Deforestation In Rainforests

          This means that the farmer clear cuts and burns another few acres for a new field, and the cycle repeats over and over. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help, and they start right at home. 

           First, buy local produce rather than imported fruits and vegetables. This serves the dual purpose of denying your business to the clear cutting farmers, as well as supporting your local growers. The food will also be thousands of miles fresher—your taste buds will thank you.

           Second, look for fairly traded native handicrafts from rainforest areas to give as gifts or to decorate your home. If people can earn an honest living without destroying the rainforest, they will. These handicrafts are lovely, unique, and help the indigenous people to continue their cultural and artistic heritage. Make sure, however, that the goods are fairly traded. This means that the artisan receives fair market value for his or her work, instead of being paid pennies by underhanded traders who keep all the profit for themselves. Only fairly traded handicrafts should ever be purchased.

             Finally, support legislation that calls for an end to clear cutting and burning, and if you can, donate to rainforest preservation groups.