It’s important to remember if we want to make a difference
to this world we don’t just need to reduce the amount of waste we are
producing, we also need to make the world more suitable for the other organisms
we share the planet with. We have changed their habitats and so we need to make
sure they are able to cope with what we are creating.
This isn’t just for the larger animals though who get all
the press, we are all well aware that large mammals such as rhinos and big cat
etc are all experiencing drastic declines in their population numbers. There
isn’t many practical things most people can do to stop this apart from donating
money to charities and supporting the environment protection schemes but not
buying exotic hard woods and bush meat. But these aren’t the only animals which
need protecting and many of the other kinds you can make an active difference
simply and cheaply.
Insects are extremely important and no matter how small they
are they all have their own individual roles to play. For instance if all the
dug beetles were to be removed from Africa the entire country would be knee
deep in dung within weeks. They aren’t only important for waste removal though
three quarters of the world’s flowering plants and around 35% of the world’s
crops rely on insect pollination.
The problem is however many of these critical pollinators
are in decline just like the larger mammals across the world. The big story you
may have heard about is the bees are disappearing; now this is down to a number
of reasons such as habitat loss, disease, parasites and environmental
contaminants such as
For instance the first step you can take is by planting a
few different flowers such a lavender, this is so you can break up the
monoculture farming and gardening which is found across the world. This will
act as a key food source for bees and other pollinators.
Secondly you can avoid using pesticides in your garden and
attempt to use environmentally farmed foods which are grown without using
pesticides and other chemicals which could filter into the food chain and water
system.
Third and finally I suggest you buy or more cheaply make a
bug hotel. These act as shelter from the harsh weather in winter and storms.
These can be made as extravagant or as simple as you like and basically
comprise of a bunch of wood and other materials which are laid out so as to
create a load of different size cracks and hole which insects can hide in.
There are many designs and other helpful hints to making these online and this
is just one simple way.
I understand that this post might not appear as suitable to
the age of people who I hope are reading this blog but please don’t let it go
over looked. Even if you don’t have a garden a few pots on the door step will
not only brighten up your house but also help the insects. The bug hotel is
also a great activity to do if you have children and then you can investigate
what has come to rest in the bug hotel. I used to completely love spending hour
exploring my garden and the fields and woods around it for different insects
and was one of the source for my reasons to study Zoology.
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