70% OF RHODE ISLAND'S FORESTS ARE UNPROTECTED AND AT RISK
“RHODE ISLAND’S FORESTS HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO AS THE INVISIBLE GREEN GIANT FOR TOO LONG, MEANING THEY PROVIDE IMMEASURABLE VALUES BUT HAVE BEEN TAKEN FOR GRANTED AS SOMETHING THAT’S JUST A GREEN BACKDROP UNTIL THEY ARE CLEARED FOR ANOTHER USE. HOWEVER, THE FOREST IS AN ECOSYSTEM WHERE THE SUM OF ALL ITS VALUES IS FAR GREATER THAN ANY SINGLE ATTRIBUTE.”
—SCOTT MILLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE AND CONSERVATION AT GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND.
70% OF RHODE ISLANDERS
GET THEIR WATER FROM RESERVOIRS PROTECTED BY FORESTS.
Rhode Island is the second most urbanized state in the US, trailing right behind New Jersey. While impressively, 56% of Rhode Island is still forest, 70% of this land is unprotected and at risk. We need to protect our forests at all costs.
DENSLY POPULATED COMMUNITIES SUCH AS RHODE ISLAND
are most vulnerable because they are relying on the land's resources for clean water. Since 70% of Rhode Island gets their water from reservoirs protected by forests, it is vital to our community's survival to protect these forests.
HOW CAN WE PROTECT OUR FORESTS?
VOTE
Prioritize the environment during election time. If you care about the planet, your vote matters. As more laws pass to preserve the natural land, our chances of beating the climate crisis grow bigger and bigger. But it requires action, and BIG change in more than just the individuals.
LEAVE NO TRACE
And share the seven principals with others in nature:
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
HOLD ALL CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABLE
Just 100 large companies are responsible for 71% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Circling back to why it is important to VOTE.
KNOW WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
Every dollar spent is a dollar funded into something - know what you are funding when you buy clothes, groceries, gas, coffee, toilet paper, etc etc etc
DONATE
Non-profits and advocacy groups have been working for years to preserve our lands, protect the environment, and create a better future for generations to come. Set aside a cup of coffee each month and redirect that $5 into a non-profit that's fighting the global warming crisis.
Learn More: Climate Action Rhode Island