Generally speaking, we have visions of strange-looking creatures in far-off lands when thinking about endangered species. To a great extent, this is true, but we don’t realize that there is a whole ecosystem on our doorsteps that also needs to be saved. Although governments and their leaders bear the ultimate responsibility for protecting our wildlife, we, too, can make a difference.
We need to do research and identify what we can do to help these endangered species and then make a conscious effort to do something about it. There are ways we can help save the animals, but they might not be things that automatically come to mind. We need to educate ourselves on the actions we take that adversely affect them.
Support an organization fighting for endangered species.
Start your quest to help save animals on the brink of extinction by finding out what organizations are already doing so. Contact them to find out how you can help the cause. They can give you their background history to see if it is an organization you would like to support. You have just taken your first step to helping the animals.
Become a member of your chosen organization and play an active role. Find out about the animals you are protecting. Every animal has specific needs, so educate yourself about each one. Ask your family your friends to get involved. The more people involved the more effective it will be. It gives it more credibility and creates greater awareness for the cause.
Practical things you can do to help endangered species
No, endangered species don’t only live in deep jungles on the other side of the world. In fact, they could be in your back garden right now. Therefore, we need to be more careful with using certain products in everyday life. Make a list of all the products you use around the house and determine if they are harmful to animals.
Cleaning materials and washing powder can be toxic. They end up in the water affecting marine life and other animals that live close to it. Use non-toxic cleaning products instead. They are environmentally friendly and won’t affect the ecosystem we are trying to protect. Other harmful household products might not be so obvious. We have to dispose of them properly as well.
Practice proper waste disposal.
We have all thrown a tin of paint or a battery into the bin, at some stage, without thinking about it. These two items are just an example of the many harmful household products that don’t harm us but can affect the animals around us. For example, battery acid can leak into the ground, poisoning both the soil and the water.
So, don’t throw anything that might be toxic into your household bin or dumpster. Everything that might be considered harmful to the ecosystem should be disposed of at proper facilities to neutralize them. However, this is pointless if you are the only one taking these actions. Therefore, it is your responsibility to educate people about these products’ dangers to the animal kingdom.
Tell people how you feel about endangered species
Don’t be afraid to let people know how you feel about endangered species. You are educating them about something they should take seriously. Try calling the local radio and asking them if you can talk about them. Write an open letter to a newspaper that gives people information about the wildlife in their local area. Create awareness and watch your followers grow.
Get involved in the decision making
If you want to make an even more significant impact, join a party like the League of Conservation Voters. This party is a non-profit organization that puts pressure on the nation to prioritize environmental issues. Their members vote for political candidates favouring ecological change and making it a big part of their mandate. It’s now your views will have more impact.
Eat the right food to save endangered species.
We are beginning to realize how harmful cattle farming is to the environment. It has more effect on the environment than fossil fuels. It affects humans by increasing the emission of greenhouse gases, which, in turn, affect climate change. Vast amounts of water are used in rearing cattle. The constant demand for beef leads to deforestation and the loss of animal habitats.
The new generation is aware of this and is starting to make themselves heard by becoming vegan. This might seem like a fad to many, but the figures show that it is gaining popularity. Veganism is a lifestyle, and it portrays a very clear message. The reduction of meat consumption will benefit the earth and the animals that it so lovingly houses.
Working together for endangered species.
To save endangered species from extinction, we must all work together to eliminate our bad habits and start to think more about our environment. Right now, politicians have the power to make the world a better place. However, if we, as individuals, all work together towards a common goal, we will prove to be a lot more effective and powerful than them.
