Protecting the environment: a quick guide :Cross Stitch – Environment and greener living
Simple, everyday actions can help protect the natural environment and conserve biodiversity (the variety of life on earth). Find out what you can do – from creating a space for wildlife to disposing of waste carefully, and from volunteering to recording wildlife.
More people need to take action to protect the environment
The natural environment underpins the health of the planet and is a vital part of the world’s economy. However, human activity is causing an increasing decline in biodiversity (the variety of life on earth).
More people need to take action to tackle the decline in biodiversity and protect the environment. The ten tips below show you easy, everyday activities that can help.
Volunteering is fun, healthy and free
Volunteers already do a great deal to conserve biodiversity and protect the environment. Volunteering to improve your local environment is fun, healthy and free. You can find conservation volunteering opportunities on the Muck In4Life website, or by looking for community groups near you.
When you are clearing out old pond plants, remember to compost them carefully.
Some pond plants can become a problem if they get into the wild. They can smother native plants, clog waterways, worsen flooding and remove oxygen from the water, which can harm fish.
Labelling schemes can help you make greener choices
Some gifts and foods available in certain countries can be made from endangered plants or animals. Think before you buy wildlife-based products or souvenirs from overseas trips. If in doubt, it’s best to avoid them.
When buying products, from foods to furniture, there is often a greener choice. Look out for labels like:
- the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label for fish
- the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label for wood products
Only buying peat-free compost to use in your garden can help to protect important peat bogs.
When it’s time to throw something away, make sure you dispose of it carefully and safely.
Never pour paints, varnishes or waste pesticides down the drain or put them in household bins. This can lead to hazardous chemicals getting into the environment. Your local council can give you advice on safe disposal. For more information, see the paragraph ‘Disposing of paints, finishes and preservatives’ in ‘Greener DIY’.
Many electronic items contain chemicals that can damage natural systems if not disposed of properly. For more on how to safely dispose of these, see ‘Reusing and disposing of electrical equipment’.