Our planet has lost around one-third of its natural resources in just 30 years. If this trends continues, and signs are that the rate of loss in increasing, the result is unthinkable! We have to make our resources sustainable: replace forests when they are cut down by replanting trees, stop decimating species to the point of irreversible extinction; massively reduce the trade in endangered species (wildlife trade); obtain energy from the sun and wind or other renewable resources; stop over-fishing the oceans and allow sufficient fish stocks to breed; cleanse our toxic waste before the planet is poisoned; regulate all chemicals used in pesticides; reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere to prevent a worsening of the world's climate and its inevitable ecological damage. It's all obvious, but what is the basis of creating a sustainable planet? We can start with ourselves!
We can all contribute as individuals to recycle and reuse our resources, but how?
Our homes use 30% of the energy used in the UK and each person uses 150 litres of water a day! The rest of the world are also consuming energy and water, particularly in the 'first world' which consumes 30 times more per head than a person living in the poorer 'third world'!
- We can all save energy by switching off lights and electrical appliances and using energy efficient light bulbs.
- Letting clothes dry naturally will save energy instead of using the tumble dryer.
- Save water by taking a shower instead of a bath and do not leave taps dripping and water running needlessly.
- Use two sides of paper and use email to communicate!
- Most importantly REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. Recycling has become much easier with councils providing recycling bins. It is now possible to recycle ALL cardboard, plastics, bottles, paper, old clothes and even old electrical appliances by using local council collections or local recycling banks or depots!
- For those who install it, solar energy panels can heat homes in both summer and winter, or alternatively, the local electricity supplier can provide a green tariff for electricity to be provided from sustainable (renewable) sources!
- Water can be saved in the garden by not using a hose but a watering can and buckets of water for washing the car, preferably collected from rainfall using waterbutts.
- Avoiding burning rubbish reduces pollution going into the atmosphere.
- Using organic and environmentally friendly fertilisers and pesticides not only reduces pollution but it is better for wildlife, these chemicals will eventually end up in the rivers, oceans and the food chain!
- Using bark based compost is preferable to peat which is irreplaceable.
School or work
- Use public transport to school or work, or, better still, cycle or walk - it all means a reduction in car use and therefore saves fuel and reduces exhaust emissions.
- When using the car share your journey with others!
- Use both sides of a piece of paper and use email and attachments in preference to paper based communication - this saves paper which saves trees!
- Re-use envelopes and mail bags.
- All waste paper can be placed into recycling.
- Lights and electrical equipment can be switched off in unoccupied rooms.
Out and About
- When you are out for the day rubbish should always be taken home as it can be very dangerous to wildlife.
- Dogs should be controlled so they do not chase wildlife or foul the beach.
- Wild flowers and plants are best left alone and not picked or dug up.
- Boats and other motorised land and water vehicles disturb and can kill wildlife so keep away from nesting sites for birds or seals and drive slowly in forested areas to prevent damage.
- Hunting and fishing can be very harmful to many species of wildlife. Discarded fishing hooks, lines and nets, are dangerous to wildlife.
- Marine life, including those in rock pools, and coral should be left undisturbed.
- Air travel uses up large amounts of fossil fuels and creates greenhouse gases!
- Look after and respect the environment you are visiting, including the local people, wildlife and the habitat.
- Think twice when buying your souvenirs. Check that they are not made from illegal wildlife products and if in doubt - don't!
- If you see suspect items on sale in shops, stalls or at the airport - report it to the authorities.
- As a consumer we can protect ourselves and the environment - organic produce does not use pesticides and seasonal produce has lower transport energy costs!
- Try to chose free range meat products as the animals are reared more humanely.
- Avoid products with excessive packaging and where possible re-use packaging, particularly plastic bags.
- Try to buy recycled products or those that come from sustainable forests. Forests are essential to the future of our planet not only to sustain our atmosphere but also they are home to 75% of living species!
- Eco-labelled products, from trees to shoes, are now widely available.