Amazon Rainforest Emits More CO2 Than It Absorbs - How You and Your Business Can Help
For the first time ever, the Amazon rainforest is emitting more carbon than it is able to absorb; but why is this important?
Our rainforests are one of the biggest carbon stores on the planet, and the Amazon has previously played an important role in helping stabilize the climate by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. However, due to deforestation and forest fires, the Amazon Rainforest, which once was a carbon store, helping to slow the climate crisis, is now accelerating it.
June fires in the Amazon rainforest are at their highest level since 2007, and last year deforestation rates have surged to a 12 year high; meaning that without intervention, the statistics are only going to get worse. Forest fires produce around 3 times more CO2 than the forest is able to absorb, and with most forest fires caused deliberately to clear land, the time for action to protect our rainforests and reduce carbon emissions is now[1].
Chris Redston, Executive Director of Rainforest Trust UK, said: “Studies have shown that halting tropical deforestation and allowing for regrowth could mitigate up to 50% of net global carbon emissions in the next 30 years [2] – yet rainforests are still being cut down at a rate of 70,000 acres a day. And as well as storing billions of tonnes of carbon, the world’s rainforests produce 20% of the planet’s oxygen, stabilise global weather patterns, provide habitat for thousands of endangered species and sustain the livelihoods of millions of indigenous people. In short, we can’t really live without them.[3]”
Lowering our carbon emissions and protecting our rainforests should be at the top of everyone’s agenda; it truly is everyone’s responsibility to look after our planet. So whether you’re a business owner, or an individual looking to do your bit, there’s lots that you, and your business can do to help in the fight against climate change.
What can your business do to help?
Partner with Rainforest Trust UK
Partnering with Rainforest Trust UK gives you the opportunity to protect threatened rainforests and use your business, and customer base as a vehicle for good. Rainforest Trust UK is fighting climate change by protecting the world’s most important tropical forests, and by partnering with them, you can do your bit to protect the planet.
Chris Redston of Rainforest Trust UK goes on to say: “Safeguarding existing rainforests is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways an individual can fight climate change, as every acre safely stores over 100 tonnes of carbon that could otherwise enter the atmosphere as the greenhouse gas CO2”[4] It really cannot be overstated how important it is that our rainforests and tropical ecosystems are protected, and just a small donation can add up to make a big difference.
We are proud partners of Rainforest Trust UK and we offer all our customers the opportunity to protect 1000m2 of threatened rainforest with every purchase over £30. It’s one small act, but since partnering with them in February 2021, thanks to our customers, we have raised enough to protect over 1.6 million square metres of threatened rainforest. And it is so simple and easy for businesses to partner with Rainforest Trust UK and make a real difference.
Vicky Wallace, Fundraising Manager at Rainforest Trust UK, said: “We are all stakeholders in protecting our planet’s most threatened tropical forests, which is why we partner with UK businesses like Priory Direct to save rainforests and protect the climate. We are always happy to work with like-minded businesses of all sizes who want to do good for the planet, so anyone wanting to make a difference should get in touch – even if you’re not sure where to start!”[5] You can find out more information about the work that Rainforest Trust UK do here, or if you’re ready to join the movement, then email Vicky at UK@RainforestTrust.org to get started.
Reduce inbound and outbound deliveries
Road transport accounts for around one fifth of global carbon emissions, and for some companies, transportation of goods can be one of the biggest contributors to their carbon footprint. Deliveries are, of course, an essential aspect of any ecommerce or online retail business, so ensuring inbound and outbound deliveries are optimised for ultimate sustainability is a great way to do your bit to help.
Ordering your business supplies in bulk reduces the number of deliveries you require, and therefore, reduces the number of delivery vans on the road. If you have your own delivery service, switching to an electric vehicle can reduce carbon emissions by around 73%, significantly reducing your businesses carbon footprint[6]. Alternatively, using a climate neutral courier service such as DPD climate neutral is another great way of offsetting the carbon emissions associated with the delivery of your business essentials.
You could also encourage your customers to place larger, less frequent orders with you to ensure your outbound deliveries are as planet friendly as your inbound. Communicating this message to your customer base has the potential to make a big difference; altering consumers' purchasing habits for the better. We can’t all do everything, but we can all do something, and changing the way you order business supplies, and how often, can make a real impact.
Make sustainable packaging choices and use climate neutral packaging where possible
Choosing sustainable, planet friendly packaging options for your despatches is a simple, yet effective way of reducing your impact on the environment. Purchasing packaging that is manufactured carbon neutral, or is recyclable, biodegradable or plastic free is a great way of lowering the environmental impact of your business. And communicating the eco-credentials of packaging to customers is vital to ensure that packaging is disposed of correctly and responsibly.
Our own planet friendly packaging brand, Priory Elements, focuses on telling our sustainability story to our customers by printing the packaging with easy to understand eco markers. Priory Elements is a packaging range that is sustainably sourced and responsibly sold, and by telling our eco story, we are helping lots of businesses make planet friendly packaging choices.
Packaging isn’t just a means to an end, it really can be the difference between an operation being planet friendly or not; so considering your packaging choices is one of the easiest ways your business can become more planet friendly, reduce your carbon footprint, and do good for the environment.
What can you do as an individual to help?
Drive less; use public transport, cycle or walk to work
As we have previously mentioned, transport equates to one fifth of global carbon emissions, so reducing the amount you travel would ideally be the best plan of action. But we know that travel is essential in our everyday lives, so by making small changes and more planet-friendly choices, your individual travel habits can add up to make a big environmental difference.
Driving a medium sized diesel or petrol car emits between 171g and 192g per passenger km of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, whereas using the National Rail service, carbon emissions are around 41g per passenger km - so choosing to take the train to work rather than drive, could reduce your carbon emissions by approximately 78%. Opting to car share with colleagues or friends is another great option for reducing your carbon footprint and air pollution, and choosing to walk or cycle where possible, reduces emissions even further[6].
When the time comes to choose your next vehicle, consider purchasing an electric powered vehicle. With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans being banned in the UK from 2030, now would be the perfect time to consider a more planet friendly vehicle[7].
Raise awareness of the climate crisis
One of the easiest ways to do your bit to help in the climate crisis and protect our planet, is to raise awareness of it. Too many people believe that as an individual they cannot affect change by themselves, but that simple isn’t true. As we’ve said before, even the smallest actions can make a difference, so raising awareness by getting involved in events like Rainforest Trust UK’s Hug 100 Trees campaign, or posting about your planet friendly habits on social media, you’re doing your bit to aid in the fight against climate change.
There are countless environmental awareness days throughout the year, from Earth Day and World Ocean Day, to Plastic Free July, so getting involved and shouting about it to your colleagues, friends and family is an easy, simple and fun way to help protect our planet.
Consider the sustainability of the businesses and brands you use
Lots of businesses and brands are taking steps to become more planet friendly and reduce their carbon footprint, however greenwashing is still prevalent within many industries, so ensuring companies are genuine about their eco-friendly actions is a must. As a consumer, you have the power to choose authentic, genuine brands that are serious about protecting the planet and raising awareness of the environmental crisis.
By choosing brands who are doing good, you in turn, are doing your bit for the environment too. So be sure to look for businesses that are open and transparent about their sustainability journey, who offer planet friendly options wherever possible, and package and ship those planet friendly options to you in an eco conscious way. More than four in ten shoppers say they would pay more for a sustainably sourced product and 70% of shoppers say it’s important for them to buy from companies whose values align with their own, so seeking out and using environmentally conscious businesses really is a consumer led trend[8].
At Priory Direct we truly believe in awareness, access and authenticity when it comes to sustainability and our journey to becoming as planet friendly as possible. There is always more that can be done, and we work hard every day to ensure we’re doing our bit. To find out more about what we’ve been up to so far, check out our case study.
We know that not one business, or one individual can solve the climate crisis on their own, so it’s more important than ever before that we all pull together and take small, actionable steps to do our bit to reduce carbon emissions and protect our planet. Be the change you wish to see in the world and start your eco journey today.
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If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Priory Direct Affiliate Team
Chloe Winsper | cjw@priorydirect.co.uk | Samantha Holmes | sgh@priorydirect.co.uk | Lauren Churcher | lrc@priorydirect.co.uk
References & Sources
[1] - The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/14/amazon-rainforest-now-emitting-more-co2-than-it-absorbs
[2] - Rainforest Trust UK - https://www.rainforesttrust.org/climate-action/
[3] - Rainforest Trust UK - https://www.rainforesttrust.org/5-reasons-to-stop-what-youre-doing-and-save-rainforests/
[4] - Rainforest Trust UK - https://www.rainforesttrust.org/projects/conservation-action-fund-worldwide/
[5] - Vicky Wallace, Fundraising Manager at Rainforest Trust UK
[6] - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2019
[7] - BBC News - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54981425
[8] - RetailX - Sustainability in Retail webinar - https://retailx.net/ecommerce-world-review/
Tags: ecommerce