Each day, our choices impact the environment, climate, and other species.
There are many ways we can choose wild and minimize our environmental footprint, creating more space for wildlife and plants to thrive.
1. Think Carefully Before Shopping
The concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle remains just as relevant today as it ever was. Every product we purchase contributes to environmental impact—whether through raw materials, pollution from manufacturing, or waste from packaging. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s truly necessary. If it is, consider buying secondhand items, and choose products with minimal packaging and eco-friendly shipping options.
2. Ensure Your Big Purchases Benefit the Environment
Not everyone can afford to replace their old car with a hybrid, and that's okay—manufacturing new cars also consumes resources. However, if you’re looking for a new vehicle, opt for a fuel-efficient model to reduce your carbon footprint and save on fuel costs.
3. Go for Plastic Free
Millions of pounds of plastic now float in our oceans, covering about 40% of the surface. Every year, countless marine animals, including seabirds, sea turtles, and seals, die from ingesting or becoming tangled in plastic. To reduce your plastic waste, use reusable shopping bags, avoid single-use water bottles, bags, and straws, and choose products that aren’t packaged in plastic.
4. Boycott Products That Harm Wildlife
While buying endangered species products is illegal, plants and animals not yet listed can still be exploited for profit. Certain products also harm endangered species indirectly by damaging their habitats, such as deforestation or overuse of water sources. Shop responsibly by opting for sustainable materials like bamboo, and avoid dining at places that serve threatened species like bluefin tuna.
5. Pay Attention to Labels
When choosing everything from coffee to clothing, look for eco-friendly and sustainable options. If you drink coffee, choose shade-grown varieties to protect forest habitats for wildlife. Opt for Fair Trade-certified products to support ethical practices, and buy organic food to protect our land, water, and wildlife from harmful pesticides.
6. Be Water-Wise
Say no to bottled water. Tap water is often just as clean and much more environmentally friendly. Bottled water production contributes to plastic pollution and harms communities and wildlife. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using low-flow appliances. Consider xeriscaping your yard with native plants that need less water and create habitats for wildlife.
7. Drive Less, Drive Green
Changing your driving habits can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transportation whenever possible. Combine errands to reduce trips, and advocate for car-free days in your community. Regular vehicle maintenance, like tune-ups and properly inflated tires, can improve fuel efficiency and help reduce national gas consumption by 2%.
8. Green Your Home
Just as maintaining your car improves fuel efficiency, keeping your home well-maintained boosts energy efficiency. Ensure your home has proper insulation, energy-efficient windows, and a programmable thermostat for better heating and cooling. Use energy-saving light bulbs to reduce energy consumption.
9. Choose Wild Energy
Breaking free from fossil fuels is essential for protecting wildlife, combating climate change, and preserving our environment. If your state allows you to select your electricity supplier, choose a Green-e certified company that sources at least half its power from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar. Consider installing solar panels or solar water heaters at home, and take advantage of tax credits.
10. Take Extinction Off Your Plate
Meat production is one of the most environmentally damaging industries, using massive amounts of water, contributing to pollution, and driving habitat destruction. By reducing meat consumption, you can help lessen your environmental impact. Additionally, almost 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste, wasting valuable resources.
11. Choose To Have A Smaller Family
With over 7.5 billion people on Earth, our increasing demands for resources are contributing to the extinction of other species. By choosing to have fewer children, we can achieve a sustainable population that promotes human rights, reduces poverty, and supports the thriving of plants, animals, and ecosystems.
12. Use Your Voice and Your Vote
One of the most powerful ways to help wildlife and the environment is by getting politically involved. Vote for candidates with strong environmental platforms and advocate for policies that limit greenhouse gases, fight climate change, protect wildlife and public lands, and support reproductive health services.
