As seasons shift, our attention often turns to nature and the changing colour of the leaves, from spring’s first blooms to summer’s abundance, the full autumnal spectrum to winter’s stark contrast, a time for hibernation. Forests have always held a special place in our hearts and cultures. They evoke a sense of wonder and tranquillity that few other places can match. 

It’s a setting that’s close to the heart of AMNIENS too. Our founder, Jonas Pescettini grew up surrounded by forests in Denmark and after a decade of embracing a more nomadic life moving from country to country, he was drawn back to the idea of these misty wooded landscapes – a place where he could re-ground, re-connect with himself and re-establish strong foundations. From there the idea for AMNIENS began to take root and flourish…

As we celebrate FSC Forest Week, it's a perfect time to reflect on the multifaceted gifts forests can offer us — from their calming influence on our wellbeing to their crucial role in fighting climate change and supporting biodiversity. Forests require careful management, nurturing and advocacy; let’s delve into five ways in which they enrich our lives and why it’s essential to safeguard them for future generations.

The Soothing Embrace Of Forest Bathing

Have you ever wandered through a forest and felt an overwhelming sense of peace? You’re not alone. Known as "forest bathing" or “shinrin-yoku”, the idea being to bathe our senses rather than bodies in the lush environment, it’s a practice born of Japanese tradition (prescribed by the government there in the 1980s to help stressed workers) that’s now gaining recognition worldwide for its health benefits. The study ‘Nature, smells and human wellbeing’, carried out in two British woodlands across four seasons, showed evidence of scent-related benefits on the participants’ physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual and global wellbeing (read more about this in our article on aromatherapy).

Studies have shown that spending time in a forest can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, boost the immune system, and improve overall mental wellbeing. The tranquillity of the forest, with its dappled sunlight and sounds of nature, creates an environment that encourages relaxation and mental clarity. It’s as if the forest itself is a sanctuary, offering a break from the pace and pressures of daily life. By 2050, the UN reports that two in three of us will be living in cities, which means even more people will need to find an outlet to access this restorative sense of calm.

Forests Fighting For Climate Change

Forests play a pivotal role in our fight against climate change. They are often referred to as the "lungs of the earth" because they capture and store carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases that contributes the most to climate change. In turn, forests then release oxygen, a natural process helps mitigate the effects of global warming. To put this into context, the FSC reports on research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes (IPCC), which shows that restoring and sustainably managing the world’s forests can help remove the equivalent of all the carbon emitted by oil usage annually. 

Forests also help regulate the climate by influencing local weather patterns. They absorb and store water, which helps maintain the balance of local and global weather systems. The preservation of forests is critical in our efforts to combat climate change, as deforestation not only releases stored carbon dioxide but also diminishes the earth’s capacity to absorb future emissions.

The Importance Of Biodiversity

Forests are among the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They are home to a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are not found anywhere else, providing habitat for two-thirds of the earth’s plants and wildlife. This rich biodiversity is not just a marvel to behold; it’s essential for the health of the environment.

Each species in a forest plays a unique role, contributing to the ecosystem’s overall stability and resilience. A diverse forest can better withstand and recover from environmental changes and pressures. This biodiversity also has significant benefits for humans, providing resources like medicine, food and materials that are crucial for our wellbeing and advancement. Sustainable forest management helps ensure this biodiversity can be protected and continue to thrive.

Supporting Indigenous Communities

Forests are not just a natural resource; they are a vital part of the cultural and spiritual life of many indigenous communities around the world. According to the FSC, forests are home to over 300 million people worldwide and for these communities, forests are more than just land; they are deeply intertwined with their traditions, livelihoods and identities.

Supporting indigenous people and respecting their rights is a crucial part of forest conservation. Indigenous communities have often practised sustainable land management for centuries and have a deep understanding of the forest ecosystem. By incorporating their knowledge into conservation strategies, we can ensure that forests are managed in a way that respects people and nature, creating a brighter future for both.

An Abundance Of Resources

Forests offer an abundance of resources that are essential to our lives. They provide timber and paper products – which can help to reduce dependency on less sustainable resources like steel and concrete in infrastructure, for example, and these forest-based materials retain the carbon they capture even when they’re used to build furniture, buildings and bridges. Beyond these tangible resources, forests also offer a space to enhance our quality of life, a place to walk, pause and observe, taking time out surrounded by nature. 

Sustainable management and responsible consumption are key to ensuring that we continue to benefit from these resources without compromising the health of our forests. The FSC promotes responsible forestry practices that balance ecological, social, and economic needs. By supporting FSC-certified products, we contribute to the conservation of forests and the wellbeing of the communities that depend on them

AMNIENS Pledge To Our Forests

When designing our packaging, we wanted to create as little impact on the environment as possible. Our FSC-certified paper product boxes are fully recyclable, they ship flat from the manufacturer to us at AMNIENS to save space, and are custom designed to ensure they are light, small and effective in protecting your scented oil, with no filler packaging to keep waste low too. We think this only adds to the luxury of what we do.

We also work with other like-minded organisations who are helping to shape AMNIENS and the impact we hope to have. These include 1% for the Planet, a non-profit organisation with a shared goal to support people and the planet; The Vegan Society who have certified all our products; and Provenance, who connect our social and environmental impact claims to research-based evidence in the market, empowering you to make sustainable choices with confidence. 

Forests are a gift, offering us a sanctuary for relaxation, a shield against climate change, a wellspring of biodiversity, and vital resources. By supporting sustainable forestry practices, respecting indigenous rights and advocating for the preservation of biodiversity, we ensure that these incredible ecosystems can continue to thrive. So next time you find yourself walking among the trees, take a deep breath – or, if you’re looking to recreate that same sense of calm, try our Nebbia All’Alba scented oil, designed with exactly this in mind.