While the issue of climate change and the destruction of the natural environment is indeed a worldwide concern, that doesn’t mean you are powerless to help. Small changes can lead to big improvements in the long run, and starting now is as good a time as any. You can help not only your local environment and neighbourhood but the planet as a whole by trying out some of these eco-focused ideas.
Write to Your MP
As already mentioned, climate change is a global problem. The highest authorities most capable of enacting change are hard to reach. However, you can start locally. By writing to your MP to express your concerns about the environment, you are making your voice heard and bringing the matter to their attention. The more letters and emails your MP receives about protecting the environment, the more likely they are to get the ball rolling on some meaningful change.
Encourage Companies to Clean Up
Positive environmental changes should happen when everyone does a little bit to help, including businesses. Therefore, spread the word of the importance of this. Use social media to send out thought-provoking posts, advice, and ideas on making small but impactful changes. Create a website with plenty of articles that detail the action businesses and other individuals need to take. Within these posts, both on your website and social media, you can provide resources like pointing them in the direction of an oil spillage cleaning company, for example, so they are encouraged to fix any mistakes and improve for the future.
Teach the Community
Reach out to your neighbours and research the topic of environmental protection. Getting schools and other groups involved creates a motivating sense of community that can spur ideas and generate positive actions.
Protect Native Plants
Get to know the plants that grow natively in your local area and defend them. Timber forests, for example, reduce natural forest space and biodiversity. Where possible, plant a diverse and native selection of plants in your area to encourage biodiversity to flourish once again.
Conserve Animal Species
It’s easy to sympathise with cute animals such as hedgehogs and squirrels, but unappealing creatures need saving too. The decline in insect species is incredibly troubling as humanity relies upon these tiny creatures for many unseen natural processes such as food production and pollination. Building bug hotels to teach children about different creepy-crawlies not only brings the community together but also creates a generation prepared to defend the tiniest beasts.
Grow a Wild Lawn
Instead of priding yourself on having an immaculately green lawn of plain grass, why not try a lush meadow of different colour plants? Sow wildflower seeds or simply let your grass grow and watch as nature provides a beautiful alternative to the clipped and orderly gardens we’ve grown used to. You’ll be surprised how much this chaotic nature can positively impact your mood as well as the local wildlife.
Reduce Your Consumption
Try to only buy new items when you absolutely have to. Remember, second-hand items are still going to be in great condition. Even if they aren’t immaculate, with a little bit of elbow grease, this should bring them back to life. This is a great way to reduce your consumption.
Set a Good Example
If changing the world seems like an impossible task, focus instead on your own life. Changing your habits with the planet in mind is a meaningful and positive change that can inspire other people to follow in your footsteps, leading to a potentially brighter future.
