The theme for World Environment Day this year is biodiversity— a call to action to combat the accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world. One million plant and animal species risk extinction, largely due to human activities. World Environment Day urges us to rethink how our economic systems have evolved and the impact they have on the environment. These are issues the world cannot lose sight of even as we tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
We've listed 10 different ways you can act for nature and 'build back better' coming out of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Change your diet to more environmentally friendly foods, especially your main protein sources.
- Travel less and limit your travel when things go back to normal after the coronavirus pandemic.
- Leave some wild green spaces in your garden where pollinators and ground dwelling insects can thrive.
- Let your city and national governments know that it is important they meet environmental targets they’ve pledged.
- Avoid buying single-use plastics. Plastic waste that ends up in nature is often mistaken for food by animals both on land and at sea. For many species, it can cause severe injury and death.
- Recycle as much as you can.
- Plant an urban garden on your balcony or backyard or get involved in supporting a community urban garden with native flowering plants.
- Minimise use of household chemicals that can have toxic effects on soil and groundwater. Instead, experiment with natural products, such as vinegar and plain old soap and water.
- Create a compost in your garden or windowsill and grow some of your own produce.
- Buy locally produced products and foods.
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