World Biodiversity Day, celebrated annually on May 22, emphasizes the vital role of biodiversity on our planet and the importance of conserving and protecting it. The theme for 2021 was “We’re part of the solution,” encouraging everyone to contribute to biodiversity conservation, especially for endangered species.

Here are 10 simple actions you can take to help biodiversity this year: 

1. Discover Local Endangered Species

Familiarize yourself with flora and fauna in your area, especially at-risk species. Visit local wildlife refuges, and nature centers, or join a local conservation group to learn about threatened species in your region. For example, Californians can learn about the California condor, while Floridians can learn about the manatee.

2. Avoid Endangered Species Products

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Avoid buying items from endangered plants or animals. High demand for these products fuels poaching and trafficking, further endangering the species. For instance, avoid purchasing ivory products, which contribute to the poaching of elephants, or items made from endangered hardwoods like Brazilian rosewood. Everyone knows how bad unregulated palm oil is!

3. Limit Herbicide and Pesticide Use

These chemicals harm wildlife and persist in the environment, contaminating soils and the food chain. Opt for organic gardening methods or use eco-friendly alternatives like neem oil, vinegar, or diatomaceous earth.

4. Conserve Water

Be mindful of your water usage, as clean water is essential for humans and wildlife. Install low-flow showerheads, fix leaks, and use drought-resistant plants in your garden to help reduce water consumption, benefiting endangered species like the Rio Grande silvery minnow.

5. Choose Products Responsibly

Avoid items made from forest wood to reduce deforestation, protecting vulnerable trees and the habitats of forest-dwelling species. Look for products with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which ensures sustainable forestry practices, benefiting species like the orangutan or the spotted owl.

6.  Drive Carefully Near Forests

Roads intersecting forests can endanger animals crossing them. Drive cautiously to help protect vulnerable species like the Florida panther or the Mojave Desert tortoise, which often fall victim to vehicle collisions.

7. Hold Elected Officials Accountable

Question your representatives about their efforts to conserve and protect endangered species and emphasize the importance of conservation. Write letters, attend town hall meetings, or sign petitions to demonstrate your commitment to protecting species like the gray wolf or the piping plover.

8. Support Wildlife Organizations

Donating to reputable wildlife organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)or the Wildlife Conservation Society helps them continue their vital conservation work. Your support can help save species like the black rhino or the Amur leopard from extinction.

9. Visit Wildlife Parks and Refuges

Increase your awareness and support endangered species’ habitats by visiting national wildlife parks and refuges. These visits contribute to local conservation efforts and help maintain habitats for species like the red-cockaded woodpecker in the United States or the mountain gorilla in Africa.

10. Spread The Word

Source: TED/Youtube

Educate family, friends, and social media followers about species conservation. Share stories of successful conservation efforts like the bald eagle’s recovery or the Arabian oryx’s reintroduction. The more people involved, the greater the impact.

Remember, each small action you take to conserve endangered species protects our planet’s biodiversity. Remember that your actions can make a difference, so let’s all do our part to safeguard the rich tapestry of life on Earth. Celebrate World Biodiversity Day by adopting some simple habits and sharing your efforts with others to inspire collective action. Together, we can be the solution.

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• Pablo Escobar’s Cocaine Hippos Threatening Colombia’s Biodiversity
• Why Weasels Should be the New Poster Animal for Biodiversity Conservation
• How Reducing Light Pollution Can Cut Down Carbon Emissions and Protect Biodiversity
• Researchers Create Species Stock Market to Help Protect Biodiversity

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!