The Redwood National and State Parks are some of the most magical places I have ever visited. The peace and tranquility I experienced there were indescribable. After each hike, I felt like I was floating to our car. However, I would get a dose of reality when driving along Highway 101; we encountered logging trucks nearly every 10 minutes. My heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces as I watched these trucks roll by one after another. According to Our World in Data, the world loses approximately six million hectares of forest each year, which confirms the sinking feeling I felt watching the trucks drive by with timber.
One of the photos shows the barren side of the mountains where logging has taken place.
I know we rely heavily on trees for construction, wood floors, furniture, toilet paper, and paper towels.
However, we also rely heavily on trees for oxygen, shade, cooling the planet, contributing to rainfall, providing moisture for soil, storing carbon dioxide, filtering our water, and helping to prevent flooding.
Next time you go to purchase paper towels or toilet paper, opt for brands that offer recycled paper. A lot of our paper towels and toilet paper come from virgin forests where trees are felled solely for this purpose.
When purchasing paper, look for recycled paper options.
If you are shopping for furniture, check for the Forest Stewardship Council logo, which serves to certify that the wood was harvested from forests that are responsibly managed.
We need trees for a myriad of reasons, so let’s be conscious consumers of all wood and paper products.
