ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE A comprehensive guide to becoming a more conscious consumer. Easy steps you can take to support a sustainable future for generations to come.
ABOUT US
Holisticly is a progressive health and technology company focused on empowering people from all around the world to live consciously, healthily, and enthusiastically. Our international team of experienced researchers, practitioners, and creators work closely to bring you high-quality, extensively researched content to expand your knowledge of different aspects of holistic, preventive, and integrative health. You can be confident that you are making sound decisions about your health based on facts, studies, and scientific research, as our number one priority is to consistently provide scientifically proven content. The aim of this campaign is to provide readers with the means to conceptualize the role they play in the health of our Earth, understand how the climate can impact our wellbeing, and discover how we can employ actionable steps towards change.
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SHORT GLOSSARY
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
SHORT GLOSSARY
Greenhouse Effect: This is the natural process that regulates and warms the Earth’s atmosphere. This is done by greenhouse gases which trap the warmth of the sun.
Deforestation: Deforestation is the intentional clearing of forested land.
Infectious Diseases: These are diseases that are caused by pathogens (organisms that cause disease, such as bacteria) and can be transmitted between organisms.
DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
DEFORESTATION AND HUMAN HEALTH
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
Deforestation and Human Health How do forests keep us healthy? Forests cover 30% of the Earth’s land surface and are essential for both our physical and mental wellbeing. Trees play a critical role in maintaining a stable, livable environment for us all to live in. The various functions of trees in this context include: regulating the weather preventing landslides and flooding producing vital oxygen Forests also clean our air by reducing potentially harmful pollutants and are a major source of clean drinking water globally which helps mitigate the risk of developing serious respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis and contracting water-borne diseases such as cholera. Water-borne diseases are any illness caused by drinking water contaminated by human or animal feces, which contain pathogenic microorganisms. Forests are also thought to improve our mental health. Several studies directly link the presence of green areas with improved mental health within the local community. For this reason, many cities have planned or developed urban green areas to promote physical activity, reduce noise pollution, improve air quality, and ultimately improve our mental health by lessening the impact of environmental stressors.
How can deforestation impact our health? It is estimated that the world has lost over one-third of its forest (an area roughly twice the size of the United States), most of which was lost in the last 5,000 years. As a result, there has been a significant reduction in the availability of carbon stores. This means that excessive carbon emissions (which enhance the greenhouse effect) can't be sufficiently absorbed. As well as depriving the planet of stable climate regulation, in losing forests, we are also losing an essential barrier to extreme weather phenomena, disasters, and infectious diseases.
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Deforestation and Human Health
More information: A Note on Carbon Carbon is a chemical element that is essential for all organic or living organisms on our planet. It is found in our food, the ground we stand on, and is a critical building block in our DNA. However, carbon can be harmful for us, especially when it is released into the environment in the form of carbon dioxide (C02) through the burning of fossil fuels or deforestation. Trees store carbon in their trunks, branches, and leaves. The forests we currently have left store nearly 50% of the Earth’s carbon on land. Cutting down trees both releases the carbon stored within them and reduces the number of carbon stores in our environment, which ultimately results in global warming.
CO2
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
Deforestation and Human Health How does extreme weather threaten our wellbeing? As a result of climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world are due to increase. When we cut down forests, not only do we speed up the rate at which global warming occurs, but we also: remove a key defense against the impacts of flooding, fires, and soil erosion, a gradual process that results in the loss of soil fertility and integrity increase the risk of heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, which can result in death in vulnerable populations contribute to more prolonged and severe droughts, as has been observed in parts of Africa, North and South America, and Asia, particularly in rural or low-income communities increase the damage caused to humans by flooding, tropical storms, and forest fires, such as injuries and premature deaths, and in the case of flooding, where stagnant water may remain for many weeks, an increase in water-borne and other infectious diseases, such as cholera
How can deforestation lead to more cases of infectious diseases? When we cut down forests, we open areas and give humans access to previously inaccessible areas in a process called encroachment. When we enter areas that humans have previously not been to before, it is likely that we will encounter some unpleasant unknowns. The world’s forests, particularly tropical rainforests, host a staggering number of plant and animal species and are therefore known as ‘‘biodiversity hotspots.’’ Among these species are bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens and their vectors. Cutting down our forests increases the risk that we will come into contact with diseases that have remained hidden for hundreds or even thousands of years. In addition to emerging infectious diseases, deforestation can also contribute to the increased prevalence (the number of existing cases of a disease in a population at a specific time) of known infectious diseases, particularly those that are spread by a vector, like a mosquito. Even now, many communities that live on the outskirts of forests, especially in tropical areas, are seeing an increase in cases of malaria and dengue fever, both of which are transmitted by mosquitoes.
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Deforestation and Human Health If the risks of deforestation are so high, why does it continue? The ever-growing global population and the associated increase in demand for consumer products means that people and businesses alike are resorting to clearing forests in order to increase their capacity for production or directly use trees for timber in a process called logging. Many companies opt to minimize their environmental impact by engaging with replanting schemes, restoring forests, or choosing to cut down trees sustainably. Unfortunately, there remains a large proportion of global corporations and smallholder companies that are hesitant or do not have the capacity to make this switch, either due to limited means, in the case of smaller companies with less capacity, or by choice, as sustainable practices tend to require a larger investment of both time and money. The vast majority of industrial deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests. In the Amazon rainforest, more than two-thirds of the habitat loss is attributed to land clearing for beef and soy. However, although it may seem trivial, choosing to reduce or eliminate our consumption of products whose respective industries drive tropical deforestation can have a significant impact when more individuals become involved.
DIET AND DEFORESTATION
DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Diet and Deforestation
Does my diet contribute to deforestation? As is the nature of the industry, all foods that we consume will impact the environment to a certain extent, but it is up to the individual to make choices to minimize this impact as much as possible.
What changes can we make to our diets to reduce our environmental impact? Reducing or eliminating our consumption of animal products, such as beef and dairy, is considered the most impactful dietary change that we can make to reduce deforestation and save our planet. The demand for beef has increased exponentially in recent years as globalization and improved socioeconomic status drive individuals to increase their beef consumption. The production of beef accounts for over 41% of the total tropical deforestation. This is more than double that of soy and vegetable oils combined. The production processes of chocolate, coffee, and sugar are also significant drivers of tropical deforestation. It is proposed that chocolate that is produced unsustainably in tropical areas could have an even greater environmental impact than some beef. We may not consider these three products to make up a large proportion of our diet, but with many of us consuming coffee or sugar daily, the environmental impact is compounded.
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DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
Diet and Deforestation
What are whole-foods, and how can they reduce my environmental impacts? Whole-food diets focus on products that are as close to their natural state as possible, meaning they have undergone limited processing. Examples of whole-foods are: fruit and vegetables whole grains beans nuts fresh chicken or fish
Processed and ultra-processed foods like salted or tinned products, carbonated drinks, ice cream, and breakfast cereals often contain lots of extra chemicals or additional ingredients to prolong their shelf life or improve flavor and texture. These additional ingredients have long been associated with poor health outcomes, but have only recently been linked to an increased environmental impact. In addition to the significant carbon footprint of the factories which produce processed foods, many products use soy derivatives such as oil, protein and lecithin, and vegetable oils. The production of soy and vegetable oils are, after beef production, the second and third biggest contributors to deforestation.
PLANT-BASED DIETS
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DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
Plant-Based Diets Can plant-based, whole-food diets offer complete nutrition? Plant-based diets have the potential to be both nutritionally complete and very healthy if you make the right choices and plan them correctly! Diets that limit or eliminate red meat and dairy are associated with improved weight management and heart health. However, cutting out meat does not necessarily mean we will be healthier if we continue to eat junk food, even if it is plant-based. This is where whole-foods come in. If we predominantly or exclusively eat plant-based foods, whether or not this includes dairy and eggs, and the products we consume are whole-foods, this diet is potentially healthier for us than one that includes a large intake of meat. Adopting a plant-based diet can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease. If you are interested in switching to a plant-based diet, it is recommended that you consult a nutritionist to get a better idea of the foods you need to be eating to stay healthy and avoid nutritional deficiencies.
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Plant-based diets have the potential to be both nutritionally complete and very healthy if you make the right choices and plan them correctly!
Here is an example of a plant-based whole-foods shopping list: fruits and vegetables - apples, oranges etc. whole grains - quinoa, brown rice etc. healthy fats - avocado, dark chocolate etc. legumes, tofu, and tempeh seeds, nuts, and nut butter unsweetened plant-based milk - almond milk, coconut milk etc. eggs and dairy - yogurt, cheese etc. If supplementing your plant-based diet with animal products, choose quality products from grocery stores or, better yet, purchase them from local farms.
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Plant-Based Diets Is there a need to supplement a plant-based diet?
SUPPLEMENTS
While the nutritional profile of a plant-based diet suggests it can provide us with an adequate amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, some essential vitamins and minerals are not readily available in a plant-based diet, such as vitamin B12. Typically found in animal products such as eggs, red meat, and dairy, those following a vegan diet are at risk of being deficient in vitamin B12. It is recommended you supplement your diet with vitamin B12 if you are not consuming animal products, as it is necessary for neuronal function, protein metabolism, and the formation of red blood cells. It is a good idea to consult a doctor to discuss your dietary needs before taking any supplements.
There are several other supplements that some individuals choose to take when following a plant-based diet, including: omega-3 iron vitamin D calcium zinc Not everyone needs to supplement these nutrients, so a doctor should be consulted to determine an individual’s requirements.
Protein, like carbs and fats, is a macronutrient our bodies need to survive. Macronutrients are nutrients that we need in greater quantities and provide us with energy. Daily protein needs vary depending on age, sex, and activity level, as well as whether an individual is pregnant or suffering from a condition that puts additional stress on the body, such as illness or injury. Most of the time, a plant based diet is capable of offering several high protein options, such as: tempeh edamame lentils beans legumes Remember, plant-based does not necessarily mean that all animal products must be cut out of the diet, as some people who do not eat meat continue to eat eggs and dairy, which are both good sources of protein. We just need to make sure that when we are buying these products, we are choosing producers who make their sustainability and ethical commitments public so that we can ensure that we are supporting the most animal-and environmentally-friendly companies.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Plant-Based Diets
DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
LAND USE, DEFORESTATION, AND AGRICULTURE
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Land Use, Deforestation, and Agriculture What is soy, and why is its production so bad for the environment? Soybeans are highly nutritious, containing nearly 36g of protein per 100g. However, their versatility has resulted in a huge growth in popularity and demand that has had severe consequences for the environment, as the area of land needed to produce soy is huge in comparison to other crops, as they grow on small plants rather than trees. Current global soybean production is fifteen times greater than it was in 1950, with the area of land used for soybean cultivation in South America nearly tripling between 1990-2010.
What is the global distribution of soy consumption? In China and other parts of East and Southeast Asia, soy is a key element of people’s diets. Eaten in many forms, this protein-rich plant is often made into soy milk, tofu, tempeh (fermented bean curd), and sweet treats. First introduced to Europe in the 1700s, soy food products have only recently come into fashion in the West with the rise of vegan and vegetarian diets.
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Land Use, Deforestation, and Agriculture Can soy be a healthy component of a plant-based diet? While soy production is the second-biggest contributor to deforestation after beef production, the relatively low percentage of soy directly consumed by humans complicates the matter somewhat. When eating animal products, we are indirectly consuming far more soy and driving much greater deforestation than if we were to adopt a plant-based diet and rely on soy as a protein staple. Therefore, the best way to reduce our consumption of soy and help to decrease the global demand is to limit or eliminate meat consumption.
VEGETABLE OILS AND TROPICAL DEFORESTATION
DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
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Vegetable Oils and Tropical Deforestation
What are vegetable oils? Vegetable oils are fats that come from seeds, nuts, grains, and fruits. Many vegetable oils are produced for direct human consumption, and most kitchens around the world constantly maintain a store of some form of it for cooking. Some examples of vegetable oils are olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, and palm oil. Palm oil is a particularly versatile oil that is used in the production of various products that people around the world consume daily, but it has been at the center of controversy in recent years due to negative impacts on the environment, primarily in terms of deforestation.
What role do vegetable oils play in daily life? Vegetable oils have a plethora of applications in products that everyone uses or consumes daily. For example, in relation to the uses of palm oil 68% of the oil produced is used in food, 27% is used in industrial applications, and the remaining 5% is used as biofuels for transport, electricity, and heat. Direct application in food makes up the biggest market for vegetable oils. They are used for cooking, but are also important in products such as margarine, chocolates, pizzas, bread, and other snacks, to improve their texture and flavour. Between 2008 and 2021, the global demand for palm oil almost doubled. It is estimated that the global demand for vegetable oils will continue to increase in the future as more food and non-food producers integrate them into their consumer products.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Vegetable Oils and Tropical Deforestation How do vegetable oils contribute to deforestation? As vegetable oils are derived from plant sources, their production requires a great deal of agricultural land use. The development of agricultural land is a major driver of deforestation, particularly when unsustainable farming practices, such as monoculture lead to soil degradation and force farmers to clear further land in search of arable soils. As the global population increases, the demand for agricultural products also increases. The area of agricultural land worldwide has tripled since 1960. In 2018, more than 300 million hectares of land were used for producing vegetable oil crops. Of the land currently used for vegetable oil crops, soybean production is by far the biggest land user, which is also why it is cited as the second biggest contributor to deforestation worldwide.
Which oils can we choose to reduce our environmental impact? When it comes to choosing the best fat sources in terms of environmental impact, the issue becomes more complicated. Palm oil has developed a bad reputation due to its direct link to tropical deforestation; however, in comparison to other oil crops, palm has a very high yield, meaning that more oil can be produced in a smaller area. For example, palm oil produces 36% of global vegetable oil but only uses 8.6% of the total land used for vegetable oil production, whereas soybeans use 39% of that land and produce 25.5% of the oil. When choosing an oil product in the supermarket, the best thing to do is to look out for sustainability credentials, such as RSPO certification and Rainforest Alliance, which ensure that biodiversity is maintained, workers are treated ethically, and companies are committed to zero deforestation in the future.
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DEFORESTATION AND LAND USE
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Vegetable Oils and Tropical Deforestation
Business and Sustainability Certification Many companies who strive to act responsibly hope to have their efforts recognized and often opt to be certified by one or more environmental, health, or ethics committees. These certification processes can take many years, wherein the company undergoes several rounds of checks to make sure that they are committed to their values and can prove this through actions. Once certified, the company can add the certification logo to their products. When choosing items in a supermarket, particularly those that are known to have a more significant environmental impact, make sure to look out for the following labels that verify that the producing company is doing their best to care for the environment and the people that they work with. RSPO Sustainable Palm Oil: This certification is specific to the cultivation of oil palm and products containing palm oil. Certified companies are committed to three pillars of sustainability; people, prosperity, and the planet. Through the integration of best practices, RSPO certified palm oil companies must commit to the ethical treatment of employees and local communities, improving local economies and prospects, and mitigating environmental damage by reducing emissions and deforestation. https://rspo.org/certification
FairTrade: The FairTrade certification is particularly important for ensuring that workers are treated ethically. You should look out for this label in products such as coffee, tea, and chocolate.
Rainforest Alliance: Similar to RSPO certification, companies that are Rainforest Alliance certified must commit to improving the livelihoods of their people and engaging with climate-smart agriculture, which limits deforestation and protects biodiversity.
Do we need to consume oils to stay healthy? Fats, some of which may come from vegetable oils, are an essential element of a healthy diet. The consumption of fats are essential for humans as they function to maintain: a healthy hormone balance regulating energy levels organ protection vitamin absorption Approximately 20-35% of our calorie intake should come from fats.
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Bibliography Sánchez, E., & Mwamba, S. (July 2018.) 8 Foods That Are Surprisingly Bad for the Environment. Global Citizen. https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/8-foods-you-probably-didnt-know-were-bad-for-the-e/. Seferidi, P., Scrinis, G., Huybrechts, I., Woods, J., Vineis, P., & Millett, C. (October 2020.) The neglected environmental impacts of ultra-processed foods. The Lancet, Volume 4, Issue 10, 437-438. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(20)30177-7/fulltext. Suhada, T. A., Bagja, B., & Saleh, S. (March 2018.) Smallholder Farmers Are Key to Making the Palm Oil Industry Sustainable. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/insights/smallholder-farmers-are-key-making-palm-oil-industry-sustainable. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (June 2018.) Heat Related Illness. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html. Treanor, N. B., & Saunders, J. (January 2021.) Tackling (illegal) deforestation in coffee supply chains: what impact can demand-side regulations have? Forest Trends. https://www.forest-trends.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/10-things-to-know-about-coffee-production.pdf. Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013.) Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets. The Permanente Journal, Volume 17, Issue 2, 61-66. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3662288/. Veldkamp, E., Schmidt, M., Powers, J. S., & Corre, M. D. (September 2020.) Deforestation and reforestation impacts on soils in the tropics. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-020-0091-5. Wendel, J. (January 2015.) Climate Change Predicted to Worsen Spread of Cholera. Eos. https://eos.org/articles/climate-change-predicted-worsen-spread-cholera. WWF-UK. Ten products and ingredients that come from tropical forests. https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/ten-products-and-ingredients-come-tropical-forests.