5 ways you can help stop deforestation now

5 ways you can help stop deforestation now

In Australia, an area of bush the size of a football stadium is bulldozed every 86 seconds. The good news? You have the power to end this. Here are 5 ways you can help stop deforestation in its tracks!

Help us halt the bulldozers today

When you hear facts about Australia’s deforestation crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of devastation happening across our country. Millions of hectares of land flattened, billions of native animals killed, the climate spiralling out of control… But there are steps you can take, right now, to halt this destruction. And your actions will make a difference.

Here are the five easy steps you can take to help Australia reverse course and end deforestation for good.

1. Sign the petition to ask major retailers to go deforestation-free

Photo: Cattle grazing on land devastated by deforestation
Photo: Cattle grazing on land devastated by deforestation

Bulldozers destroyed over 740,000ha of forest and bush in a single year in Australia. The majority of this cleared land was used to raise cattle for beef.

We analysed Australia’s major beef retailers to see if any were taking steps to ensure the products you buy are deforestation-free. This included household names like Coles, Woolworths, McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, Aldi, IGA/Metcash, Subway and Costco.

We found that no corporation has done enough, and most have done little or nothing to remove deforestation from their supply chains.

But beef CAN be produced without deforestation. Right now, there’s a global shift towards deforestation-free beef and Australian companies need to get on board.

Join our petition to Australia’s biggest supermarkets and fast food chains asking them to eliminate deforestation from their beef products now!

2. Stay in the loop

Photo: Healthy bushland in North Queensland | Kerry Trapnell
Photo: Healthy bushland in North Queensland | Kerry Trapnell

In the campaign space, things are constantly changing. Make sure you’re always kept updated by joining our mailing list.

Whenever there’s breaking news—including new actions you can take to stop deforestation—we’ll make sure you’re across it.

You’ll also receive our monthly digital magazine, The Journal, where we share stories of nature and people.

3. Spread the word to your networks

Most people aren’t aware of the scale of the deforestation crisis happening around us. It’s out of sight, and therefore out of mind.

Share our latest video to your social media or via email (copy/paste this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mex4IegtGuY) to show your friends and family what deforestation looks like, and why it’s critical that we put a stop to it.

4. Donate to our campaigns!

Wilderness Society is working hard to end Australia’s deforestation crisis. You can help support our work by making a one-off donation, or help us plan ahead by signing up for monthly giving.

What we’re doing:

  • Calling on big business to source and sell products free from deforestation.

  • Advocating for new laws that support the life our lives depend on.

  • Building a case for rehabilitation funding as a climate solution.

  • Undertaking research to blow the lid off this hidden crisis.

  • Monitoring satellite imagery and recording suspicious land clearing.

  • Organising a grassroots national movement for lasting change.

  • Educating Australians on the benefits of intact ecosystems.

5. Volunteer with us!

Photo: Adrian Guerin
Photo: Adrian Guerin

Movement For Life is our community organising program—bringing together like-minded people to make a difference in their local areas.

“Big issues like climate change and deforestation can seem overwhelming,” explains Stephanie, one of our Movement For Life volunteers. “But feeling empowered to make a change can give you direction, hope and happiness.”

Sign up today, and one of our community organisers will be in touch to let you know how you can get involved with your local group!