We think it is safe to say that most people are in favor of a healthier planet. Sometimes it can feel intimidating or overwhelming when asking yourself, “what can I do to help,” but it doesn’t have to be complicated or challenging. In fact, here are 12 simple and easy things YOU can do to help save amazing wildlife and their habitats all over the world.

1. Reusable Water Bottles vs. Plastic Water Bottles

Pollution is a major cause of harm to animals and their natural habitats all over the world. By switching out single-use plastic water bottles for a reusable one, you are not only helping to cut down on the amount of waste produced each year, but you’re also lowering the demand for plastic water bottle production – which could also help reduce the amount of raw materials needed for this process.

2. Reusable Shopping Bags vs. Plastic Shopping Bags

Again, by switching from plastic shopping bags to reusable shopping bags, you will be helping to reduce landfill waste and the need for the raw materials to produce such plastic shopping bags. You will also be helping to save endangered marine life, like sea turtles. Many sea turtles eat jellyfish as part of their diet. When plastic bags pollute our oceans, they end up floating around the water, impersonating these saltwater drifters. This is obviously not great for the sea turtles or any other misled marine life.

3. Recycle Old Cell Phones

Yes, it’s totally cool to get the latest and greatest cell phone to keep up with technology, but make sure you are recycling your old cell phones and not tossing them in the trash. Obviously tossing old cell phones in the garbage contributes to the ever growing landfill issue, but it also plays as another role in habitat destruction. When you recycle your old cell phones, you help reduce the need for people to mine for the minerals/materials needed to produce them. This effort directly helps animals like chimpanzees and their natural environments in Africa. To learn more, visit our Recycle for Rainforest webpage.

4. Go “Paperless”

This may be a little obvious, but it never hurts to mention. The reduced use of paper helps reduce the need to cut down trees for its production. With that being said, lets take it a couple steps further – try to reduce the amount of printed materials you use, including printing off e-mails and printed bills/invoices. Take notes on a computer or other mobile device and sign-up for paperless billing (most banks and credit card companies offer this as an option). And if printed paper materials are necessary, be sure to recycle when you’re done with them.

5. Visit an AZA-Accredited Zoo and/or Aquarium

Not only is this option important, it’s extremely fun! By visiting an AZA-accredited zoo and/or aquarium, part of what you spend on admission, annual memberships, food concessions, gift store purchases, etc. helps to fund crucial conservation work these institutions are doing all over the world to help save wild animals and their natural habitats. Visiting such places also helps you, the guests, learn more about these animals and their struggles. It’s much easier to care about something (and do something about it) once you’ve seen it with your own eyes. Knowledge is power!

6. Compost

This may or may not be a simple option, depending on where you live. Composting old scraps of food and yard waste is a great way to create your own nutrient-rich soil for your own gardens, as well as help to keep these things out of our landfills. Don’t forget you can even buy compostable cups, plates, etc. for when you have parties or meetings that can be tossed into your compost bin, as well.

7. Power Down Electronic Devices

Completely shutting off all your electronic devices may seem nearly impossible, but turning off your computers, cell phones, tablets, etc. from time to time can help reduce the amount of electricity needed to charge them. It also gives you an opportunity to “unplug” and get out to connect with nature. No matter where you live, there’s wildlife all around.

 

8. Buy Products with Sustainable Palm-Oil

Not all palm-oil is harmful to the environment. Some farms (and companies that buy their products) have committed to zero deforestation when it comes to the production of palm oil so no additional forests are cut-down to produce it. This is great news for animals like the tiger, tapir, orangutang and more. Get a great sustainable palm oil shopping guide app (via our friends at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo) for your smart phone here.

9. Get “Fish Smart”

Keeping our oceans healthy is vital to the success of our planet overall. Learning about sustainable seafood and where to find it locally is key in keeping our ocean ecosystems running smoothly and decreasing the chances of species going extinct. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo has been working hard with local chefs to bring this concept to life with our Fish Smart program. You can also download an awesome Seafood Watch app (via or friends at the Monterey Bay Aquarium) to stay up-to-date on which fish are “good to go” and which ones to avoid.

10. Shop Local 

Visiting a local farmers’ market or co-op is a great way to find quality produce and other products that help benefit the local community, as well as helps to reduce the amount of waste used to transport products from long-distances.

 

11. Visit an AZA-Accredited Zoo and/or Aquarium

We know we already said this once, but we thought it was important enough to repeat. Plus, who could pass up the opportunity to see this in person?!

 

 

12. Plant for Pollinators

Pollinators provide 35% of our food, including most of our fruits and vegetables. They are also needed by 75% of native plants to reproduce! Pollinators are struggling though, mostly due to habitat loss and pesticides. It is easy to help! Check out which plants are the best to plant in your own gardens at home to help these important species thrive.

 

Thanks for considering these super easy ways to help save our planet.