There is a point where we must say, “We are All one!” This is the basis of creation. This is the fundamental truth from Day One until now.

We see everything develop from one cell, to one self. And we can say “the forests are us and we are the forests.”

International Forest Day, on March 21 each year, tries to teach us just that. We are just a small part of this world and a microscopic part of our universe, but we are still important – as is the plant next to us.

Inside our big cities, however, we cannot see that we are interdependent with nature. We sit at our tables, we breath our the – but everything is connected with forests.

Nowadays, though, many forests are vulnerable due to unsustainable exploitation. Many of them have plants on the verge of extinction.

The products we use the most, are made from unsustainable wood harvesting.

The sustainable management of forests and the rational use of their resources is key to combating climate change and to contributing to the prosperity of current and future generations.

Wood products bring bacteria-free food and water to many kitchens. Everything from spoons to the structures of our houses themselves come from forests. Wood is used to replace plastic and create clothes.

But wood is just one kind of plant life that comes from forests, so last but not least, think about this: what if a medicine for serious illnesses like cancer or Alzheimer’s is hidden in a rare plant which has not been studied yet but that is near extinction in a forest?

Even though plants provide us with a variety of medicines, the vast majority of plants have not been studied yet for possible medical applications.

So, what about the forests? Do we know enough to motivate ourselves to change? Why don’t we start consuming less paper, less one-use materials made of wood. Why don’t we choose from environmentally friendly sources? For the sake of our planet and its inhabitants – for ourselves!

Forests are too precious to lose.

* The above is not medical advice but mere suggestions for improving your diet. Before reach herbal use you should consult your doctor, especially those who have health issues, are pregnant or are under the age of 6.

 Evropi-Sofia Dalampira holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and an MSc in Botany-Biology.