How can we reduce biodiversity loss?
Answers
Explanation:
1. Deforestation: When we cut down a forest to use its lumber, or claim the land for agricultural purposes, we are destroying unique ecosystems that can't exist anywhere else.
2. Invasive Species: Species introduced in an area where they have no natural predators can decimate an ecosystem. Good examples of this are the pythons in the Florida Everglades and lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico. Most of these invasive species are linked directly to human intervention.
3. Pollution: Garbage dumped into the water supply, chemical runoff from industrial applications, and air pollution from cars and factories all have a negative effect.
4. Climate Change: Changes in the climate can happen naturally over millions of years — just look at the end of the last ice age. This time, though, climate change has been the result of human intervention. It's happening too quickly, and species can't adapt quickly enough, so they're dying out.
5. Overfishing: It's difficult to put a number on overfishing because most of the ocean is still unexplored, but it's estimated that anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of the ocean has been overfished or is on the verge of collapse.
1. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
The old adage to reduce, reuse, and recycle is great, but at this point, we're just going to focus on the last part — Purchase products that are made with recycled materials. Plastic, paper, wood, and metal can all be recycled, so start there to make a difference. On the other side of the coin, recycle as much as you can. Campaign for recycling programs in your area. Make recycling cool again.
2. Buy Sustainable
We all love a well-cooked salmon filet or swordfish steak, but before you start stocking up on seafood, make sure you're buying fish that has been sustainably harvested. Avoid fish that are endangered like Bluefin tuna, and only purchase seafood that is labeled with the Marine Stewardship Council logo.
3. Drive Green
Everyone talks about reducing their carbon footprint, and the easiest way you can do this is to give up your gas guzzler in favor of a hybrid or electric car. These low- to no-emission vehicles have much less of an impact on the environment. If buying a new car isn't an option, try carpooling, public transportation, riding a bike or walking where you can.
4. Protect Local Habitats and Make Wildlife Welcome
We might not be able to save the world, but we can help improve our local areas. Take the time to clean up animal habitats, like beaches, forests, and other undeveloped areas. Make your area welcoming for wildlife. Birdhouses, bat houses, and other housing can be great, as can planting local flora and turning your backyard into your own personal wildlife sanctuary.
5. Go Package-Free
Plastic packaging is one of the biggest wastes we experience on a daily basis. If you have one in your area, shop at a packing-free grocery store. These allow you to bring your own bags, jars, and other reusable packaging to buy dry ingredients in bulk.
6. Compost
The average American generates roughly 4.4 pounds of garbage a day, much of it organic. Instead of tossing your vegetable peelings or coffee grounds, try setting up a compost pile for your organic waste. Not only does it keep your trash out of landfills, but it also makes killer natural fertilizer for flowers and plants — no chemicals needed.
7. Volunteer
There are probably plenty of organizations in your area that are working toward a greener tomorrow. You just have to look for them. Volunteer your time and help improve the area where you live.
8. Stand Up
Big companies are starting to get the picture, but there are still plenty that will exploit natural resources if given a chance. If you've got a big development company moving into your area that wants to cut down forests or drain local wetlands, it's up to you to stand up and rally others to stand up to prevent this.
9. Donate
If donating your time isn't enough, consider donating some money to nonprofit organizations that are fighting to protect biodiversity around the world. There are many organizations that protect land, sea, and air in favor of a better tomorrow.
This might seem like a huge list of changes to make in your life, but it's a small sampling of the things we can do, on an individual level, to help protect biodiversity.
When it comes down to it, we're a part of this planet, and what we do impacts not only the world around us but our future, as well. We each need to start doing our part to help reverse the damage we've done to global biodiversity by starting in our own backyards. We're the ones that made the mess, and we're the only ones that can clean it up. A little bit can go a long way if everyone pitches in.
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