Joaquin Phoenix and Kellan Lutz join Greenpeace call for forest-friendly products | WPN World People News

A host of Hollywood stars including Joaquin Phoenix, Kellan Lutz and Gillian Anderson have joined thousands of concerned consumers in calling for an end to every day products being manufactured through forest destruction.

The Tiger Manifesto, launched by Greenpeace, is a way for consumers to demand products are forest and tiger-friendly. Forest destruction is driving animals like the Sumatran tiger in Indonesia, which number as few as 400, to the edge of extinction.

Famous for his roles in Gladiator, Walk the Line and more recently, Her, American actor Joaquin Phoenix said, "I have recently learned about the mass destruction of Indonesia's rainforests for the production of palm oil and paper. It not only negatively affects millions of Indonesians whose livelihoods depend on the forest, but also has been the direct cause of pushing the Sumatran tiger to the edge of extinction. We are all a part of the future, and together we can ensure these magnificent animals are too.”

Palm oil, an ingredient found in almost half of supermarket products, is the largest driver of deforestation in Indonesia. According to Greenpeace International research, the vast majority of the forest cleared in oil palm concessions in Sumatra during 2009–2011 was tiger habitat. This makes the plantation sector the chief threat to Sumatran tigers, with up to 1 million hectares of prime tiger habitat already allocated to concessions in Indonesia.

“Forests do not need to be destroyed to grow palm oil, but the makers of every day products are making us a part of this destruction. It’s possible to protect forests and prevent tigers from being driven to extinction and Greenpeace’s Tiger Manifesto brings together those who share this vision,” said Bustar Maitar, the head of the Indonesia Forest Campaign at Greenpeace International.

The Tiger Manifesto, already launched in Indonesia, is just the first part of a global campaign to save the home of the Sumatran tiger and to eliminate dirty palm oil from the products we use.

“Thousands of people in Indonesia and around the world are taking action, but we need more signatures on the Tiger Manifesto. We want Sumatran tigers and forests in our future. Greenpeace will continue to expose those who refuse to cut forest destruction from their products because consumers do not want a part of the extinction of such a majestic animal,” said Bustar.

Global pressure from Greenpeace and other NGOs has already pushed Wilmar International, the world’s biggest palm oil trader to commit to forest protection. Big brands like L’Oréal, Unilever, Ferrero and Nestlé have also made pledges, but more action is needed to save the remaining forest.

Source: Greenpeace International