Wildlife of all types is in danger. More than 450 species have been declared extinct over the past decade, and that number isn’t slowing down anytime soon, unfortunately. The good news is that there are things that everyone can do to support wildlife conservation, and they don’t require a ton of time or money. Start doing the following to help support wildlife conservation and prevent more species from going extinct in the future.
Purchase From Companies that Donate
Pay attention to which companies offer to donate to wildlife conservation funds. Whether it’s purchasing jewelry that supports polar bear habitats to using websites that donate a portion of all proceeds to a wildlife conservation fund, everyday shopping can be a way to give more money to the cause without having to donate funds directly. For those who have limited funds to use for donations, this is a great way to help.
Create a Safe Space for Wildlife in the Yard
Using native plants and flowers in the yard creates a home and food for local wildlife populations. Even in yards that are fenced to keep out larger animals, providing native resources can help support local bugs that need help. Bee populations are rapidly declining, which impacts pollination and the ability for food to grow. By creating a safe space for bees in the backyard, along with other bugs and critters, it’s possible to help them thrive and encourage growing populations to benefit the future.
Avoid Illegal Products From Endangered Animals
Illegal items are for sale in many places. Whether someone finds items like tortoiseshell necklaces or ivory statues abroad while traveling or at home, it’s a good idea to think twice about buying the item. It may be marked as an antique to get it to sell, but it may not actually be legal to purchase or own. Many places, including the United States, have restrictions on items made from parts of endangered animals or animals that have been poached. Avoid buying these products, even if they appear to be legal to own, to avoid supporting poaching and other illegal activities.
Give Money or Time to Support National Parks
National parks not only provide amazing views and experiences, but they provide homes for animals, too. By supporting national parks, it’s possible to help various wildlife populations thrive. Supporting the national parks can mean volunteering for clean-up or other tasks, donating money that can be used to help preserve the area, or just visiting. Funds paid to visit national parks are used for basic upkeep and conservation in the park, so they go towards helping the wildlife that calls the park home.
Opt for Sustainable Food
Much of the food eaten today is highly processed and not sustainable. Eating more sustainably can come in many forms, from those who opt for a meatless diet to those who shop for sustainably caught fish for dinner. Other options for eating more sustainably include buying fruits and vegetables in-season and preserving them for later use, using less packaging where possible for foods, and avoiding processed foods when possible. Opting for sustainable food doesn’t mean making a drastic change today, but all of the small changes can make a big difference in the end.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Reduce, reuse, and recycle are terms often learned by children in school, but many people forget this mantra once they move out and start living on their own. Though it has been around for many years, it is still a good way to help the environment and support wildlife conservation. When possible, reduce the amount of waste created, reuse any items that are not ready to be thrown out, and recycle as many items as feasible. Start composting to help reduce waste and find unique ways to reuse boxes and containers in the home. Look to the local guidelines from the recycling company for what can be recycled.
Supporting wildlife conservation can be done without spending a lot of money. Though volunteering and donating are great ways to support wildlife conservation, small changes made at home can make a big difference, too. When more people make the small changes, it ends up having a much bigger impact and can help stop the destruction of wildlife habitats, the overhunting or overfishing of animals, and the loss of species when they can no longer thrive. Start using the tips here to live more sustainably and to support wildlife conservation so the animals can be around for future generations.