Our planet holds hundreds of natural wonders. Some of the most impressive are the rainforests. Sadly, we have witnessed these forest monstrosities be annihilated through illegal deforestation, logging, and a jump in the number of cattle farms. According to The Nature Conservancy, the 6 million square miles of tropical rainforest that once existed has dropped to only 2.4 million square miles.
In an effort to raise awareness and encourage action, the Rainforest Partnership officially launched the first World Rainforest Day on June 22nd, 2017.
What is World Rainforest Day?
World Rainforest Day is about celebrating the beauty of the rainforests and encouraging staunch action to preserve them.
Besides being home to over half of the world’s animals and plants, we can also thank rainforests for producing close to 20% of the oxygen we breathe. They’ve even been deemed the “world’s largest pharmacy.” This is because nearly 25% of Western medicine includes ingredients from tropical rainforests.
The decline in tropical rainforests should be alarming to everyone
Seeing how rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystem (some surviving 70 million years and counting), it’s hard to imagine a world without them. However, the situation has taken a dramatic step back.
The World Rainforest Day’s website explains how 40 years of deforestation has shrunk the rainforests’ landmass to the size of Europe. To put it into perspective, researchers estimate we lose about 40 football fields worth of rainforest every minute. In other words, this equates to almost 3300 miles lost a day. Very recently, Brazil’s national space research institute INPE recorded the rate of deforestation in the Amazon had soared to 60%.
In addition, it’s important to remember that rainforests provide for indigenous communities and their tribes. Many live off the land. Some have been persecuted for speaking out against the industries harming their ecosystem and way of life.
What is the importance of sustainable sourcing?
The definition of sustainable sourcing is the integration of social, ethical, and environmental performance factors into the process of selecting suppliers.
Expanding supply chains into developing countries is a common practice for industries wanting to produce at a higher capacity with lower costs. However, this comes with plenty of risks, such as failing to comply with local laws and regulations and supply disruption.
The increased awareness of the negative impacts on the environment and indigenous communities has pushed companies to take responsibility. Therefore, many buyers now expect companies to work towards improving the sustainability of their supply chains. Initiatives like World Rainforest Day provide companies and consumers with the knowledge and resources for protecting the rainforests through impactful action.
How do we sustainably source our Nové Luxury Chocolate products?
Our efforts to be an eco-conscious business are never a last-minute thought. Above all, we believe luxury doesn’t need to have a high price tag or be provided through unethical means.
Nové luxury cannabis chocolates are made with single-sourced, sustainable cacao from South America. This ensures workers receive fair wages and minimizes our carbon footprint with less transportation. In addition, all of our packaging contains no plastic. Everything is biodegradable, recyclable, and made from 33% post-consumer materials.
Easy ways you can help protect the rainforest
Tackling global issues takes a strong community of people. Even one small action can make a huge impact. Times that by a few million and true change is inevitable.
Donations aren’t the only way you can contribute to protecting the rainforest. There are several things you can start doing right now!
- For instance, try reducing the amount of wood and paper you use. Hemp-made products are making a strong comeback. The Hemp Business Journal estimates that it can be used for over 50,000 different products across a wide range of industries. Hemp can even be used as a building material!
- Buy products reasonably sourced or made from recyclable material. It not only encourages innovation for companies, but sustainable sourcing reduces operating costs, energy use, and waste production.
- Find companies that give back. Some businesses work in tangent with organizations where they’ll donate a portion of their proceeds to a cause they believe in.
- Support indigenous communities. By purchasing artisanal items and fair trade products from these communities, you’re helping sustain the rainforests and their livelihood.
Eating sustainable chocolate is good for the environment!
Who knew eating chocolate could help preserve the rainforests? Sounds like a pretty good deal to us!
Our promise to make sustainable chocolate products comes from our appreciation of rainforests. We thank them for everything they provide to the world. Be a part of the change by using our store locator to find where you can purchase Nové luxury cannabis chocolates.