What can you do to protect your wetlands today
To celebrate World Wetlands Day, we have compiled a list of 10 things you can do to help protect our wetlands.
In light of the drought we are currently experiencing, protecting our wetlands has become more important than ever.
Wetland conservation is aimed at protecting and preserving areas where water exists at, or near, the Earth’s surface, such as swamps, marshes and bogs.
Wetlands cover at least 6% of the Earth, and have become a focal issue for conservation due to the ecosystem services they provide. More than three billion people, around half the world’s population, obtain their basic water needs from inland freshwater wetlands.
To celebrate World Wetlands Day, we have compiled a list of 10 things you can do to help protect our wetlands.
- Participate in programs that help protect and restore wetlands. Contact your local community groups, environmental organizations or a non-government organization.
- Report illegal activity such as filling, clearing, or dumping in wetlands to your municipality.
- Pick up all litter and dispose of it in appropriate trash containers.
- Keep surface areas that wash into storm drains clean of feces, toxic chemicals, fertilizers, and motor oil, which eventually reach and impair our wetlands.
- Plant only native species of trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
- Avoid building in wetlands if you are expanding your home, business or installing a shed.
- Use phosphate-free laundry and dishwasher detergents. Phosphates encourage algae growth, which can suffocate aquatic life.
- Use paper and recycled products made from unbleached paper. Bleached paper contains toxic chemicals that can contaminate water.
- Use non-toxic products for household cleaning, lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn or garden chemicals on a windy or rainy day, as they will wash into the waterways.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle household items and waste.
Share this list with your friends and family. Tell your parents and other adults (more than once). Remind them that the planet you inherit depends on their care. You can make a difference too!
