People Power Conservation

Interesting piece in this month's British Birds from Mark Avery about what individuals can do to support the conservation effort. Recommendations include:

SUPPORT THE GOOD GUYS

Support the NGO's who are getting the best results.

BE POLITICALLY ACTIVE

Vote with wildlife in mind. Write to your MP about local wildlife issues.(I would add attend local planning meetings and comment on planning applications etc) 

REDUCE YOUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

Use less energy, create less waste.

SPEND YOUR MONEY TO DO GOOD

Support products, services and brands which are doing good. E.g. conservation grade products, organic, high quality local products and services etc

ENGAGE IN DEBATE

Talk, write and social network about nature - tell your friends and spread the word about nature.

(In addition I would add):

INCREASE YOUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

Do some wildlife gardening, volunteer for a conservation organisation

SET UP YOUR OWN CONSERVATION ORGANISATION

Offer wildlife gardening services to other people, buy some land (or get permission) to manage it for wildlife, set up a bird and wildlife tour company to show other people nature. Use profits from any eco-business ventures for conservation. If you manage any land- manage it with wildlife in mind. 

STAND UP AGAINST THE BAD GUYS

Let everyone know when an organisation is up to no good- write about it, social network it, protest about it

DISENGAGE FROM NEGATIVE CULTURE

Buy what you need, work only for the good guys (preferably yourself!) don't get caught up in the money mad rat race and then you'll have more time and money to spend on the above

SING AND DANCE ABOUT IT!

Ok that might be pushing it- but certainly being as creative as possible in finding ways to engage more people with nature.