6 ways to support wildlife conservation efforts
Amid the multitude of bad news, a glimmer of hope appears: China says that Giant pandas are no longer considered an endangered species.Hooray!
The black and white bear served as Panda7's namesake, partly because of our love of nature, their friendly nature, and the fact that they don't hibernate (just like us, we're available 24/7). We love them, and we know many of you do too. Unfortunately, although giant pandas are no longer listed as endangered, they are still considered vulnerable. So how can we help them, and other endangered species? What can we do to support wildlife? Panda7 has some tips on how you can help support wildlife conservation efforts. Some of these can be done hands-on, while others can be done from behind a computer screen. Read on for six of our tips on how to support wildlife conservation.
#1. Do your research
When it comes to supporting wildlife conservation efforts, the best thing you can do is educate yourself about what the practice is, how it's carried out, and why it's so important. Educational content can range from short informational articles to documentaries. Learning about invasive species—both plant and animal—can help you understand how to stop their growth and spread. You can also learn which species are beneficial to your garden and the area around your home in the process, which can help you live harmoniously alongside them.
#2. Control your own pets.
As fun as it may be to let our dogs run free, there are several reasons why some areas have leash laws. For one thing, some areas may be multi-use, and having dogs off-leash can pose a risk to cyclists, families with young children, and other trail users. Another reason is that some areas contain wildlife conservation sites where domestic animals—especially dogs—can cause havoc by wandering through. Domesticated cats should also be kept indoors, especially since they can kill vulnerable bird species or small prey and impact the food chain.
#3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Reusing and recycling, especially plastic products, can help us "give back" a little of our own. The less plastic there is in the environment, the fewer opportunities there are for animals to ingest harmful substances or choke on bags, bottles, and other hazardous materials. You can also avoid products that only have disposable plastic options. Choose reusable products whenever possible and be mindful of what you consume—both the product itself and how it's transported.
#4. Adopt a more plant-based diet.
Okay – you don't have to go 100% vegan, but choosing to swap meat whenever possible can be incredibly beneficial to your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint and help support wildlife conservation. Meat production consumes land when we use it to feed and raise livestock. It also uses a significant amount of water. The less demand there is for meat, the less green space we'll need just to raise and grow our meat products. There are plenty of resources online about how to healthily (or unhealthily, depending on your preference) reduce your meat and dairy consumption.
#5. Be eco-responsible when you travel.
Traveling is something we all probably want to do at some point—but unfortunately, it can be hard on the environment. Whether we choose to fly or take a cruise, we contribute to carbon emissions. It's impossible to suggest that people stop traveling—especially since there are so many benefits to travel for our own personal growth—but we can certainly recommend that travelers try to be more eco-conscious when they are in a foreign country. Consider bringing your own reusable utensils, respect waste laws, and don't litter. If you eat out a lot, remember that you can always take home any food you don't finish so you don't contribute to excessive food waste! Finally, be mindful of wildlife conservation areas when you travel and hike. Many trails will have regulations—for example, where you can and can't walk—so try to take these into account to do your part.
#6. Use public transportation more.
Not only does driving more have the potential to increase our car insurance rates (premiums can be affected by our annual mileage), but it can also significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Opt for public transport, cycling, or walking whenever possible. Owning a car is great and convenient, but they continue to contribute to greenhouse gases and pollute our environment. It's fine to drive when all else fails—but if you can, get a bus pass!
Bonus: Get a quote with Panda7.
Did you know that Panda7 has also joined the wildlife conservation effort? We believe planting trees is the way forward – so much so that we offer our satisfied customers the opportunity to help us plant one tree for every quote received and three for every policy purchased. Trees provide homes for small creatures, protect our ecosystems, filter our air and water, and shield us from the sun. Want to be part of our conservation effort? Click below to see more information.