12 Things You Can Do to Help Save Forests

Small, everyday changes that can have a big impact

Co-authored by World Wildlife Fund and Devin McSween

Last Updated: August 26, 2026 Fact Checked

Forests cover about one-third of all land on Earth and are vital for sustaining life. They support biodiversity, provide clean air and water, and supply us with important resources. Despite this, forests are being destroyed and degraded at a rapid rate, largely due to unsustainable practices in agriculture and illegal and unsustainably sourced forest products.^{[1]
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Research source} Fortunately, you have the power to make a difference. There are plenty of ways you can save forests, from making simple lifestyle adjustments to supporting conservation efforts. Read on for a list of ways you can start helping today.

What You Can Do to Protect Forests: Quick Tips

Making simple lifestyle changes can help protect forests, like using Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified wood and paper products, avoiding single-use items, recycling, and buying secondhand wood and paper goods (like furniture and books). Reducing food waste and purchasing sustainably certified food items also helps.

1

Recycle your paper.

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Instead of throwing away your paper goods, place them in the recycling bin. Most cities recycle copy paper, magazines, newspapers, envelopes, cardboard boxes, food boxes and cartons (like cereal and milk boxes), toilet paper and paper towel tubes, and paper grocery bags.^{[2]
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- Consider starting a compost bin and composting non-glossy paper products, like paper towels, cardboard boxes, and toilet paper. rolls.^{[3]
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  United States Environmental Protection Agency
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- Reuse paper when you can, too. For instance, reuse wrapping and tissue paper for presents next year. Or, use paper scraps in fun crafts, or even to make homemade paper.

2

Look for the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) logo when shopping.

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FSC, the world’s most trusted forest certification system, sets rigorous voluntary standards for how forests are managed and how forest-based products are sourced. When you see the FSC logo, you can be sure that you are supporting a system that promotes the strictest environmental, social, and economic standards related to forest management. ^{[4]
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- The FSC label isn’t only on paper products! You’ll find it on sustainable furniture, tires, textiles (including clothing and shoes), home decor, art supplies, charcoal, musical instruments, cork, bamboo, and even sports equipment.

3

Buy secondhand furniture.

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An alternative to buying new wood furniture bearing the FSC logo is purchasing furniture from thrift shops and antique stores. This is not only more sustainable, but also less costly!^{[5]
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Research source} Besides furniture, there are plenty of other wood and paper products that are just as good used, too, like home decor, picture frames, and books.
- Find used furniture and goods at thrift stores and antique stores, or shop used online through marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, The Freecycle Network™, and Craigslist.
- Alternatively, turn your existing furniture pieces into a fun DIY project by sprucing them up.

4

Choose products made from recycled materials.

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Look for products made from recycled paper, wood, or rubber materials. For instance, opt for recycled toilet paper, copy paper, notebooks, cardboard boxes, building materials, and rubber flooring and mats.^{[6]
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Research source} Some shoes even have soles made out of recycled materials!
- Look for products with the FSC “Recycled” label, which indicates the product is made from 100% recycled materials.^{[7]
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5

Eat a planet-friendly diet.

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Your dietary choices can help protect forests. Around 90% of global deforestation is the result of converting forests into agricultural land, whether it’s for soy for animal feed, palm oil, or cocoa. While there’s no simple one-size-fits-all fix, it is possible to provide a growing global population with enough nutritious, healthy food. Depending on your existing diet and nutrition requirements, that could mean eating more plant-based foods or even just eating a greater variety of foods.^{[8]
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- Use a dietary calculator, like this one by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), to see what impact your personal diet has on the planet and what changes you can make. ^{[9]
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- Work on wasting less food. Around one-third of all the food produced goes uneaten. By making the most of the food you already have, you can help reduce demand for further deforestation.
- Tell your favorite food companies to use only deforestation-free ingredients, and support businesses that produce certified-sustainable food.

6

Help keep forests clean.

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When hiking or camping, pick up trash you encounter, like plastic bottles and bags. Make sure to pack out any trash you bring with you, too.^{[10]
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7

Support responsible businesses.

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Where you spend your money has an impact. There are many great companies that follow responsible forestry operations or have a mission to give back to environmental causes. Some businesses even donate a portion of their proceeds to environmental groups. Do your shopping from these companies when possible, whether you’re buying clothes, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, decor, electronics, or even software.^{[11]
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United Nations
Official site for the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization devoted to maintaining peace and building relationships between all nations.

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- Research a company’s sustainability practices and how they’re reducing or offsetting their carbon footprint before making a purchase.
- Look for businesses that are certified by environmental nonprofits and organizations (like companies certified by B Corp).

8

Reduce your carbon footprint.

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For example, it contributes to conditions that are causing more frequent and severe forest fires. Taking steps to be more sustainable helps keep our forests safe and the ecosystems and people they support. Some small changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint include driving less, using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, unplugging devices when you’re not using them, shopping from local businesses, and weatherizing your home.^{[12]
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United Nations
Official site for the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization devoted to maintaining peace and building relationships between all nations.

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9

Educate others.

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Spread the word about deforestation, forest degradation, and the importance of forest conservation. Talk to your family, friends, and coworkers about the importance of forests, the threats they’re facing, and how deforestation and degradation are impacting us all. Spreading the word helps inspire others to take action.^{[13]
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- Social media can be great for this. Follow accounts dedicated to conservation and protection and share their posts with your followers. You can create your own posts, too, like tips for shopping sustainably or easy ways to reduce paper use.

10

Volunteer.

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Helping environmental and conservation organizations is a great way to protect and conserve forests. From planting trees to helping with community events, there are all kinds of volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute, and every role makes a difference.^{[14]
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- If you’re interested in volunteering, check out organizations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Sierra Club, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
- More locally, look into volunteering with your city park, land trusts, wildlife refuges, and other local conservation organizations.

11

Support Indigenous communities.

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Indigenous communities around the globe call forests their home. Studies show that when Indigenous communities maintain stewardship of their forests, deforestation rates decline and better conservation outcomes are achieved.^{[15]
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Research source} Supporting and amplifying Indigenous Peoples' voices can help keep forests protected and conserved.^{[16]
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Research source} Familiarize yourself with the Indigenous communities in your area and around the globe, advocate for their rights, and endorse policies that support them.
- Protecting forests is most effective when Indigenous leadership, traditional knowledge, and land rights are fully respected and integrated into broader conservation and land-use policies.
- Donate to Indigenous organizations if you’re able. Shop from businesses owned by Indigenous Peoples and share their messages and stories on social media.
- Amplify Indigenous voices, stories, and leadership on social media to help increase visibility and recognition of their role in protecting forests and biodiversity.

12

Urge your elected officials to act.

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Use your voice and vote to make a difference. Share your concern about deforestation and forest degradation with local officials, and ask them to do something about it. You can also call or email your state representatives to urge them to support sustainable practices that combat climate change and make it clear why fighting deforestation is important.^{[17]
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- Vote for candidates who champion sustainable initiatives and are committed to addressing and reversing climate change. Elected officials help determine environmental policy, so your vote can make a big difference.