Save the rainforests, save the planet.

Rainforests are some of the most vital ecosystems we have on the planet, and have recently been shown to be one of the most effective TOOLS we have in the fight against climate change. Despite this, we're destroying them at a rate of over 80,000 acres a DAY, fueled by extractive industries like animal agriculture, oil, and logging. Some scientists now estimate that we could see the last of our rainforests destroyed in just over 100 years if we continue at the current rate of deforestation.

Rainforests are often called the lungs of the planet for their role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and producing oxygen, upon which all animals depend for survival. They also stabilize our climate, house incredible amounts of plants and wildlife, and produce nourishing rainfall all around the planet. They're also the source of over 25% of the ingredients found in our modern medicines, yet less than 1% of the plants that exist there have actually been studied for their medicinal value.

Rainforests are not only crucial for our own survival, they're also home to MILLIONS of species of plants, animals and insects, many that are now under the threat of extinction due to the devastating effects of deforestation. It's now estimated that over 100 species go extinct every single DAY because of this.

As a society, we have become so detached from the Natural world. Out of sight, out of mind. Most people in the Western world go about their day without a true understanding of the way in which our very lives are dependent on these ecosystems. We often grow up hearing about the fact that rainforests are being destroyed, but don't really grasp the severity of which that is impacting our lives. We are not here to rape and pillage the Earth of all of it's resources until there is nothing left. We are meant to be stewards of the planet, and live in harmony with Nature. Unfortunately, we have become a society based on consumerism and greed. The choices we make around the food we eat, the businesses we support, and the types of transportation we use are having a significant impact on the future of our planet, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.

Large extractive industries like animal agriculture, oil, and logging are pillaging our planet faster than we can try and mitigate the damage. Everyone seems to feel good about "planting trees" but if we don't FIRST protect the ones we have from being destroyed, no amount of trees planted can save us, or the millions of species that will go extinct in the meantime.

One of the main things that's driving this deforestation in the rainforest is the fact that the marginalized indigenous communities that live there are often forced to accept what meager payments they can from these extractive industries in exchange for their land, simply because they have no other economic alternatives to make a living with. These indigenous tribes are the rightful stewards of these lands, and having been living in harmony with it for hundreds of years. Recent studies have shown that the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for these communities is one of the BEST ways we can help fight deforestation.

OMA is a social enterprise that utilizes a 3-tiered approach to create a compound effect for creating impact in this space. By providing fair-trade job opportunities for these marginalized indigenous communities, as well as supporting organizations that are working to protect and reforest the threatened lands, we're able to make a huge impact in a very short period of time.

You can view the project here for more details on how we're working towards our goal of protecting one million acres of endangered rainforest, while inspiring people to live in harmony with the Natural world. 🌳🌎❤️

www.ulule.com/omaearth