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Green Ideas

So, you want to help our planet and the extraordinary wildlife that we share it with – that’s brilliant news!

Here are plenty of ways that you can help make a difference to the state of our planet in your everyday life. Lots of small changes in your daily routine can add up to have a big impact on the health of our planet. Read on to find out how you can make these changes.

Learn about wildlife

Explore the types of plants and animals that live in your area. By understanding local wildlife and habitats, you’ll learn what you can do to protect them, like planting pollinator-friendly plants or leaving out water bowls for small animals.

There are apps and games that help you learn about nature, recycling, and conservation. By choosing educational games about the planet, you’re helping build good habits for the future.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation protects endangered animals across Africa and Asia. Find out more about our work.

Species we protect

Marcus at Save the Rhino Trust

Image by Rawpixel on Freepik

How to save energy

Lights out when you leave – Always turn off lights when you leave a room.
Feeling chilly? – Instead of reaching for the heating, try wearing cosy slippers and an extra jumper.
Unplug chargers and other electronics when they’re not in use – even when turned off, plugged-in devices can still use energy. This is called “phantom energy,” and you can save energy by making sure things are completely unplugged.

How to be green at school

How to save water

Turn off the tap – While brushing your teeth, turn off the tap between wetting your brush and rinsing to save water.
Choose a shower – A short shower saves more water and energy than a bath.
Shower timers – Challenge yourself to take shorter showers. Try using a timer or play a short song to keep track.
Save leftover water – keep a bowl in the sink and use leftover water for watering plants and topping up your pets water bowl.

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Skyhawk Photography

Freepik

Eco friendly food and drink

Say no to plastic straws – Use a paper, metal, or bamboo straw instead, which can be reused and won’t harm the environment.
Be mindful of palm oil – Palm oil is often linked to deforestation. Look for products that use sustainably sourced palm oil.
Avoid fast food – It often comes with extra packaging that gets thrown away.
Eat less meat – Meat production requires more land and releases more harmful emissions than growing plants. Try a ‘Meatless Monday’ at home and enjoy at least one meat-free meal each week.

Eco-Friendly Garden Ideas

Encourage your family to leave a section of your garden a bit wild or make a small bug hotel with sticks and leaves. You’ll attract friendly insects like bees, ladybirds, and butterflies that help plants and other wildlife thrive.

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How to reduce your waste

Choose things you can use over and over, like fabric shopping bags, metal straws, and reusable water bottles.
Try to eat all of what’s on your plate and save any leftovers for later. Ask to help with meal planning so you can make sure everyone only takes what they’ll finish. Less food waste means less landfill and fewer resources used up.
Think before you buy – Do you really need it? We all buy more than we need, which puts a strain on our planet’s resources.
Recycle packaging – Items like tins, bottles, jars, cardboard, and clean foil can often be recycled. Check what your local council accepts.
Bring a reusable bag – Avoid plastic bags; they can cause harm if they end up in the ocean, where animals might mistake them for food.

Image by Freepik

What to do with your waste

Before throwing something away, check if it can be recycled, or donate items you don’t need that are in good condition.
Pick up your litter – Always put rubbish in the bin or take it home to recycle.
Donate or recycle – If you outgrow something or don’t wear it anymore, give it to a friend, family member, or charity. For items beyond repair, put them in a clothes bank or cut them up to use as crafts.

What is wildlife conservation

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Learn about endangered species

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How you can take action

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