What can we do?
We can’t change the fate of our planet on our own but when we come together, the impact can be huge.
There are some big issues to tackle from climate change and pollution to habitat destruction and declining biodiversity, and it can feel overwhelming at times. But if everyone in the world made small lifestyle changes if would add up to make a huge difference. Every recycled bottle, every planted tree and every light switched off is one more step to a healthier planet!
Can you commit to making more sustainable choices, reducing your carbon footprint, conserving energy and resources or lending a hand with local environmental projects where you live? Below are a few ideas of small changes that we can all make to help create a positive impact on protecting our environment…
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world”
- Mahatma Gandhi -
How can we stop… Climate Change?
We know our planet is changing, but there’s good news! We already have the resources knowledge and technology to help protect it.
Now we all need to work together. Families, friends, schools and countries can all play a part. When everyone helps, even in small ways, we can make a big difference to our planet.
Together we need to reduce the use of fossil fuels, stop rainforest destruction and get power from renewable sources by putting pressure on governments or companies to find alternative solutions but also we need to make changes in our every day lives.
Can you encourage your friends and family to make some of the small changes below to lessen their impact on our climate?
Can you...
- Cycle, scoot or walk instead of taking the car
- Cut down on meat and dairy and eat seasonal products
- Put on a jumper and down your heating
- Reduce and reuse as much as possible
- Air dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dryer
- Switch off your appliances
“We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it”
- Barack Obama -
How can we stop… Pollution?
Pollution can be found nearly everywhere, form harmful gases high up in the sky to tiny pieces of plastic at the bottom of the ocean. It can even be found in places where no people live, like in icy polar regions!
Unfortunately, pollution is the result of human activity - the reason that our environment is so unhealthy is simply because of the amount of waste that we produce. Reducing pollution is important for the survival of our planet and for the health and wellbeing of the species who depend on it.
Between 1970 and 2000, the amount of waste generated per person every year almost doubled and this rate will continue to grow unless we take action to stop creating it. We need to find ways to reduce the amount of waste that we produce but also new ways to reuse, recycle and dispose of our waste safely. Below are some ideas of ways that you can reduce pollution.
Can you...
- Never litter.... find a bin or take your rubbish home
- Avoid balloons and plastic party bag goodies
- Choose non-toxic cleaning products
- Say NO to junk mail
- Invest in a reusable water bottle and cloth bag
- Say NO to plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery
“I hate the hand that comes out of a car and just drops litter in the street. I hate that! For some reason, it just fills me with fury! It’s just utter laziness, lack of interest in other people, lack of interest in the planet, in the hedgehog who might eat the plastic bag, it’s a lack of concern.”
- Joanna Lumley -
How can we stop… Habitat Destruction?
A natural habitat is where an animal or plant lives, it’s their home! In their habitat, a plant or animal can find everything they need to live, like food, water and shelter. For example, a fox lives in a forest, and a polar bear lives in the Arctic.
Over time, many natural habitats experience change or are damaged, but habitat destruction results in such a drastic change to an environment that the species that depend on it can no longer survive. Unfortunately, habitat destruction occurs frequently all over the world as a result of human activities. For example, when an area of Amazon rainforest is destroyed and replaced with farmland, the natural habitat for many species will be eliminated instantly, leaving many struggling for survival.
Whilst we may not be able to directly control what is happening in the Amazon, we can make small changes to our lives to limit the damage that our activities are having on natural habitats closer to home.
Can you...
- Be careful what you flush down the loo
- Take part in a community clear up or beach clean
- Never release a pet into the wild
- Avoid products made from palm oil
- Don't waste paper - use both sides and buy recycled
- Recycle your old technology - the minerals will be reused
“I believe our biggest issue is the same biggest issue that the whole world is facing, and that’s habitat destruction.”
- Steve Irwin -
How can we stop… Declining Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the measure of the variety of plant and animal life in a particular area. A high level biodiversity means that an ecosystem is healthy and sustainable – and there is a great variety of animal and plant life!
Sadly, over the years, human activity has played a huge part in reducing biodiversity; it is estimated that the extinction rate of species is now about 1,000 times higher than before humans dominated the planet.
The reality is that life on Earth ultimately relies on biodiversity. For example, bees pollinate a third of everything we eat and play a vital role in sustaining the planet’s ecosystems.
With a few simple lifestyle changes we can all reduce our impact on the environment and encourage biodiversity to thrive.
Can you...
- Avoid souvenirs
- Buy wood that comes from a sustainable source
- Choose fish that has been sustainably caught
- Create a habitat in your garden or local community
- Help the bees by not mowing the lawn
- Buy local and organic
“It is together that we will be able to save our biodiversity”
- Albert II, Prince of Monaco -
