Pretty ProgressiveFrom the massive whales in our oceans to the tiniest of bees in our backyard, endangered species roam all over the world. These animals suffer from deforestation, pollution, overhunting or overfishing, and endless other human actions. Fortunately, you can help counteract these harmful actions in a few ways. To benefit animals, ourselves, and the environment as a whole, here are three ways to help endangered species.
Pay Attention to What You Buy
Many animals are endangered because companies destroy their habitats to collect resources for products. Furniture made from rainforest wood or palm oil taken from tigers’ natural habitats are two major examples of this. By avoiding these products, you help cut down on the demand for them, which means companies have less incentive to continue harming the environment. Always look at a product before you buy it to see how it’s made and where it came from.
Avoid Pesticides
If you have a garden, you know the pain of keeping pests away from it. As tempting as it is, stay away from pesticides and herbicides. Even organic pesticides contain harmful chemicals. Honey bees and other pollinators who visit your garden pick up contaminated pollen and take it back to their hive, spreading the chemicals among their entire colony. Contaminated bugs can also spread the chemicals to their predators, meaning pesticides can harm entire food chains. Avoiding pesticides is one of the best ways to protect honey bee populations, and by protecting honey bees, you help protect all other parts of the environment.
Reduce Your Plastic Usage
Plastic doesn’t degrade, which means it ends up littered throughout the environment. Scientists found fish, birds, and other ocean creatures with plastic in their stomachs. Other animals can tangle themselves in plastic bags or other products. One of the best ways to help endangered species is to limit your plastic usage. Reusable bags or water bottles help keep excess plastic out of landfills and animals’ habitats.
