people may say, one person CAN make a notable difference in a worldwide problem. In this article, we’ll cover some major threats to the world’s tree population and provide advice on how to help save trees.

What are the Threats to Trees Today? 

If you’re interested in protecting trees, it may be helpful to understand a few main causes of deforestation. An unfortunate reality is that many people in less-developed countries are all but forced to cut down large swaths of trees for sustenance and survival, which can sometimes complicate anti-deforestation efforts. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of the following causes of tree loss:

• Logging. This is the simplest, most direct way we’re losing trees. Some methods of tree harvesting are illegal, but enough ways have been greenlit to cause mass amounts of deforestation in North America and Asia. It’s easy to see when you consider everyday items that at least partly consist of wood. The demand for cheap, low-quality timber exacerbates deforestation and causes aggressive soil degradation. 
• Agricultural takeover. Subsistence farming, which produces crops or livestock to sustain only one household or small community, is responsible for more than half of the world’s yearly tree population loss. South American rainforests hold prime examples of this unsustainable practice. Over time, the soil used for this purpose declines in quality, forcing farmers to cut down trees in more areas.
• Population growth and urban sprawl. The world’s human population reached eight billion sometime in 2023. That’s a 100 percent increase in less than 50 years. More people means more homes, and more homes means more raw materials—like wood. The human population growth has also increased the demand for meat, crops, and other resources that require lots of flat land.
• Efficient farming methods. What could possibly be bad about more efficient ways to cultivate and harvest crops? Many things, unfortunately. For decades, people have experimented with pesticides and fertilizers to increase crop yields. This often has a negative effect on soil quality. Modern farming equipment has also made it much easier to transform large areas into farming land. 

There are countless other ways the world’s tree population is being threatened. Climate change, which consists of rising temperatures and sea levels, also threatens the extinction of many tree species. A 2021 report concluded that almost one-third of the world’s 60,000 species of trees are on the verge of extinction. If this occurs, most of the planet’s ecosystems are in for major disruptions.

How to Conserve Trees

Okay—now that you know what we’re up against when it comes to tree loss, we hope you’re ready to take action! The good news is there are countless ways to get involved. Here are some ways to start making a positive impact today:

Recycle

This might be more challenging if your municipality doesn’t offer curbside services, but recycling is one of the best ways to help the environment. Paper recycling is particularly important; more than 25 million trees might be saved if only 10 percent of the world’s paper were recycled each year. 

Using recycled products, like a reusable sticker book, is just as important, as it reduces demand for items made from newly harvested timber.

Plant a Tree (or two)

Getting involved with anti-deforestation efforts doesn’t have to be all that complicated—as trees are cut down, you can help replace them by planting your own. 

The deal is even sweeter if you plant one in your yard; the finished product can help you cut down on energy expenses and prevent erosion.

Just remember to research local species before planting your trees so that you only plant native tree species.

Go Vegetarian or Vegan

If you aren’t in a position to adopt either of those diets, reducing your meat consumption can help the trees. Eschewing meat translates into less demand for livestock, which need wide open spaces to graze. Eating fewer processed foods also lessens carbon dioxide emissions, which is an overall win for Mother Earth.

Cut Down on Paper Products

Using less paper is becoming easier in an increasingly paperless world. As much as everyone loves to get paper bills in the mail, paying regular expenses online can help reduce your carbon footprint. Consider switching to electronic versions of newspapers, magazines, and books. Even the most important of papers—toilet tissue—can be replaced by bamboo products. 

Purchase Sustainable Products

A surprisingly diverse array of products can be made out of recycled items. Organizations like the Rainforest Alliance provide information on sustainable products. 

How to Spread the Word 

Putting boots on the ground is, ultimately, the most effective way to conserve tree populations. Countless organizations conduct trash pickup drives, tree planting initiatives, lobbying initiatives, and so many more direct actions. You can help compound the impacts of these organizations by sharing the word on social media, gathering signatures at local events, and simply talking with people you know.

Our Take on Helping to Save Trees 

Knowing how to conserve trees and taking action is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Volunteering with an environmental charity is also a great way to connect with like-minded people and make lifelong friends. Being environmentally responsible we sets a great example for family members and friends. Never doubt that YOU can make a positive difference in the world.