Words by Smiley Team
Around the world, people took positive action for wildlife habitats today for World Habitat Day on 4 October.
To decide how you can contribute to this important awareness event, here are some top ways you can protect habitats as an individual.
Leave nature as you found it
While you’re out exploring the wild, it’s great fun to look under logs or stones to see what’s there. But remember that these parts of nature offer a home to little creatures. So always try to replace what you move so that no living thing is disturbed by your visit.
Fundraise for fun
Set up a bake sale, do a sponsored run or hold a talent show to fundraise for the organisations working day in, day out to protect habitats around the world. These include the WWF, the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts.
Transform your green space
Open your garden, balcony or courtyard up to all kinds of wildlife by turning it into a hospitable habitat. To do this you can plant wildflowers to attract insects and birds, leave logs or stones lying around to offer shelter to small creatures, and introduce water features to offer something for them to drink.
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Water means life
Saving water is a vital way to protect habitats, conserving lakes and rivers. Reduce your water consumption by showering for a maximum of five minutes, checking your pipes regularly to ensure they aren’t leaking and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. You can also attach a water butt to your gutters for a sustainable supply of waste water to use in your garden.
Say no to palm oil
Palm oil can be found in around 50% of packaged items sold in supermarkets. But it’s also one of the major drivers of deforestation, destroying the habitats of endangered species such as orangutans, pygmy elephants and Sumatran rhinos. To avoid products made with poorly-sourced palm oil, look for labels featuring the RSPO certification that distinguishes sustainable products from the unsustainable ones.
