The bear cub looked up from his nap. Mama was standing at the top of the little hill, watching the barge on the river.
The cub joined her, and saw several yellow and black machines being unloaded. As they headed towards the two bears, Mama led her baby away.
The land away from the river wasn't as good of an area to raise a cub, as there would be no more salmon dinners. But Mama would do her best to make sure that they were both ready to survive the winter...
Yes, I know we have to harvest some wood. But the amount that's wasted is just staggering. Not to mention many items which end up in the landfill could be recycled, instead of destroying more trees.
You might wonder why trees matter. Especially if they're on the other side of the world, and you're never going to see them anyway. Or even if they're just a short drive away, but you mostly prefer to be indoors.
They do matter, for many reasons.
The most important to you personally is that trees absorb carbon dioxide, and "exhale" oxygen. Without oxygen, we can't survive. Which makes trees and other plants vital for life as we know it to continue.
Whether you prefer the countryside or city life, your health depends upon trees and other plants. Let's never forget that everything on this planet is connected in some way. If you've never heard of the Butterfly Effect, it's well worth looking up.
Natural places are a haven for many species. If we lose them, they'll be gone forever. How cool would it be to see a wooly mammoth? Or a brontosaurus? Unfortunately it's impossible, because they're gone. I'd be really sad to know that the animals we have left died off too.
Trees prevent the soil from drying up and blowing away. Dead soil not only harms the environment, it causes dust storms.
Nobody likes a dust storm. They're dangerous for aircraft and other forms of transportation. And they cause it to be difficult to see and breathe.
Deforestation requires fuel. So does recycling sometimes, but not in its simplest form. For example, if you restore an old dining room table destined for the landfill.
Instead of new boards being made from a freshly cut tree, the only thing required is usually some sandpaper and whatever you prefer as finish.
Reforestation:
Restoring places which were cut in the past is definitely a great idea! It's a slow process, but eventually nature can reclaim the area.
You can help it along, if there are any places close by which are being restored. Just ask those who are doing it how you can help! In many instances, volunteers are very much appreciated!
Cover image made in Canva Pro using their gallery