Now more than ever it is important that each of us takes Actions For Nature, making choices within our day-to-day lives that minimise our impact on the environment. There are loads of ways to make a difference and even small changes can do a world of good! Here, some of our colleagues share some of their Actions For Nature top-tips.
Kirsty Nutt, Country Communications Manager- plastic free bathroom
The impacts of plastic on nature, particularly marine wildlife, are well known. Over the last few years, I’ve been gradually replacing products in my bathroom with plastic-free alternatives and removing as many single-use items as I can. The latest one, which I was a bit daunted by, was getting a reusable razor with proper (scary?) razor blades. But I’m so glad I did. Even though the initial outlay for this (and other products) can be more expensive, I’ve found most work out equivalent in the long-term. So, if you can make small changes then I’d say go for it. I like that I have almost eliminated plastic from my bathroom and that I often get to support more ethical companies at the same time. Along with eco-friendly cleaning, this is just another small way that I can individually contribute to helping nature. And it’s been surprisingly easy. Unlike my next challenge: food packaging.
Molly Martin, Communications Officer- ethical clothing
Eighty billion pieces of clothing are consumed globally each year, a rise of 400% in the last 2 decades, it takes an immense amount of water to produce new clothing, and once these pieces are thrown away they don’t break down in landfill. I try to keep my wardrobe as eco friendly as possible by rarely buying new clothes, and avoiding buying online. Most of my clothes come from charity shops or vintage shops, and when I have to buy something new I look into ethical companies and make sure it’s something I can get a lot of wear out of and will last a long time. I also try to repair or upcycle clothes when they get damaged or if they don’t suit my style anymore. A little basic knowledge of sewing goes a long way! Online sites such as depop and ebay are a great way to search for second hand clothing if there’s something specific you’re after, but I love the thrill of going into a charity shop and not knowing if you’re about to find your new favourite outfit!
Anna Pugh, Visitor Experience and Marketing Manager – Building a pond
We made a container pond in our garden last year and was amazed at how many birds, insects and frogs used this tiny pool of water. This year in lockdown we finally had the time to dig something slightly bigger for the garden, adding more plants and ensuring there are both deep and shallow sections to benefit a wider range of wildlife. Since completing the pond in May we have had lots of frogs hiding under rocks, birds such as sparrows, blackbirds and robins frequently bathe and drink in the shallows and foxes use it as a local watering hole. It has also been fascinating seeing all the insects, both above and below the surface, appear almost instantly in and around the pond. It has been fascinating watching a variety of insects using the pond as a breeding ground, seeing the regular cycle of the larvae appearing, growing and disappearing. I won’t lie - some of this insect life has made me squirm a little but knowing that insects support many other birds, amphibians and mammals I cannot wait to see how the wildlife in the pond and the garden is going to grow over the next couple of years. I also hope the frogs will help control the garden slug numbers! I have often heard people say that adding a pool of water, no matter how big or small is one of the best things you can do for wildlife and I can really see why.
Hywel Maggs, Senior Conservation Officer - Cycling to work
I often cycle to, and for work. By that I mean I sometimes commute to an office but more regularly I cycle to and around fieldwork sites. I feel far more connected to nature and the environment when cycling around fieldwork sites and for recreation. Some of the sights, sounds and smells I experience on my bike would be missed if in a car. The main reason I cycle is not to save carbon (although that is a hugely important part of it) or to keep physically fit, its more about the mental well-being it brings.
Sadie Gorvett, Community Engagement Officer- A small space for nature
Having always lived in a house with a garden, when I moved to a high rise flat in the city I wanted to make the most of any opportunity to make space for nature. Inspired by a neighbour’s fantastic window balcony, I set off on a mission to make my balcony just as appealing to wildlife. Using plants provided from my mum’s garden and cheap planters from the local shop, I created a small area of greenery which I hope will be good for pollinators as well as bring a little colourful cheer to the area. I then looked into how I could provide a space for birds by offering food and water. After many different attempts, I found securing a bird feeder pole to the balcony the best option. As with many of us, I have been working from home and being able to watch the birds visiting the feeders and riffle through the leaves for anything the others have dropped, has made my working day that bit more enjoyable. Next, I want to develop a ground feeder station for blackbirds and finches, and look into the possibility of a wee bug hotel. Even in the smallest of spaces you can make room for nature!
Jenny Weston, Conservation Officer - Sourcing local food
The last few months and the Covid pandemic has focussed my mind on many things, and the environment and how and where I spend my money has been a big part of that. Since the New Year we have been getting our local veg box (grown just a few miles away and my daughter loves it – she raids the box when it comes on a Thursday and the cucumbers and pears have suspicious bite marks out of them or are gone completely!) and I’m also taking over more of the garden to grow our own fruit and veg. In lockdown there was a local food hub (it’s still going and there are several across the country thegreatbritishfoodhub.com) set up to replace the farmers markets with lots of local suppliers working together and making deliveries. This not only gave us the essentials we needed this spring but we also had a few treats like pizza and the all-important tablet! This week I’m picking up my first meat box from a local butcher as well which sources meat from Aberdeenshire. Combined with the hens we see from the bottom of the garden which lay our eggs this is really starting to make me feel like I know where our food is coming from.
Kate Kirkwood, Climate Change Youth Project Officer - Reducing plastic
One thing I do to reduce hidden plastic at home has been moving to buying loose leaf teas rather than tea bags; there’s a surprising amount of plastics used in the bags to seal them!