Wood Log Cake

 

A simple chocolate tree stump cake featuring colorful mushrooms and moss trickling along the sides! The cake was covered in slightly different shades of chocolate frosting, then I brushed some cocoa powder on the top edges to add some shading. For the indentations on the side, I used a fork and dragged it along the frosting in straight lines and circles. The moss was made with crushed pistachios.

Deforestation is the intentional clearance of trees or forested land, especially on a large scale. The effects of deforestation have been extremely detrimental as it has significantly transformed landscapes around the globe. One of the devastating consequences of deforestation is the release of carbon dioxide, which exacerbates global warming. The carbon inside the tree's chemical composition from photosynthesis is emitted into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when the tree is burned. Another result of deforestation is the extinction of biodiversity as many tropical forests house habitats for many species, but those species are threatened when the trees surrounding them are logged or burned. Additionally, soil is more likely to erode when trees are removed, and this dry land puts plants more at risk to fires. Deforestation has also been linked to disease outbreaks in the past as wild animals are driven closer to human civilizations, creating a greater chance of zoonotic diseases transferring to human populations.


A few of the causes of deforestation include agriculture, cattle ranching, logging, and housing. Agriculture is one of the most outstanding causes as certain agricultural practices--such as slash-and-burn agriculture--are responsible for the removal of substantial portions of land. The issue with these techniques is that they can unintentionally set fires to other parts of forests, including those that were supposed to be protected. Smoke from these fires can further limit rainfall and make them even harder to extinguish. Another cause is cattle ranching, as large fast-food companies account for mass deforestation when they create space to raise cattle for their meat supply. Additionally, logging is a common cause of deforestation, as the trees are used to produce paper products. The most damaging type of logging is clear-cutting, where an entire area of forest is cut down completely with nothing spared. Lastly, housing is a major cause of deforestation as it is powered by overpopulation--one of the most critical and complicated issues at the root of many environmental crises.

 

Solving deforestation not only conserves precious wildlife but also serves as an effective method to fight global warming. The most influence lies in the hands of larger corporations. Holding these companies and their suppliers accountable for their unsustainable practices in their supply chains and ensuring they implement their promises to protect our environment is a critical step to minimize the effects of deforestation. However, on an individual scale, making more informed and sustainable choices would help advance this movement for change. You can do so by reducing your waste, steering clear of single-use packaging, eating sustainably, and opting for recycled wood products (or products sourced responsibly).

 

Sources:

Deforestation | National Geographic Society

What Exactly Is Deforestation Doing to Our Planet? - EcoHealth Alliance

Deforestation and Climate Change – Climate Institute

Solutions to Deforestation - Greenpeace USA



The cake before adding additional decorations on top:






Comments

Jennifer said…
Wow! This is so creative!
Amanda said…
Adorable. Love the attention to detail here!
Divya said…
Beautiful cake!
Ashna said…
Looks delicious!
Heather said…
This is so simple yet so creative!
Erin said…
Pistachio moss is such a cool idea!
Anjali Myer said…
What a great idea! And so artistically executed
Gita said…
Simply amazing!
Shweta said…
Beautiful cake, and a creative way to spread awareness!
Aditi said…
The mushrooms look so cute and add such a nice pop of color along with the pistachio moss.
Christine said…
Very creatively implemented!
Esha said…
such a cute little cake!
Alia said…
This is so creative and looks yummy too.
Rebecca said…
I love chocolate cakes, and I am drooling over this cake!
Amulya said…
So creative!
Arshiya said…
Lovely!
Irene said…
So brilliant to use pistachio for the moss!

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