1. Recycle. Reduse. Reuse.
Okay. This is really 3 things, but they really go hand in hand. Recycling is so simple once a routine is set. The hardest part is getting started and keeping things convenient. If you make it too complicated, then it will be harder to follow. As an avid trash collector when on my outings, the one item that I see cause the most damage is plastic bags. Not only can they be fatal when ingested by wildlife, but they take many years to break down. According to an article from WorldWatch, trillions of plastic bags leave our homes and end up in marine environments and wildlife habitats.
Some 4 to 5 trillion plastic bags--including large trash bags, thick shopping bags, and thin grocery bags--were produced globally in 2002, according to the Worldwatch Institute's State of the World 2004 report. Roughly 80 percent of those bags were used in North America and Western Europe. Every year, Americans reportedly throw away 100 billion plastic grocery bags, which can clog drains, crowd landfills, and leave an unsightly blot on the landscape.
Perhaps less widely known is the destructive impact that plastic bags have on oceans and marine life. Tossed into waterways or washed down storm drains, the bags are the major source of human-related debris on the seabed, particularly near coastlines, according to the 2007 Worldwatch report Oceans in Peril: Protecting Marine Biodiversity. At least 267 different species are known to have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris, and plastics and other synthetic materials cause the most problems for marine animals and birds.
Every year, tens of thousands of whales, birds, seals, and turtles die from contact with ocean-borne plastic bags. The animals may mistake the bags for food, such as jellyfish, or simply become entangled. [Worldwatch.org, accessed 10/7/14]
2. Clean Up After Yourself.
I truly love the saying, "Leave only your footprints." Whether you are outside enjoying a nice day with the family or taking a relaxing fishing trip, it should be a top priority to make sure all of your trash (including fishing line and hooks) are accounted for. Carry an extra bag in your backpack so that you have something to store your trash in if there is no trash receptors around. BINGO! There you go. Problem solved.
Here is a list of the most common trash items collected.
3. Plant a Wildlife Habitat
Whether you have 300 acres or 3 sq ft., providing a safe haven for wildlife is beneficial. If you are short on space, create something that will benefit small amphibians, reptiles, insects and birds. Even a window box full is butterfly plants is a great idea. The essentials are shelter, food, and a water source. Often enough animals do not have an issue finding food; however, water is more difficult when pools of water freeze in the winter and evaporate in the summer. For wildlife habitat examples please check out some of my favorite links. These are all great things to do with the kids!
For bees (in desperate need of help) click here.
For a beautiful butterfly garden click here.
For birds and other wildlife click here.
4. Feed Wildlife the Right Way.
Have you ever had a small, furry creature visit your porch looking for a few morsels of food? And because we are so kind hearted and do not want to see any animal starve, we decide to throw him a little something. Although we are thinking we are doing them a favor, we are actually creating a potentially fatal problem.
It is often a sad outcome for the poor animal that becomes habituated to humans as a source to obtain a meal. It is human nature to want to help every cute, fuzzy animal that comes visiting our porch at night to see what scraps it can find. However, as the animal becomes more reliant on humans for meals, the situation can potentially become dangerous for both provider and receiver. Thousands of animals are killed each year because they are seen as a nuisance and/or dangerous to a community. Encourage wildlife to stay away from neighborhoods by properly fastening garbage bins, not feeding wildlife "guests" scraps, and feeding your pets indoors.
5. Research
Out of all the things to do for wildlife, I believe this is one of the most important. Why? Because knowledge leads to understanding, understanding leads to problem solving, problem solving leads to action, and action leads to change. It is fine if you do not agree with, or believe, everything that is out on the web or being said about the environment. That is why this endeavor is so wonderful; it needs diversity and ingenuity. However, you should know why you do not agree something and figure out a way you can benefit the environment in your own way.
In addition, I believe that "fear" is often caused from a misunderstanding. For example, I am terrified of deep, dark water.
Mortified, in fact.
However, the more I research and understand the likelihood that a shark, gator or some other mysterious monster is not going to attack me next time I take a dip, the less anxiety I get when I want a more aquatic adventure. I won't deny I still get the anxiety, but it is manageable and does not prevent me from enjoy the beauty of the situation. I use this same approach when working with children that are scared of snakes. First we talk about the "myths and misconceptions," then they watch me handle the animal in a calm and positive manner, then they get to approach when they feel ready. Within an hour or so, their "fear" has diminished and hopefully will enable them to teach others and not want to destroy the next slithering house guest.
6. Last, but not least. . . . Volunteer, Donate, and Vote
Of course wildlife is always looking for more certified wildlife rehabilitators, researchers, and scientists. However, if you are unable to be any of those things, you can still be a conservationist and make a difference for our wildlife. You will be amazed what can be accomplished when like minded people join together. It does not matter how little you do; it all adds up. The amazing thing about helping wildlife and making a difference for the environment is how contagious it is. Making a difference is rewarding and, in turn, you will want to do more and get others involved too.
Thank you everyone for checking out my blog. I love learning new things, so please share how you help wildlife in the comment section below.
Visit my FACEBOOK page for more animal facts and videos. You can also find me on Instagram @Ms.MalloryAdventures.
Again, this is Ms. Mallory inviting you to step outside & adventure.
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