“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”

Children’s books are often home to very important life lessons. The Lorax, written by Dr Seuss, is a timeless call to respect nature and protect our forests. Now more than ever, it is extremely important we listen to this message.

Canada’s Record-Breaking Wildfires in 2023

It should be no surprise to most that Canada has experienced record-breaking wildfires in 2023. Described as a “fiery wake-up call” from Natural Resources Canada, we could not agree more. Fueled by record-high temperatures and increasing drought, climate change has produced the perfect storm for widespread disaster. This year, 6,132 fires have ignited an astonishing 16.5 million hectares of land across the country. This more than doubles the 1989 record of hectares lost and represents an area larger than Greece. On average, 2.5 million hectares of land is altered by wildfires each year in Canada. Globally – the story isn’t much different. Greece, Spain, Russia and Hawaii have all faced unprecedented levels of wildfires this season.

This devastating reality poses an opportunity for change. It is a chance to do better and inspire Canadians across the country to act for forests! There are countless reasons why forests are incredibly important and must be protected. To name a few…

  • Forests are home to more than half of the world’s land-based species of animals, plants and insects
  • Forests provide clean air we breathe
  • Forests filter water we drink
  • Forests remove carbon from the air and play a key role in combating climate change
  • Forests buffer impacts of natural disasters such as storms and floods
  • Forests provide opportunity to source sustainable and renewable materials

How Can You Help?

There are so many ways you can help. To start, why not ease up on just how many things you consume! Minimalism is a trend that has taken the world by storm and for good reason. Not only does less stuff help you keep your home, wardrobe and life less cluttered, it also does good for the environment!

But of course, sometimes you simply need things. Why not try to buy quality things that will last longer, use reusable cloth wrapping or festive cloth napkins instead of paper, and use post consumer recycled materials for wood and paper products.

Have you heard of the FSC label? It’s the world’s most trusted mark for sustainable forestry, represented by a checkmark and a tree! You’ve probably come across this small label at the grocery store or when checking the mail. Founded in 1993, the Forest Stewardship Council was created after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio failed to produce an agreement to stop deforestation.

Choosing FSC-labelled products when shopping this holiday season is a great way to do your part in taking care of forests and the people who rely on them. FSC-labelled products support zero deforestation, fair wage and work environments, community rights and plant and animal species conservation. The label can be found on more than just paper products! From sports equipment to clothing and shoes, furniture and home décor, art supplies and so much more, it’s never been easier to act for forests! But be forewarned. You need to check that that logo says 100% FSC.

Change starts with you! As the Lorax once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Listen to this story (and more) in the CWF podcast, “Your Connection to Wildlife” >