Things you can do to help the planet

The future of our planet depends on how we treat the world around us, and the creatures we share it with. 

We’re at a critical juncture as deforestation, exploitation, urbanisation, and climate change threatens the balance of life on Earth. 

But together, we can help change this! Everything we do, from the big to the small, can have a positive impact on our environment, help save the planet, and protect all creatures who call it home.

Here's how you can give nature and our wildlife a helping hand…

Reduce your waste

Recycling and reusing as much waste as possible will help reduce the amount of new material that needs to be created. Here are some ideas, and small changes, that’ll have a lasting effect on the environment:

• Use a reusable bottle or cup for drinks on the go.
• Use reusable bags as and when you can.
  • Bonus: Keep some in your car for those unexpected trips to the shop!
• Buy or upcycle second hand items from shops, car boots, or websites selling pre-loved items.
• Donate your unused goods that others might love.
• Start turning your household plastics into Ecobricks.

Pick up litter

Even small pieces of litter, like deflated balloons or empty food tins, can harm wildlife. Why not join a local litter pick or, if out walking your dog, safely collect and dispose of any rubbish you see as you explore the great outdoors? 

While it might not seem like much, you never know who, or what, might have found themselves trapped the litter you picked up.

Did you know up to 80% of plastic pollution in our oceans starts off as litter in our towns and cities?

To get involved in helping to clean up your local area, you can visit our guide to beach cleans or join in with the RSPCA’s local litter picking initiatives.

Please don’t forget to keep yourself safe while collecting any litter. We recommend using safety gloves, a litter picker, and a bag while doing your good deed.

Travel responsibly

Travelling responsibly is one of the most efficient ways of lowering your environmental impact. This means choosing a more sustainable way to get to and from wherever you need to go. 

So, instead of driving to your favourite dog walking spot, are you able to walk there? Or maybe stick to more local routes daily, and then head to your special walks as an end of week treat?

Opting to cycle or use public transport wherever you can also helps to cut air pollution, and could save you money in the long run.

• Leave the car at home and walk, cycle, or use public transport wherever you can.
• Cut back on flying and try to take the train if travelling around the UK or to Europe.

Watch what you buy

From its journey to your door to the packaging it comes in, everything we buy impacts the planet in one way or another. This is true for the things we eat, the things we wear, and everything in between! 

Luckily, we can change the way we consume in order to be kinder to the Earth:

• Make a list of ingredients needed for meals and stick to it when you shop. Over one third of all food produced globally goes to waste!
• Choose products with less packaging, or sustainable packaging, where you can.
• Buy sustainably sourced goods whenever possible.
• Eat as locally and as seasonally as you can.
• Check your cat or dog food is ranked by environmental and ethical factors.
• Buy unpackaged food where you can.
• Shop for long-lasting, good quality items.
• Shop with brands that align with your beliefs, and green aspirations.
• Buy products, such as clothing or pet products, that use recycled and/or sustainable materials to create them.

Donate to charities

Give to charities and projects helping the planet recover, or those who work to protect the animals we share it with, and the habitats they need to survive. 

Here at Animal Friends, we’re proud to be working alongside some truly inspiring organisations that are fighting to protect vulnerable ecosystems, educate communities, and build sustainable solutions to help everyone.

• Find a charity that you’re passionate about and set up a monthly direct debit to show your support, if you can.
• Donate goods to charity shops, so they can use the money to support their work.
• Buy gifts and products from charity shops so they can repurpose the funds to support more projects.
• Donate anything that might be of use to animal shelters instead of throwing them out:
  • Towels.
  • Bedding.
  • Blankets.

Protect green spaces

Green spaces (no matter how small) absorb carbon dioxide, reduce flood risk, provide homes to thousands of important species, and have multiple benefits to public health. 

Here are just some of the ways you can help create, protect, and enjoy the green spaces around you:

• Plant a window box or add plant pots to your outdoor space with nectar-rich flowers.
• If you have a garden, try to include a variety of plants to help support different kinds of wildlife.
• Ever made a seed bomb? Learn how to make a seed bomb, thanks to this handy guide created by the Wildlife Trust.
• Let a part of your garden grow wild, if you can.
• Volunteer to look after a green space near you.
• Pay to plant a tree, to help breathe life into the world.
• Care for the wildlife who visit your outside space by:
  • Building a hedgehog home or hedgehog highway.
  • Putting up a bird box.
  • Putting up a bee or bug hotel.
  • Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals (this can benefit your pet, too!).
  • Pegging your pet’s hair to the washing line after grooming, for birds to use as nesting material.
• Pick up after your dog with compostable bags and dispose of these correctly.

Visit our article about creating wildlife-friendly spaces in affordable, accessible ways for more inspiration!

Did you know? Animal Friends has donated to The Tree Council to fund the planting of thousands of trees and metres of hedgerow, to help wildlife thrive across the country.

Make your voice heard

Conversations are a great way to spread big ideas, and you never know who might be listening! 

Talk to your family, friends, and colleagues about any changes you’ve made and why you’ve made them. 

But don’t stop there – talk to those with the power to make a change, too. That includes local businesses, big corporations and your local council, Member of Parliament (MP), or school. 

If you’re really passionate about making sure your voice is heard, join a social movement or find a campaign that focuses on climate change action. These groups can also be great for getting tips on even more changes you can make to benefit the planet.