What can we do?
… If everyone did just a little to help
We can change the hand, that we’ve been dealt…
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.
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…
*Remember to check out the Glossary at the bottom of the page
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world”
How can we stop… Climate Change?
We know that climate change is happening, but we do have the knowledge, skills and technology to stop it.
However, people all over the world – families, friends, communities and governments need to recognise the threat and all work towards making the changes that are needed.
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?
Read more about climate change here.
Cycle, scoot or walk instead of taking the car
Reduce and reuse as much as possible
Cut down on meat and dairy and eat seasonal products
Switch off your appliances
Put on a jumper and down your heating
Air dry your clothes instead of using a tumble dryer
“We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it”
How can we stop… Pollution?
Pollution is everywhere, from dangerous gases in the atmosphere high above us to plastic found in the depths of the deepest oceans.
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.
Read more about pollution here.
Never litter… find a bin or take your rubbish home
Say NO to junk mail
Choose non-toxic cleaning products
Say NO to plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery
Avoid balloons and plastic party goodies
Invest in a reusable water bottle and cloth bag
“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.”
How can we stop… Habitat Destruction?
A natural habitat is the environmental area where a specific species lives or simply put, the place where a particular creature calls home.
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.
Take part in a community clear up or beach clean
Don’t waste paper - use both sides and buy recycled
Be careful what you flush down the loo
Avoid products made from palm oil
Never release a pet into the wild
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.”
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 is usually indicative of a healthy and sustainable ecosystem since all species, no matter how small have an important role to play.
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 plight of many iconic species can be read about here.
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.
Create a habitat in your garden or local community
Buy local and organic
Avoid souvenirs that are made from animal parts
Buy wood that comes from a sustainable source
Choose fish that has been sustainably caught
Help the bees by not mowing the lawn
“It is together that we will be able to save our biodiversity.”
FREE Little Green Star reward chart and certificate
Our little ones can make a big difference when they help to take care of the planet… Lead by example and show your kiddies how it’s done and very quickly they will get the picture.
If you need a little incentive to get them going or a reward for their efforts, then why not download our FREE It’s Our Planet Too eco heroes award chart and certificate. Just click here.
Glossary
atmosphere: A layer of gases that surround the Earth
Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
climate change: A big difference in normal climate patterns over a long amount of time
compost: Created by the breakdown of biodegradable material such as garden and kitchen waste, it can be used to improve soil without the need for fertilisers
emissions: The production or discharge of something, this could be harmful
environment: The surroundings or area in which a person, animal or plant lives
fossil fuels: A natural fuel, such as coal oil or gas
greenhouse effect: Warming of the earth's atmosphere caused by a build up of gases that trap the Sun’s heat
habitat: A natural place where plants, animals, and other organisms live
habitat destruction: The process when a natural habitat becomes unable to support its native (or usual) species
litter: Waste (usually paper, plastics and glass) thrown around in the environment, rather than being placed in a proper bin or other waste facility
non-renewable energy: Energy that comes from sources that will run out, such as fossil fuels
pollution: The introduction of a harmful substance into the environment
recycling: Recycling means using things that have already been used to make new things
reduce: Reduce means avoiding creating waste in the first place and is an even better thing to do than reusing or recycling
refillable: Means that something (for example a bottle) can be refilled rather than having to be thrown away when it is empty
renewable energy: Energy from a source that is not depleted when it is used such as sunlight, wind or tides
resources: A general word for the things and materials that we obtain from the Earth
reuse: Reusing means using something again, either for the same purpose or for something completely different
toxic waste: Waste that is poisonous to humans or other living things
waste: Anything that we think we no longer have a use for and so throw away