All animals and plants in the world depend on each other to form the web of life. The interconnectedness between them all creates a biologically diverse world capable of defending itself against many types of damage, from viruses to forest fires. Disturbances in this connection will reduce biodiversity and threaten human health, daily life, and survival. Population growth, pesticide use, monoculture agriculture and plantations, and climate change are examples of disturbances that threaten biodiversity. In the last 40 years alone, the number of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish in the world has halved. However, there are ways you can help protect biodiversity – through reducing the use of pesticides in agriculture, changing daily consumption habits, and spreading knowledge about our importance to change to the right people.
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Method 1 of 4: Seeking Local Biodiversity
Step 1. Redesign your home page
Many people don't realize that they are contributing to monocultures in a big way by owning lawns. Many people like having a large grass area that is easy to maintain and provides a comfortable play area for children and pets. However, by maintaining lawn grass, you have chosen to marginalize other types of plants.
Consider turning a portion of your grassy yard into a more diverse area by planting a flower garden, vegetable garden, trees, or various types of shrubs
Step 2. Add Biodiversity to your page
The more diverse your yard, the more resistant it will be to pests and diseases. Plant flowering trees, shrubs, and other plants and flowers to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Choose local flowering plants, or plant other flowering cover crops that will also attract bees, restore soil nutrients and prevent erosion.
You can selectively choose the pests and weeds you want to get rid of, so you can retain as many beneficial organisms as possible to improve soil health and provide the habitats that insects and other animals need
Step 3. Accept your “weed”
Many of the plants we used to think of as “weeds” are actually plants that are important to the biodiversity of our yard. Some weeds are even edible, and can be a great (and free) addition to your diet! Also, even if you choose not to eat weeds in your yard, many insects will choose to eat weeds instead of other plants in your yard!
- Some weeds can even prevent pests from entering an area.
- You can pick and choose which weeds you allow to remain in your home. For example, you might decide to get rid of poison ivy, but stick with dandelion or thistle plants. Encouraging biodiversity doesn't mean that you allow entire species of plants or animals to fully explore your yard.
Step 4. Increase awareness in consuming
In addition to encouraging biodiversity in your own yard, you can also encourage the diversity of your area by buying a variety of local fruits and vegetables. Most areas (even urban areas) have farmer's markets where local farmers sell their produce. they are like meat, eggs, and milk.
- Buying as much of your food as possible from the local farmer's market also promotes your local economy, allows you to find out in detail how your food is produced, and gives you the opportunity to learn more about fruits and vegetables.
- Recognizing the farmers who produce your daily food will also allow you to request some special measures, such as the minimum use of pesticides, the removal of additional hormones for animal meat, and a wider variety of products.
Step 5. Increase biodiversity in urban areas
Increasing diversity in bioculture on agricultural land, plantations, and even backyards is very important in protecting biodiversity, but there are still many places in urban areas that must also be considered. By working to grow flowers, flowering plants, alfalfa, and clovers in urban areas, you can make a big difference in urban biodiversity. Various types of plants can be planted along the roadside, in power tower areas, local parks, between streets and sidewalks, and much more. Promoting a variety of flowering plants will attract pollinators and reduce damaging invasive species without the use of pesticides.
Urban areas also need trees. To attract birds, you need caterpillars. And to attract caterpillars, you have to plant the right kind of tree. Oaks can help with this, as will the local tree species in your area
Method 2 of 4: Reducing Pesticide Use
Step 1. Learn about pesticides
The word “pesticide” is a term that includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and more. Its use began in the 1960s to eradicate weeds, insects, fungi, plant diseases, and pests that can damage crops, yards and gardens. Since its first use, researchers have documented the spread of pesticide contamination in soil, waterways, groundwater, air, animals, plants, and even people. Research also shows that pesticides can kill key species that should not be targeted, namely earthworms, spiders, termites, honey bees, and microorganisms such as bacteria that play an important role in the food chain.
- For example, honey bees and wild bees pollinate 71 of the 100 crops that account for 90% of the world's food supply. However, since 2007, approximately 20-30% of honeybee populations in the United States, Canada, and Europe are wiped out each year.
- Recent research has shown that one class of pesticides that are widely used for garden crops (neonycotinoids) is directly linked to a decline in bee colony numbers.
- In 2013, the European Union imposed a 2-year ban on three types of neonicotinoids used for flowering plants that attract bees. However, some member countries have lifted the ban on certain crops.
- Although the United States has not implemented a similar ban, environmental groups are pushing as much as possible for the implementation of the regulation. You can help by joining and/or donating to environmental organizations.
Step 2. Reduce your pesticide use
Research conducted by the United States Geological Survey found that urban waterways are just as contaminated, and in some cases even more contaminated, with pesticides than rural waters. In fact, pesticides are found in 99% of water and fish samples taken from urban waters. The level of contamination often exceeds the limits that should be applied to protect aquatic life. You can make the condition worse by reducing, or eliminating, the use of pesticides in your yard.
- Do not use pesticides in your yard. Many people use lawn care companies that spray pesticides at concentrations beyond those needed to simply kill weeds and insects. By eliminating the use of pesticides like this (as well as abandoning the practice of lawn monoculture), you can greatly help increase the biodiversity of your area.
- Aerate your yard if the soil is too dense to allow water, nutrients, and air to seep in and encourage root growth. Water the soil well before using a mechanical aerator, hand aerifier, or shovel rake to create a biopore 1/4-1/2 inch (0.6-1.2 cm) in diameter and about 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) deep) on your page. Fill the biopori with grass seeds and/or fertilizer.
Step 3. Control weeds without using pesticides
You can get rid of weeds by pulling them out, covering them with soil or a covering such as newspaper sheets, or pouring vinegar over them. You can also create physical barriers, plant flowering plants and garden plants that will beat weeds in their competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, or create a lawn full of other plants to suppress weeds.
Step 4. Get rid of pests from your yard without using pesticides
Gardens that have high diversity can control pests naturally. You can also plant certain plants around your yard to keep insects out. Among these types of plants are 'marigolds', daisies, cosmos, onions, chives, savory, rosemary, petunias, thyme, rue, nasturtiums, tansy, dahlias and euphoria.
- Invite natural predators such as ladybugs, ground beetles, and praying mantises to help deal with pests.
- Use physical detergent to deal with pests. Take the tar paper, shape it into a cylinder, and place it around the infested plant. A mixture of wood ash and water can create a paste that can be used around the base of the tree to repel the drill insects that usually attack the tree.
Step 5. Minimize the number of unwanted insects using home furnishings
There are many items in your kitchen that can help get rid of insects on plants. Mix a table spoon of castille peppermint soap and half a teaspoon of peppercorns with 1/2 gallon of water, spray on the infested plants. Use chili powder to get rid of ants or drown their mounds in boiling water.
You can also get rid of insects with your bare hands; by spraying soapy water on the plants; by setting traps or bait boxes containing nonvolatile chemicals such as boric acid; and also by spreading boric acid in crevices and crevices where ants, cockroaches and silverfish hide
Step 6. Ask local farmers about their use of pesticides
If you want to encourage local biodiversity by shopping at a local farmer's market, ask the farmers there about the types and amounts of pesticides they use. Shop for farmers who limit their use of pesticides; make sure you buy food that is pesticide free. Buying a product you support is similar to voting for a candidate in an election, only this time you're using your wallet, and the result is that manufacturers will change their practices to meet the demands of conscientious consumers.
Step 7. Buy organic food products
If you can't shop at the local farmer's market, try buying organic food at the grocery store. While organic foods are not necessarily 100% pesticide-free, there are organic standards that ensure their pesticide use is kept to a minimum (including a long list of banned fertilizers and pesticides).
Step 8. Understand the combined role of genetically engineered crops
Genetically modified (GM, or Genetically Modified) crops have emerged to meet the growing human demand for natural resources. For example, Roundup Ready plants were designed in 1996 to fight glyphosate-the active ingredient in the weed-killing herbicide, Roundup-which is toxic. In 2008, more than 90% of soybeans and 60% of maize and cotton in the United States were Roundup Ready. This type of monoculture has benefited large agribusinesses, but family farming has also been adversely affected, and biodiversity has declined.
- The decline in biodiversity noted above is most likely due to the development of Roundup resistance in Roundup Ready crops which results in large herbicide use-from 11 million pounds per year for soybeans, corn, and cotton in 1996 to over 61 million pounds per year in year 2007.
- As with neonicotinoids, several studies have found that glyphosate has contaminated our water, soil, air, groundwater, and food.
- In addition, glyphosate also reduces the population of beneficial insects, disrupts the human endocrine system, has effects associated with cancer and kidney disease, and can also damage human DNA.
Step 9. Identify the invasive species
Invasive species are animals or plants that do not come from around, but from far away. This species can multiply rapidly and harm natural ecosystems in many ways. Don't buy invasive species and then keep them as pets or plants. Invasive animals that are often kept as pets are turtles. If you already have an invasive species, try to keep it from releasing into the wild and think carefully before buying more.
Step 10. Eat less or consider a vegetarian diet
To produce livestock requires a lot of cereal. These cereals are generally produced from conventional agriculture that uses pesticides (which can reduce biodiversity).
Method 3 of 4: Encouraging Biodiversity
Step 1. Reduce our dependence on GM crops
Due to environmental issues and the potential disaster that GM crops can cause, scientists, environmental activists, educators, and many others have been working to eliminate GM crops. However, the agricultural businessmen continue to resist these efforts with all their might. Businesspeople, along with other scientists and policymakers, claim that GM crops are needed to support the growth of the world population which has doubled from 1970 to 7 billion people, and is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Therefore, the Union The Union of Concerned Scientists has compiled the following recommendations that you can support and implement with the strength of your wallet and lifestyle changes.
- Increase research funding in public plant breeding so that farmers can improve their crop diversity even more and find more environmentally friendly ways to manage pesticides, weeds, drought, and so on.
- Increase funding for research and incentives that enable the development and adoption of agroecology-based agriculture that focuses on recycling nutrients and energy, increasing species diversity, crop rotation, and integrating agriculture with livestock
- Implement certain measures, such as by making changes to patent laws, to support independent research on the risks and benefits of GM crops.
- Be active in reviewing GM product approvals independently so that they do not reach the market until all the risks and benefits are better understood.
- Create and support food labeling laws so consumers know when they want to eat food containing GM crops.
Step 2. Compose a persuasive message
Most people would agree that they want a world with a natural environment of high biodiversity for their children and grandchildren. However, it is natural to think, “Why is this so important? Why do we have to sacrifice to protect it?” The following points should be emphasized in disseminating knowledge about biodiversity.
- Biodiversity affects local and global economies. Humans make a lot of money through diverse biological ecosystems Medicines, luxury goods, certain foods, and income from tourism all depend on managing highly biodiverse ecosystems around the world.
- Biodiversity in the wild helps protect our food supply. Most people in the world get their food from only a handful of sources (usually: wheat, corn, or rice). Now, scientists are using genes from wild plants to ensure they can survive plagues, droughts, and other problems (a similar process is used in farm animals that produce meat for us to eat).
- The introduction of invasive species into natural habitats by humans can disrupt local ecosystems and cause a decline in biodiversity.
- Biodiversity can protect us from disasters. For example, one study found that replacing natural grass beds with agricultural pastures made the area more susceptible to fire and drought. Other studies have found that islands with high biodiversity have better resilience in the face of tropical cyclones.
- Monoculture farming has a negative impact on natural ecosystems. By increasing crop diversity, crop rotation, and reducing clear-cut practices, ecosystems will become more resistant to damage if a disaster occurs.
- The Irish potato epidemic is a perfect example of monoculture farming going wrong: the country's farmers depend on only one type of potato. Once disease swept across the country and the environment changed, the potatoes were almost completely wiped out, resulting in food shortages.
- Areas with high biodiversity also tend to have high “genetic diversity”. This means that individual species in the ecosystem have greater gene variation. Over time, this will contribute to the creation of new species through the process of evolution.
Step 3. Know what is being done in your area to protect biodiversity
Before acting, find out in advance what things are being done to increase biodiversity. Once you know that, you'll be able to a) understand what's most pressing in your area, b) focus your efforts, and c) make more persuasive, science-based arguments to change local businesses and policy makers.
Step 4. Make the necessary connections
Some people in local communities can be very helpful allies in fighting for the issue of protecting biodiversity. In general, there are people who have in-depth knowledge of environmental issues, people with experience in organizing, and people in power. Some examples include:
- Political activist: Can help get a message out to voters of political candidates, organize demonstrations, gain access to local politicians, etc.
- Natural science teachers and professors: Can share their knowledge and experience on specific measures to protect biodiversity.
- Environmental lawyer: Will know about the legal challenges (and opportunities) to make your environmental mission a reality.
- Community leaders: Have the power and influence to get you local support.
Step 5. Lobby your government
In the end, many environmental issues fall into the hands of those who hold power in society. Local, regional and national politicians have a very important role in the mission of protecting biodiversity. They are people who have the power to write, interpret, and enact laws relating to environmental issues. Therefore, one effective way to achieve environmental policies is to “lobby” the politicians directly. This means that you should try to convince them that your ward mission is a good idea.
- One way to do this is to get as many people in your community as possible to sign a petition and send it to the local government. Read our article on petition writing.
- Another way to get political results is to raise funds for the election campaign of a politician who agrees with you. He will have an obligation to try to establish a favorable policy for you if he wants to be re-elected.
- Remember: most politicians are motivated by votes. Your ultimate goal is to convince the politician you're lobbying that by supporting your environmental mission, he or she will get a large number of votes (and, of course, opposing that mission will reduce the number of votes).
- Can't find a sympathetic politician? Consider becoming a politician on an environmental basis!
Step 6. Spread your message
The more people you contact, the better your chances of witnessing the biodiversity changes you desire. Spreading the message about your mission is critical to success. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this. Here are some examples.
- Use social networks: Today, many people spend their time on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and so on. A social networking campaign can help you gain the attention of thousands of internet users, thereby increasing awareness and support for biodiversity. Search and read about how to use social networks to drive political change.
- Speak at local events: Local community gatherings (such as religious events, town hall meetings, public events, etc.) will often provide great opportunities to speak for free or inexpensively. Maximize these opportunities to channel information on biodiversity to community members directly.
- Use local canvases: Door-to-door visits and flyer distribution are old-fashioned ways to raise awareness about environmental issues, but they can still be very effective.
Step 7. Support environmental organizations
There are many organizations out there that are currently struggling on these issues. Many of them are already strong. However, they cannot continue to fight or produce politically effective results without financial support and volunteers from the community. Below are links to two sites containing contact names for some of these organizations:
Step 8. Set up your own environmental organization
Once you have a deep understanding of local biodiversity issues, consider acting on a larger scale. One good way to do this is to start an environmental organization dedicated to bringing about the changes you feel are most important. By involving others in your mission, you will gain power and legitimacy. Numbers contribute to power, and people with more power tend to listen to organizations with many members.
- There is no “right” focus for an environmental organization. Your group may focus on one narrow issue (such as saving local wetlands from encroachment) or a broad issue (such as raising environmental awareness in general).
- The important thing is that you have one goal that you feel you can achieve. For example, simply starting a local group with 100 members won't help you fight a global carbon tax well.
Method 4 of 4: Helping the Environment
Step 1. Be a smart consumer
One of the most basic modes you have to fight the decline in biodiversity is your “wallet.” Strive to only buy goods and services that are made with the highest concern for the health of the planet's environment. Avoid buying from companies that have practices that threaten global biodiversity. Remember that a company will sell a product that many people want to buy. So tell those companies that you want a product that doesn't destroy biodiversity.
Find out about eco-friendly brands before you shop. For example, here Fortune lists companies that are environmentally responsible
Step 2. Follow the “Three R's
“Since the dawn of history, humans have created a lot of trash. Now, the amount of waste produced on a global scale has reached a number that is very threatening to biodiversity. By following the “3Rs”, you can minimize the impact of your waste on the environment. “3R” is:
- “Reduce:” “Reduce your consumption. Don't buy things you don't need. When you buy things, try to choose products that produce as little waste as possible. For example, buy items that have minimal packaging (or none at all) rather than items that have lots of boxes or containers. The less waste you produce, the smaller your contribution to the decline in biodiversity caused by using natural habitats as landfill.
- ''Reuse:''' Reduce the number of products you waste, use items more than once. One easy example is to use a backpack or shopping bag when you go to the grocery store so you don't use new bags. Once again, less waste is the same as lower biodiversity loss from an increasingly widespread landfill.
- '' Recycle:''' If you have to throw something away, recycle it so that it can be converted into something useful again instead of being taken to landfill.
Step 3. Implement eco-friendly food strategies in your home
There are several other ways to promote global biodiversity. What's really advantageous is that many of these methods can be done both at home and around the house. For example, reducing your dependence on commercial crops will reduce the destruction of natural habitats that are being removed for the creation of agricultural land. Here are some other suggestions that are easy to do.
- Create a family or community garden. Decreased demand for large-scale agriculture will lead to less habitat destruction and fewer local species being displaced.
- Do composting at home. Compost can be added to your family or community garden to increase your yields. This will reduce your dependence on commercial farming. Moreover, it is a great way to recycle organic waste from the kitchen.
Step 4. Reduce your carbon emissions
We've heard it hundreds of times: Burning fossil fuels is bad for the environment. While human carbon emissions are certainly linked to climate change, many don't realize that they also have a direct impact on planet Earth's biodiversity. Climate change will lead to the loss of natural habitats and create more stressful environmental conditions that drive threatened species towards extinction. Therefore, slowing climate change by reducing emissions is an effective way to maintain biodiversity. Usually, this can be done by lowering our energy consumption. For example, you could try to:
- Buy a zero-emission, or minimal-emissions car, as your vehicle.
- Ride together to commute to work or school to save money and reduce the fuel you use.
- Walk or ride a bike instead of driving.
- Using electronic equipment that is efficient in energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions. In the United States, electronics made specifically to use the minimum amount of electricity possible are labeled “ENERGY STAR” by the EPA. Look for this one label.
- Implement efficient insulation and home heating systems to reduce energy use.
- Consider alternative home energy sources such as solar panels, which are getting cheaper these days.
