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So you want to help animals? One of the most important things we can do is to take care of their homes, or habitats. |
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What can YOU do to help protect animals and their homes? Here are 10 ways you can make a difference. And remember, what you do in your local environment also helps the whole Earth! Get outside!
Explore the wonders of the natural world - in parks and forest preserves, and near ponds,
rivers and lakes. If you take the time to observe and enjoy nature, you'll be better at
protecting it. Be kind to what you find… when it's time to go home, leave the animals and
their homes just as you found them.Clean up!
Take part in a park, river, or beach clean-up. You'll be amazed at the amount of
garbage you'll find! Just think… for each piece of trash you pick up, everyone's
environment will be cleaner and safer to live in. While you're working hard, remember to
wear gloves to protect your hands - and don't pick up anything that may hurt you - have an
adult help out.Build a home!
You don't need a hammer and nails to make a home for animals. You can plant a tree or a
garden at home or at school. Research which plants are native to your home state and what
kind of soil, light and moisture they need. A local tree nursery or garden store can help
you. Get a group of people together (kids and adults), put on grubby clothes
(you'll be working with dirt!) and follow the directions for caring for your new plant. Who
might take a rest, find some food, or build a nest in the habitat you create?Save energy!
It's simple to save water and electricity, and if we don't, we might run out! Turn the
water off when you brush your teeth, and switch off the lights, TV, or computer when you're
done with them. And did you know that by riding your bike instead of riding in a car,
you'll help make our air cleaner for everyone to breathe?Reduce and reuse!
Many times we forget how important these 2 R's really are. Do you think
you can reduce the amount of STUFF you throw away? Try wrapping presents using old
magazines or newspapers. Cut out pictures from old greeting cards to make your friends a
one-of-a-kind birthday or holiday card. Pack your lunch in a reusable bag, and put your
sandwich in a container that you can wash and use every day. Use a cloth napkin instead
of a paper one. There will be less garbage out there, and more clean habitats! And for
those juice bottles and aluminum cans, find a recycling container and toss 'em in.If your school does not have a recycling program, find out how you can start one. Don't let go of your balloons!
It may be fun to watch a balloon fly away, but once the air runs out, where do you think
it might land? Balloons can travel hundreds of miles, winding up in trees, rivers, lakes
and even the ocean. That can be pretty dangerous to animals that might get tangled up or
even try to eat them. What other types of litter might harm animals?Learn before you buy a pet!
If you're interested in taking care of a pet, make sure you investigate all the things
the animal needs to be safe, healthy and comfortable. Plan how you will create and take
care of a natural habitat for it in your home. Also, before buying an animal, find out
where it came from. We don't want to buy pets that were taken from their natural habitat.Learn, learn, learn!
It's very important for everyone to learn as much as they can about animals, their
homes and the environment. Choose a nature topic for a school
report, read books and magazines, surf the Web. Do all you can to understand the world
around you.Teach, teach, teach!
Share your knowledge and feelings about the environment with your family and friends.
Express your thoughts about animals and their homes by writing a letter to your school or
town newspaper. Explain how and why you are trying to make a difference. Your example will
help other people believe they can make a difference too.Use your brain! Helping the environment can be as simple
as thinking about your actions and how they can affect animals and their homes. If you
decide that one of your actions could hurt the environment, find a way to change your action
to make it more friendly to animals and the Earth.You do have the ability to make smart choices that will help animals and habitats. You might not see the difference you make right away, but it's happening. |
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Learn more about your favorite animal in our Photo Gallery. |
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