October 18th marks World Nature Protection Day, reminding us that preserving forests, rivers, seas, and soils sustains our food supply, regulates the climate, and ensures our water resources.
Every forest that is destroyed brings dire consequences across all fronts, since soils and water rely on them. That is why World Nature Protection Day was established to raise awareness about the need to protect natural resources.
In order to have access to potable water, for our ecosystems to be healthy and to access wholesome foods, it is essential that people are aware of the role they play in preserving them.
There are many actions that can be taken to celebrate the Día Mundial de la Protección de la Naturaleza and which should then be incorporated into daily routines so that the change becomes real. We all can do a lot to halt deforestation, biodiversity loss and excessive pollution.
The article explains the anecdote of the creation of World Nature Protection Day, what problems affect it and what each person can change in their daily life to support its preservation.
World Nature Protection Day: There is Much to Do
World Nature Protection Day was born with the aim of informing about the dangers involved in living without recognizing that we are all part of an ecosystem called Planet Earth and that our survival also depends on maintaining its balance.
The commemoration originated from a letter that former Argentine president Juan Domingo Perón sent from his exile in Madrid to the United Nations Secretary-General, in which he warned about the danger that environmental deterioration posed to humanity and the planet, urging urgent actions to halt it and restore nature.
Direct Care for Nature
Wherever you go, you should take care of the vegetation and the fauna. It is essential to be extraordinarily scrupulous in policing our actions to prevent pollution, leaving waste behind, or harming ecosystems in any way.
You can also choose to be a conscious consumer and not purchase products that are harmful, such as being clients of banks that fund fossil fuel industries or deforestation, or buying products that pollute and/or threaten animal welfare.
Consuming organic foods also helps a lot, since their components are produced without contaminating the environment with pesticides and agrochemicals. Opting for ecotourism over mass tourism helps to celebrate World Nature Protection Day and the rest of the days of the year.
Applying the Four Rs of Recycling
The celebration of the Día Mundial de la Protección de la Naturaleza requires a collective effort from all the people of the planet who wish to protect it and preserve it for future generations. And often we are not aware that small, everyday gestures, added to those of others, can have a huge impact on the Earth’s future.
The 4 Rs of recycling can be one of the ways by which every citizen of the world can contribute their part to protecting nature, simply by avoiding generating more waste.
The key to minimizing the impact on natural resources lies in reusing, repairing and reducing, since recycling implies that a waste has already been generated and we must find ways to minimize its impact.
It is essential to inform consumers about how crucial it is to plan their purchases and manage their waste. There are many ways to significantly reduce the garbage generated; it just takes creativity and small changes capable of transforming the world.
Rethinking Transportation Methods
Instead of driving being the only option, on World Nature Protection Day we can consider using a bicycle, taking the bus, or car-sharing with someone else.
These measures not only help protect nature, but also save fuel and reduce pollution, especially if when driving we opt for an electric car or a hybrid or any other vehicle that is environmentally friendly.
Choosing Second-Hand Items
One of the best ways to avoid generating waste and conserve natural resources is to acquire objects that have already had a prior use, but which are still in good condition. Clothing and footwear for children and adults, toys, furniture, household items and much more can have a second life instead of ending up in a landfill.
Second-hand stores or online groups are an excellent option to save money and, at the same time, take care of the planet. And before throwing away or selling anything, it is essential to consider whether it can be recovered, repaired or given a different use.
