Kuling, with an example of a barrier used to block logging road, made in Penan forest sign language - symbolising what important forest plants will be lost if the logging continues."
By Lyndsey Burton
Director, 25 January 2008
Anyone who's watched Bruce Parry meeting the Penan Tribe from Malaysia will remember the haunting face of Kuling, a visiting tribesman from a neighboring group, who came to ask Bruce why his forest was being destroyed and when was anyone going to stop it happening?
The destruction of rainforests is a global crisis, one that if not stopped, will seriously impact on people around the world - including those in the UK or any other well developed country, as well as the local people to the rainforest and the animals who rely on it for their survival.
With a growing concern for the survival of our rainforests, many charities have set up to specifically raise funds to purchase rainforest land for local trusts and employ local people to keep these areas protected from logging or clearing for cattle ranches or farmland.
Cool Earth is one such charity set up to protect the rainforest, and who state: "In the next 24 hours, deforestation will release as much CO2 into the atmosphere as 8 million people flying from London to New York."
Cool Earth work with rainforests mainly in South America, including the rainforests of Brazil and Ecuador.
Half an acre of Brazilian rainforest can be protected through Cool Earth for just £35, or £50 for half an acre of Ecuadorian rainforest.
Think
The Co-operative Bank has always been the bank of choice for any ethically conscientious consumer, so it's no surprise that they have become one of the main supporters of Cool Earth.
Part of their sponsorship unites the activities of Co-operative Bank customers to raise funds for the continued efforts of Cool Earth.
The new Co-operative Bank 'think' credit card donates £35 to Cool Earth when a cardholder makes their first purchase on the card. This money is used to protect half an acre of Brazilian rainforest in your name for the next 25 years.
The Co-operative Bank continues to donate 25 pence for every £100 spent on a 'think' credit card.
For the cardholder, you'll get reduced interest rates for 6-months on purchases made with selected ethical retailers or service providers, including Ikea, the trainline, Raleigh, Ecotricity, Co-op food stores and more.
Of course, the major benefit of the think credit card is the simple solution offered to the everyday person to get involved in protecting the rainforest and fighting climate change.
And, if half an acre and 25p for every £100 you spend doesn't sound quite enough to ease your eco-warrior conscious, then you can protect even more rainforest directly through Cool Earth from just £70 per acre - less than the price of an iPod.
What a great gift!
 Cool Earth
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