Today is World Nature Conservation Day, and this yearwe need all hands on deck. Conservation it is about getting rid of wasteful tendencies, or, in National GeographicThe words of, the act of protecting the Earth’s natural resources for current and future generations. Conservation can apply to efforts around animals, the environment, or the daily use of resources. Most of the time, everything intersects.
Conservation work is not an exclusive act: anyone can commit to help improve the health of our planet. Direct impact can vary in magnitude, but small actions coupled with community engagement and larger projects can make a difference.
Looking for a way to celebrate? Read on for 10 ways to channel your inner conservationist. One piece of advice: Choose the option (or options) that you want to continue well beyond World Nature Conservation Day.
How to help the planet on World Nature Conservation Day
1. Have a low consumption day
Take this opportunity to take stock of how much you actually use in a day in an effort to decrease your use of natural resources. Once you understand your habits, try setting some new parameters to help lessen your overall impact, even if it’s just for a day. Don’t know where to start? Avoid buying something new today and instead look for creative ways to use what you already have on hand.
This is a great exercise for those looking to better understand their consumption patterns, to better implement meaningful changes that will stick. Use it today as an exercise in discerning need from lack, and reduce your environmental footprint in the process.
2. Donate to conservation efforts
There are numerous foundations and non-profit organizations around the world that are already doing the work and need your help. Chances are you have a certain animal, cause or impact area that has really become special to you, so why not start there? Do some research and see what kind of groups, goals and projects they are defining that space.
Don’t forget to evaluate the platforms you donate to to determine their validity, track record of effectiveness, and how well their plans align with what’s really needed. It may seem a bit daunting to scrutinize organizations, but it’s worth directing your money toward strategic impact.
Speaking of your dollar, don’t worry about the amount donated. A little often goes a long way, and it’s all about creating a sustainable habit. Sign up for updates and consider contributing regularly or whenever you can.
3. Organize a garbage cleanup
Grab a friend, head to a public space (a park or a beach) and go pick up some trash. Enjoy the time you spend outdoors while helping your local ecosystem.
Taking out the trash is a small act that your neighbors will be immensely grateful for, and who knows, you may inspire some viewers to do the same! A community cleaning it’s a great way for locals to come together for a common cause, both to beautify shared spaces and to improve overall environmental health.
Make sure to wear gloves! If this becomes a regular chore, consider investing in a garbage collector, such as this option by Brightly’s swap shop.
4. Go paperless
Paper falls into a category of wood products that results in 10% deforestation—an unsurprising fact, given our amazing usage. the World Wildlife Fund details the various problems with our current reliance on paper production, including pulp companies disturbing the land of indigenous peoples in Brazil and Sumatra and the creation process that affects animals in danger like orangutans and tigers.
If you’re looking for ways to curb your paper habit, start with digital accounting. All those emails asking if you’d like to go paperless? Answer them! Minimizing your diet of physical documents is often as easy as a simple click. If you’re a student, consider implementing a digital note-taking system that works for you. When it comes to receipts, always opt for the email option.
5. Buy local products
One of the best things you can do for the environment if you can is to develop local agriculture and move away from widespread industrial agriculture.
Depending on where you live, sourcing your food from local farms and growers offers a great (and delicious) way to help the environment. The problems in industrialized agriculture are profound and include fertilizer runoff into waterways, methane and carbon emissions, long transportation routes, and loss of contact with seasonality.
It can be a challenge to separate completely, as we have built convenient structures that are focused on securing food from around the planet, but today is the day to take a small step in a more sustainable direction. Start by visiting a local farmers market for a freshly picked bite to eat. If that’s not an option, get ingredients from local stores or check out that new sustainable restaurant—yours truly may have some advice.
6. Go plastic free for a day
No plastic, for a day! Plastic is so ubiquitous in our lives, not just in its single-use form, but even in areas that aren’t often thought of, like the synthetic materials that make up our clothes. Since it is still july without plasticnow is an ideal time to join the movement and shift your spending power away from plastics.
The simple act of attending a protest or event is a fantastic way to promote change. By demonstrating the strength of numbers, you can show decision-makers that this is truly an issue your constituents are focused on and want to see improvement on, and find your community in the process. You may even have the opportunity to hear from some wonderful speakers who will help inspire you on your sustainability journey.
More general community events also provide opportunities to get involved. See what’s on offer at your local community or garden center. Learn the basics of gardening from an experienced professional, or help create an artistic mural that raises awareness of climate change. It may take a bit of research, or even initiative, to start a community project of your own, but the end result will be a rewarding experience.
8. Learn about your local ecosystems
Learning is something forever. Head to your local library and grab a couple of reference books – the more local the focus, the better! If the library isn’t an option, look online for information about invasive and native species in your area.
After that, head to a park or walking trail and see what you can identify (or what new things you notice) with your new knowledge. You will be amazed at the new things you can find with fresh eyes. If this venture resonates, consider birding or foraging as a means of getting in touch with nature and understanding it better.
9. Contact your representatives
Although not the most fun, this option is probably the quickest and easiest to do, and can have a significant impact. First, locate your local representatives and contact information. Then call your chosen representative, send an email, or even send a physical letter. You may even be able to arrange a meeting with those representatives at a more local level.
Express any concerns about the weather that is closest to you and what kind of change you would like to see implemented. If you’re looking for a more template-based approach, this guide to writing cover letters Citizen Lobby for Climate will help you get started.
10. Turn your garden into an ecological paradise
Transform your garden into a welcoming place for local wildlife. Make sure your landscaping and gardens are made up of native plants and complement with options that attract and feed the beeshummingbirds and butterflies.
If you want to take your little ecosystem one step further, set up a birdbath to help your local winged friends cool off. And if you’re really willing to make an impact and reduce your use of natural resources for the sake of conservation, you can even opt for a review with some lawn alternatives!
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