My Contribution To Biological Diversity

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:04

My contribution to biological diversity

Every contribution to the support of biological diversity is a responsible step towards the future. In addition to national responsibility, it also depends on the contribution of each individual. It does not always have to be large, radical changes or measures. Even in everyday life, you can move a lot with little things. Be it while walking through the forest, cleaning the house, cooking or planning a vacation with the family. Even the smallest contribution to biological diversity is valuable…

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Small & big deeds for biodiversity

Be considerate of animals and the environment

When doing outdoor activities, do not act at the expense of animals or nature, for example, animals should not be disturbed when they are hibernating, do not leave any litter outside, etc. For more information, see Correct behavior in the forest

Reduce or recycle waste

Certain types of waste pollute the environment for years, for example the decomposition of plastic takes hundreds of years with the release of toxic substances (toxins). It is therefore essential to collect, separate and recycle waste.

Use natural cleaning agents

Chemicals pollute the environment because they cannot be broken down or only with difficulty. Waters in particular are damaged by residues such as phosphates, solvents, tensides and many more. For cleaning, prefer substances with an eco-label or natural detergents such as curd soap, soft soap, vinegar, soda, etc.

Reduce CO ₂ and greenhouse gas emissions

Our actions produce greenhouse gases every day, which promote climate change and unbalance sensitive ecosystems. Everyone can reduce such emissions through conscious action, eg less car journeys, more use of public transport, more walking or cycling, more economical heating and much more. Reconsider traveling by plane or prefer direct flights.

Prefer products from organic farming

Organic agriculture uses environmental resources sustainably. The reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides protects the soil and groundwater. In addition, older plants or plants that have been forgotten are revived, which increases biological diversity. Also pay attention to regional and seasonal goods, which are cheaper for the environment in terms of transport and energy and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Increase the biological diversity of your own environment

Create niches for animals in your garden, on your balcony or terrace, such as creating a pond, planting a hedge or stacking wood. Plants should have the opportunity to spread - for example, let the grass grow longer. Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Use only local plant material.

Eat less meat

The high amount of feed required for fattening animals consumes space and water. Residues from livestock farming can contaminate the groundwater. In addition, the animals produce considerable amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas that is responsible, among other things, for climate change.

Reduce paper and cardboard consumption

The manufacture of paper goods is at the expense of forests and consumes energy and water. Try to print on both sides of the paper or to reuse it in some other way, e.g. as a note. Recycled paper or paper goods with an FSC or PEFC label (toilet paper, handkerchiefs, napkins, etc.) are good alternatives. Be sure to collect the waste paper and bring it to collection containers. If you pass books, magazines etc. on to friends or relatives, they will have added value.

Support nature and animal welfare associations

The work of these associations makes a significant contribution to stopping the decline in biodiversity.

Source: 52 tips for biodiversity

Further helpful tips on how you can help biodiversity in everyday life can be found in the brochure 52 Tips for Biodiversity from the European Commission.

On the website of the species protection campaign “vielfalt leben ” of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management www.vielfaltleben.at, you can be inspired by a tip every day - every day a good deed provides 365 deeds for biodiversity.

You can find out more about the Austria 2020+ biodiversity strategy online at www.bmlfuw.at.