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What you can do to help the planet: an illustrated guide
Our future depends on the natural world. But we’re facing a planetary emergency. We’re losing green spaces, animals and plants to deforestation, exploitation, urbanisation and global warming.
But hope isn’t lost. If we act together, we can make a positive difference. Here’s how to do your bit to protect nature.
Eat sustainably
- Eat fruit and vegetables in season and grown locally – it helps to reduce carbon emissions.
- Reduce the amount of meat and dairy you eat.
- Buy food that’s produced more sustainably, such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) fish and UK Red Tractor assured items.
- Eat mindfully, so you’re more likely to eat until satisfied, rather than uncomfortably full.
- Minimise food waste.
- Shop smart: always have a list prepared.
- Try to choose products with minimal packaging.
Reduce waste
- Repair, reuse, donate or sell items rather than throwing them away.
- Reduce the number of single-use items you’re buying and swap them for reusable alternatives. Good items to start with include coffee cups, water bottles and bags.
- Make sure you recycle according to your local authority’s guidelines.
- Batch cook and freeze food or get inventive with leftovers to use up fresh fruit and vegetables.
Protect and enjoy green spaces
- Plant a window box with nectar-rich flowers – even a small space can help make a difference.
- If you have a garden or green space, try to include a wide variety of plants to lengthen the flowering season and support different kinds of wildlife.
- Let your garden grow wild. Reduce the number of times you mow your lawn to encourage plants to grow – they’re a good source of food for birds.
- Help nurture a park or community garden near you.
- Care for the wildlife that visits your space. Build a pond or hedgehog home, put up a bird box or a bee hotel and avoid using harsh chemicals.
Reduce energy use
- Turn off lights and electrical appliances when you’re not using them.
- Put on an extra layer before you turn up the heating.
- Ensure your home is energy efficient.
Travel responsibly
- Leave the car at home and walk, wheel, 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.
Make your voice heard
- Talk to friends and family about the changes you make.
- Talk to those with the power to make change. That includes businesses, your local MP, council or school.
- If you stop buying something because you have found a more sustainable alternative, let the shop know why they’re losing your custom. It might nudge them to clean up their act.
Use and support science
- Understanding changes to the environment can be confusing. If you want to find out more about what the science says, make sure you go to a trusted source, such as our website or universities.
- Share your interests by joining with other people and organisations. You can achieve much more together.
- Our scientists are working alongside colleagues all over the world to understand and reduce the impacts of climate change. Your support, however small, can help us continue this work.
Watch what you buy
- Plan your meals. Make a list and stick to it when you shop so that you don’t over buy.
- Choose products with less packaging.
- Ask yourself whether you need to buy something. The most sustainable option is using what you already own.
- Buy sustainably sourced goods whenever possible. By doing so, you not only reduce your own environmental footprint, you also make a big difference to businesses that are trying to do the right thing.
