MANY of the unusual creatures featured on this website are either endangered or threatened. Why? Well, in large part because of us! Simply put, we have a problem. We can't stop throwing trash into the ocean, cutting down forests, spraying chemicals into the air, overfishing, and, in general taking way more than we need. This behavior affects all of the animals on our planet, including us.
USE LESS ENERGY
Take public transportation if it's available. Walk or ride a bicycle when possible.
Replace your regular light bulbs with new compact fluorescent bulbs. Yes, the color of the light is not so great. But the Sun's color won't be either when we no longer have an atmosphere.
Turn off lights, computers, and the TV when you are not using them.
Adjust your thermostat just a few degrees warmer in the summer, and a few degrees colder in the winter.
Hang your clothes out to dry.
Buy local food. Think about how much energy it takes to get food imported from far away. (On that note, maybe eat just a little less meat. Try eating vegetarian one day a week!)
Wash your clothes in warm water instead of hot water. I promise, they'll still get clean.
USE LESS WATER
Got a dishwasher? Don't rinse your dishes before putting them in.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
Take slightly shorter showers. Take bathes less often.
Use water-saving devices on your toilet, taps, and showerhead.
USE LESS STUFF
Chill out with the plastic bags and bottled water! Seriously. Get yourself a couple reusable nylon bags and take them with you every time you shop. Instead of buying bottles of water, get a filter for your faucet. If you absolutely need spring water, buy it in large containers, and be sure to recycle the jugs.
Use less paper. It comes from trees, and animals live in trees. Get a printer that prints on both sides of the paper, and don't print unless you have to.
Use fewer napkins and paper towels. You don't need a huge stack of napkins at the fast-food joint. (Actually, you don't need fast food, either.)
Cut down on junk mail. There are specific groups you can call such as 885-5-OPTOUT for credit card solicitations.
Buy products and food without packaging whenever possible. Learn to love the bulk bins.
Parents: Use cloth diapers (or at least environmentally friendly diapers).
Use rechargeable batteries.
Before you throw something away, think about whether someone else might want it.
Recycle! Don't be lazy. You can do it.
Share your knowledge with others. Tell them about the amazing animals in our world and explain why many are endangered. Encourage others to learn more.
