365 Ways to Help the Planet - Part 3

This is the third set of sustainable living tips we’re sharing as part of our 365 ways to help the planet. This month we’ve shared some wonderful organisations who are looking for volunteers, businesses selling eco-friendly products that go the extra mile to help the planet and lots of other simple ideas you can implement in your own life.

If you haven’t already, be sure to have a look at Part 1 and Part 2.

If you’re a business and looking for ways to make your business more sustainable have a look at Creating a Culture of Sustainability: Best Sustainable Business Practices and Training.

ways to help the planet

61. Help find sources of pollution in our rivers

Join an outfall safari and help find sources of pollution in our rivers.

Pollution can find its way into urban rivers via surface water outfalls (drains) as a result of misconnected plumbing. Sustainable Hackney, ZSL and Thames 21 are looking for volunteers to help conduct Outfall Safari surveys on the lower Lea and tributaries. This involves bankside surveys of stretches of the river to map and record the impact of outfalls.

As a volunteer, you can choose which stretch of the river and at what time to conduct the survey, within the survey period. The survey will be conducted from the riverside path, in areas that are accessible and where the river is easily visible.

62. Neutering your cat

Believe it or not but neutering your cat has several benefits for the environment. Here’s five ways neutering your cat helps the environment:

  • Reduces the Stray Cat Population: Neutering your cat helps reduce the number of stray cats in the environment. Stray cats can have a significant impact on the environment, including wildlife, as they can hunt and kill native species.

  • Decreases the Risk of Overpopulation: Neutering your cat helps decrease the risk of overpopulation. Overpopulation of cats can lead to overcrowding in animal shelters and an increase in the number of cats living on the streets.

  • Decreases the Spread of Diseases: Neutered cats are less likely to roam, fight, and contract diseases that they can then spread to other animals and wildlife. This can help prevent the spread of diseases and illnesses that can have a significant impact on the environment.

  • Reduces Carbon Footprint: Neutering your cat can help reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing the number of cats that need to be fed, the carbon footprint of cat food production and transportation can be reduced.

  • Decreases the Use of Resources: Neutering your cat can help decrease the use of resources. With fewer cats, there will be less demand for cat food, litter, and other resources that contribute to environmental issues such as pollution, waste, and deforestation.

63. Give the gift of 100 trees with Ecologi

Plant 100 native trees in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Kenya and Uganda.

  • Get monthly updates and newsletters

  • All impact visible on the recipient's own virtual forest

  • Easy to action tips on how to live a more sustainable life 

Find out more at Ecologi

64. Walk the Green Chain

The Green Chain is a Walk London route that consists of 11 sections between Thamesmead and Nunhead Cemetery.

Stretching from the River Thames to Nunhead Cemetery, the Green Chain Walk spans fields, parks and woodlands across 50 miles (82km), split into 11 easy-to-follow sections.

Follow the routes on Go Jauntly. The Ramblers also now have updated route guides

65. Slow Food

Slow Food envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet.

The Slow Food approach is based on a concept of food that is defined by three interconnected principles: good, clean and fair.

GOOD: quality, flavoursome and healthy food

CLEAN: production that does not harm the environment

FAIR: accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for producers

66. Make a Wildlife Garden 

Creating a wildlife garden is an excellent way to support biodiversity and provide a habitat for a range of creatures such as birds, bees, butterflies, and insects. 

Here are some simple steps to help you make your own wildlife garden:

  • Choose a location: Choose a location in your garden that receives plenty of natural light and has a mix of sun and shade. The area should be sheltered from strong winds and have access to a water source.

  • Plan your garden: Think about the types of wildlife you would like to attract and what they need to survive. Consider adding a variety of plants, shrubs, and trees that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites. Native plants are the best choice as they are adapted to your local climate and soil type.

  • Create habitats: Create a variety of habitats in your garden, such as meadows, ponds, and hedgerows, to provide a diverse range of habitats for wildlife. Use logs, stones, and piles of leaves to create hiding places for insects and small mammals.

  • Provide food and water: Install a bird feeder or birdhouse and provide a water source such as a bird bath or small pond. Plant nectar-rich flowers to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

  • Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm wildlife, so avoid using them in your garden. Instead, use natural pest control methods such as companion planting, using physical barriers, or attracting natural predators such as birds and insects.

  • Maintain your garden: Regularly maintain your garden by weeding, pruning, and removing dead plants. Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed to provide a natural habitat for wildlife.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful wildlife garden that not only provides a home for a range of creatures but also enhances the overall biodiversity of your local area.

Suggested plants from the Wildlife Trust

67. Join the Great British Spring Clean 2023

The Great British Spring Clean is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign.  

The Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean 2023 takes place in March and April, and you can pledge to pick up a bag of litter – or more! 

This year, Litter Heroes across the UK picked up 408,672.98 of litter as part of the GB Spring Clean.

68. Volunteer with the Trussell Trust network

You can make a real difference in the fight against poverty.

There are over 28,000 volunteers across the Trussell Trust network. Without these amazing volunteers, food banks in the Trussell Trust network simply wouldn’t exist – and the hundreds of thousands of people in crisis they help each year wouldn’t receive the support they need. The Trussel Trust vision is for a future without the need for food banks, because everyone has enough money to buy their own food. You can play a role in helping achieve this goal.

69. Make a Kokedama

Kokedama is a Japanese gardening technique that involves wrapping a plant's root ball in moss and suspending it from string, creating a unique and beautiful display. Kokedama is easy to make and adds a touch of greenery to any space. 

To make your Kokedama you will need

  • Ivy plant

  • Sustainable sheet moss

  • Bonsai compost

  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

  • Garden twine

  • Pair of scissors

  • Terracotta saucer

  • Step 1: Mix the Compost

    Start by mixing equal parts multi-purpose compost and bonsai compost in a large bowl. Add water gradually until the mixture has the consistency of wet cake mix.

  • Step 2: Prepare the Plant

    Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the soil around the roots with your fingers. Be careful not to damage the roots.

  • Step 3: Form the Ball

    Take a large handful of the compost mixture and form it into a ball, squeezing out any excess water. Divide the ball into two halves with a simple twist.

  • Step 4: Add the Plant

    Place the plant between the two compost halves and reform the ball around it. Use any leftover compost to plug any gaps.

  • Step 5: Wrap the Moss

    Lay a sheet of moss on a table and place the ball in the center. Wrap the moss around the ball, making sure it is completely covered. You may need more than one sheet of moss to cover the ball completely.

  • Step 6: Tie the String

    Tie garden string around the circumference of the ball and knot it. Wind ribbon or string around the ball until the moss is held securely in place. Leave a long length of string to hang the kokedama.

Hang your kokedama in a bright spot and mist it regularly to keep it moist. With proper care, your kokedama will thrive and add a touch of natural beauty to your home or office.

make a kokedama

70. Go SUPA!

Buying products that use single use plastic alternatives are a great way to live a more sustainable life. 

Start off with the 6 × Paper Bottle Starter Pack is made up of six of our most popular eco friendly products as a way of exploring the eco-mate brand. This pack replaces 240g of Single Use Plastic bottles with sustainable paper bottles!

  • 100% Naturally derived plant-based ingredients 

  • Powerful & effective plant based cleaning 

  • Eco friendly 100% biodegradable bottle & contents

  • Free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, triclosan, enzymes, chlorine bleaches, petroleum additives, lanoline, solvents, synthetic perfumes, optical brighteners  

  • Vegan friendly - No animal testing

  • Inner bottle liner made from natural plant latex sap

  • 100% plastic free paper bottles

  • UK made product

71. Walk The Line

Recently listed as one of London’s prettiest walks by TimeOut 

Heralded as London’s first contemporary art walk, The Line gives you the chance to see installations and sculptures by contemporary artists.

The Line is an experience. It is a space for discovery and adventure, as well as quiet contemplation. The seasons and tides are always changing. Every visit is unique. Spend time on The Line. It’s yours to explore.

72. Make a bee hotel

A bee hotel is a great way to provide habitat for solitary bees, which play an important role in pollinating plants.

You will need

  • A bundle of bamboo stalks (about 8-10 inches long)

  • A saw or pruning shears

  • A drill with a 5/16 inch drill bit

  • Sandpaper

  • String or wire for hanging

How to make your bee hotel

  • Cut the bamboo stalks into sections that are about 8-10 inches long. You will want to cut the stalks so that one end is closed (a natural node) and the other end is open.

  • Use the saw or pruning shears to trim any rough edges or splinters from the open end of the bamboo sections.

  • Using the drill bit, drill a hole in the center of each bamboo section. The hole should be about 5/16 inch in diameter and should go about 4-5 inches deep into the bamboo.

  • Sand the edges of the drilled holes to make them smooth and to remove any splinters.

  • Stack the bamboo sections together, with the open ends facing outwards.

  • Tie a piece of string or wire around the stack of bamboo to hold it together and create a hanging loop.

  • Hang the bee hotel in a sunny spot in your garden or near flowering plants.

Note: Be sure to clean your bamboo bee hotel annually, removing any debris or dead bees, and replace any damaged or worn bamboo sections.

The benefits of having a bee hotel

  • Encourages pollination: Solitary bees are important pollinators and can be more effective than honeybees in some cases. By providing nesting sites for solitary bees, you are helping to encourage pollination in your garden or local area.

  • Supports biodiversity: Many species of solitary bees are native to specific regions and have co-evolved with local plants. By providing a habitat for these bees, you are supporting local biodiversity and promoting a healthy ecosystem.

  • Educational opportunity: A bee hotel can provide a great educational opportunity for children and adults alike, helping to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and the role they play in our environment.

  • Low maintenance: Once installed, a bee hotel requires very little maintenance. Simply clean it out annually and replace any damaged sections.

  • Cost-effective: Bee hotels are relatively inexpensive and can be made from materials that are readily available, such as bamboo or wooden blocks.

  • Beautiful addition to your garden: Bee hotels can also be aesthetically pleasing, adding a decorative element to your garden or outdoor space.

A bee hotel is a simple and effective way to support pollinators and promote biodiversity in your local environment. By providing nesting sites for solitary bees, you can help to ensure the health and vitality of your garden and local ecosystem.

Bee Hotel

73. Hedgerow planting

Planting a hedgerow with whips is a great way to create a natural boundary around your green space whilst also providing habitat for wildlife.

Here’s what you need 

  • Hedgerow whips (young bare-root trees)

  • Shovel or spade

  • Gardening gloves

  • Mulch or compost

  • Watering can or hose

  • Garden stakes and string (optional)

Creating your whip hedgerow

  • Choose the right location: Hedgerows are typically planted along the edges of fields or properties, but can also be planted within a garden as a natural border. Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil.

  • Prepare the soil: Use a shovel or spade to dig a trench that is about 12-18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Break up any clumps of soil and remove any rocks or other debris.

  • Soak the whips: Soak the hedgerow whips in a bucket of water for at least 30 minutes prior to planting.

  • Plant the whips: Take a whip and position it in the trench so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in the trench with soil and tamp it down firmly around the whip. Space the whips about 1-2 feet apart.

  • Water and mulch: Water the whips thoroughly, making sure the soil is evenly moist. Add a layer of mulch or compost around the base of each whip to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Staking (optional): If the whips are tall or in an exposed area, you may want to stake them to provide support until they become established. Drive a garden stake into the ground next to each whip and tie it to the stake with string.

  • Maintain the hedgerow: Water the whips regularly, especially during dry spells, and keep the area around them free of weeds. Prune the hedgerow as necessary to promote bushier growth and maintain its shape.

Note: It's best to plant hedgerow whips in the winter when they are dormant, but they can also be planted in early spring before new growth appears. Hedgerows can take several years to establish, but once they do, they provide a valuable habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

74. Learn what you can do about climate change with Giki Zero

Three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions come from people so to really cut carbon everyone needs to be involved.

The challenge is that many people don’t know what to do or where they can have the biggest impact. Giki Zero helps with both.

With a few simple questions we can estimate your carbon footprint. You can then choose from over 150 steps to find ways to reduce it. It’s free and super easy to use.

75. Volunteer with The Conservation Volunteers

Join thousands of people and communities across the UK connecting to nature on their doorsteps and contributing to its protection with The Conservation Volunteers

  • Communities 

    TCV supports communities to be stronger, working together to improve the places people live and tackle issues that matter to them.

  • Health & Wellbeing

    TCV supports people to improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing, by being outdoors, active and connected with others.

  • Environment

    Green spaces are created, protected and improved, for nature and for people.

  • Learning & Skills

    TCV helps people to improve their confidence, skills and prospects, through learning inspired by the outdoors.

76. Travel by Ferry

Are you planning a trip to Europe, Northern Ireland? If so, consider traveling by ferry. Not only is it a relaxing and adventurous way to travel, but it also provides significant emissions savings if you travel by bike or foot.

Imagine waking up in your cabin and opening the blinds to see the sun rising over the Bay of Biscay. As you pull into the port, you'll feel like an explorer or traveler of old, arriving by sea, the most romantic and adventurous way to discover a new place. Onboard, you'll find plenty of amenities, such as cafes, restaurants, bars, duty-free shops, child-friendly areas, comfortable seating, and plenty of space. Many ferry routes offer overnight crossings, allowing you to travel in comfort while you sleep.

Taking your car on the ferry can remove loads of hassle from a family holiday, and if there are four of you in the car, your share of emissions is much lower than flying. However, if you're looking for the most eco-friendly option, traveling by foot or bike and arriving at the port by train is the way to go. Many ferries cater well to cyclists, such as the Harwich-Hook of Holland ferry, which has bike racks (unsurprisingly for a Dutch destination).

So, if you're looking for an adventurous and eco-friendly way to travel, consider taking a ferry for your next trip. With multiple locations around the UK mainland offering ferry service, the options for exploration are endless.

How to travel by ferry by Flight Free UK

77. Forest School Activities : Nature scavenger hunt

This is a great way to encourage children to explore the natural environment and learn about the different elements found in nature. You can create a list of items for the children to find, such as different types of leaves, flowers, or rocks, and have them search for them in the forest or outdoor environment.

forest school

78. Walk the Illuminated River 

Illuminated River is a long-term art installation transforming the Thames at night with an orchestrated series of light works that span nine bridges in central London. Its subtly moving sequences of LED light symbolically unify the Thames bridges, drawing inspiration from the spirit and history of the river and from the architectural and engineering heritage of its bridges.

This video was filmed on Monday 13th March on a walk with Des Garrahan, from The Ramblers. Des guided us along both banks of the river, on a 4 mile evening stroll that connects all 9 lit bridges.

79. Recycling Glass Bottles

Turning used or waste glass bottles into new glass products is a process that involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, and melting glass bottles down before producing new products.

Here are some interesting facts about recycling glass bottles:

  • Glass is 100% recyclable.

    Unlike other materials, glass can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality or purity.

  • Recycling glass saves energy.

    Recycling glass bottles saves energy because the production of new glass from raw materials requires much more energy than using recycled glass. In fact, recycling a single glass bottle saves enough energy to power a light bulb for four hours.

  • Recycling glass reduces landfill waste.

    When glass bottles are not recycled, they end up in landfills and take hundreds of years to decompose, creating more waste.

  • Glass is a valuable material.

    Recycled glass is a valuable commodity and can be sold to manufacturers to make new glass products.

  • Recycling glass conserves natural resources.

    By recycling glass, we reduce the need to extract raw materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone, which are used in the production of new glass.

Recycling glass bottles is not only environmentally friendly, but it also conserves natural resources, reduces landfill waste, saves energy, and creates a valuable commodity that can be sold to manufacturers.

80. Build a wildlife pond

Constructing a pond in your garden or greenspace is a significant step towards providing a habitat for wildlife. This vital habitat supports wetland creatures like frogs and dragonflies while also benefiting several species of plants, insects, birds, and mammals.

In urban settings, garden ponds play a crucial role in sustaining wetland wildlife. Despite concrete surroundings, a garden pond can function as a miniature wetland that stores and gradually releases rainfall, thus reducing the impact of heavy rain or prolonged drought.

This can be a rewarding project that provides a habitat for wildlife and a peaceful oasis in the midst of a busy city. Here are some general steps to follow when making an urban pond:

  • Choose a location.

    Select a spot in your yard or community garden that is level and receives some sunlight during the day. Make sure the location is not near any underground utility lines.

  • Determine the size and shape.

    Decide how large and what shape you want your pond to be. Consider the available space and your personal preference.

  • Mark out the area.

    Use stakes and string to outline the area where the pond will be located.

  • Excavate the pond.

    Use a shovel or backhoe to dig the hole for the pond. Make sure the depth is consistent throughout the pond and that there are shallow and deep areas.

  • Add a liner.

    Lay a rubber pond liner over the hole, making sure it covers the entire area and has enough excess to extend up the sides of the pond. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds in the liner.

  • Fill the pond with water.

    Once the liner is in place, fill the pond with water. Make sure the water level is even throughout the pond.

  • Add plants and decorations.

    Once the pond is filled with water, add aquatic plants and decorations to enhance the natural beauty of the pond.

  • Add a pump and filter.

    If desired, install a pump and filter system to keep the water clean and circulating.

  • Let it settle.

    Allow the pond to settle for several days before adding any fish or wildlife.

  • Introduce wildlife.

    Once the pond has settled, add aquatic wildlife such as fish, frogs, and snails.

  • Maintain the pond.

    Keep the pond clean and well-maintained to ensure the health and survival of the aquatic wildlife. Remove any debris and perform regular water tests to ensure the water quality is optimal.

81. Ask your pension company to commit to becoming a Net Zero provider

Pensions provide a huge amount of financing to companies which emit carbon, including a lot of fossil fuel companies. If pension companies commit to Net Zero investments the finance available to big carbon emitters will drop making it harder for them to do business. Providers should commit to Net Zero by 2050 with a commitment to halve emissions by 2030. Ask your provider to commit as only with pressure from savers will the change happen.

See more at Make My Money Matter

82. Buy Waterhaul Eyewear 

Waterhaul utilise the strongest form of plastic in our oceans to produce exceptionally sustainable, recycled eyewear. Eyewear that meets the technical demands of adventure, ocean-exposure and UV protection, but also act as ‘symbols of change’ for our oceans. Waterhaul sunglasses frames last you a lifetime, because they are made from nets that would last decades in the ocean.

  • Fishing nets are collected from across the coastline of Cornwall.

  • Gear is separated by polymer type, and then recycled through a mechanical process of shredding, washing and agglomeration.

  • With 100% recycled raw material, Waterhaul injection mould this plastic into purposeful products.

83. London Rivers Week 

London Rivers Week takes place in May and there’s plenty of amazing events and volunteer opportunities for the whole family.

London Rivers Week, now in its seventh year, is back from 29th May to 4th June – and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

London Rivers Week is a week-long annual campaign inspiring the public to celebrate all of London’s rivers and the many projects taking place to protect them.

This year’s theme focuses on climate resilient rivers and how river restoration can reduce the impact of the climate emergency for both people and wildlife, through restoring habitats and reducing the impacts of drought and flood. This has never been more pressing, as we saw last year when London experienced both floods and drought.

84. Forest School Activities : Den building

Building a den in a forest school setting can be a fun and engaging activity for children, while also teaching them important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. 

  • Find a suitable location: Look for a spot in the forest that is safe and has plenty of natural materials to use for building. Make sure it is not too close to any hazards such as water or steep slopes.

  • Gather materials: Collect sticks, branches, leaves, and other natural materials from the surrounding area. Make sure to only take what you need and leave the rest for other animals and plants.

  • Plan the den: Work together as a group to decide what kind of den you want to build. You could build a simple lean-to structure, a more complex teepee or a wigwam style, or a fully enclosed shelter.

  • Build the frame: Start with the basic structure of the den, such as the frame. Use longer sticks or branches to create a basic frame for the den, and secure them in place with shorter sticks or twine.

  • Add walls: Once the frame is in place, start adding walls by weaving in smaller branches, twigs, and leaves. Leave some gaps for ventilation and light.

  • Add a roof: Use larger branches or tarps to create a roof for the den. Make sure it is securely attached to the frame and covers the entire structure.

  • Add finishing touches: Add any finishing touches, such as a door or windows, to make the den more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Remember, safety is always the top priority, so make sure to supervise children closely during the building process and use appropriate tools and materials. Also, be sure to follow any rules and regulations that may apply to building structures in your particular forest school setting

den building forest school

85. Explore the Caledonian Road in Islington with this walk from Footways

Caledonian Road was built in the 1820s as a toll road linking Pentonville Road and Holloway Road. This was at a period of great expansion in London and the Cally Road’s history is intertwined with the infrastructure and people that enabled that growth: the canals, railways, cattle markets, heavy industry, and housing. The street is still characterised as a place of diversity, change and energy. It is home to cafes and restaurants from almost every continent, and a varied range of independent businesses.

The Cally is also an easy and interesting walk from nearby hubs such as King’s Cross, Highbury, Angel and Camden Town, taking in beautiful streets and hidden green spaces. Use the Footways interactive map to explore this unique high street.

86. Plants to put in your wildlife pond 

Aquatic plants are capable of adding stunning colours to your mini-wetland or pond, providing a naturalistic ambiance. Not only do they serve as shelter for pond inhabitants such as water boatmen, tadpoles, and other small creatures, but they also assist in keeping the water oxygenated and purified.

Attractive and useful native plants for garden ponds include:

Submerged oxygenating plants

  • Spiked water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

  • Rigid hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)

  • Water violet (Hottonia palustris)

Floating pond plants

  • A water lily (Nymphaeaceae, noting that the native species, Nymphaea alba can be too vigorous for use in a smaller pond)

  • Common water-crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatalis)

  • Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)

Marginal plants

  • Water-forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides)

  • Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata)

  • Watermint (Mentha aquatica)

  • Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus)

  • Lesser Spearwort (Ranunculus flammula)

Marsh plants

  • Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)

  • Globeflower (Trollius europillworaeus)

  • Pillwort (Pilularia globulifera)

  • Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga)

Invasive species - what not to choose

Here are the worst offenders (in the UK) to be aware of

  • Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) or Brazilian Water-milfoil

  • Water fern (Azolla filiculoides) or Fairy Fern

  • Water primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora)

  • Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)

  • New Zealand pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii)

  • Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) or Indian balsam

  • American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)

  • Common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

  • Cabomba (Cambomba Caroliniana)

  • Broadleaf water milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum)

  • Duck potato (Sagittaria latifolia)

  • Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

  • Giant rhubarb (Gunnera species)

    More details can be found at Gardening for Wetlands

87. How to build a log shelter 

Building a log pile for insects is a great way to provide a habitat for a variety of beneficial insects, such as beetles, centipedes, and spiders. Here are some steps to build a log pile for insects:

  • Choose the logs.

    Choose logs that are at least 4-6 inches in diameter and 2-4 feet long. Hardwood logs such as oak, maple, or birch are ideal, but any untreated log will work.

  • Find a suitable location.

    Look for a location that is shady and damp, such as near a garden or wooded area. Make sure the area is also free from debris and other obstacles.

  • Clear the area.

    Clear the area of any debris, rocks or plants. You can also dig a shallow trench and lay the logs in it.

  • Arrange the logs.

    Arrange the logs in a pile, stacking them on top of each other in a haphazard way. Make sure the logs are touching and that there are no gaps between them.

  • Add natural materials.

    Add natural materials such as leaves, straw, or dry grass to the spaces between the logs. This will provide a cozy environment for the insects to nest in.

  • Maintain the pile.

    Check the log pile periodically to make sure it is still in good condition and free of pests or other problems. Add more natural materials as needed.

Building a log pile for insects is a simple and effective way to attract and support a variety of beneficial insects in your garden or green space. It also helps to provide a natural balance in the ecosystem, as these insects play an important role in pollination and pest control.

88. Protect the rainforests, support an organisation that stops them being cut down

Protect rainforests that would be chopped down without your support. Cutting down rainforests releases a huge amount of carbon. It also means the forest cannot absorb carbon in the future and animals lose their natural habitats. Try to protect an acre of half a hectare. Suggestion from Giki Zero, Your step by step guide to a lighter footprint on the planet. 

How to protect rainforests WWF

89. Volunteer at London Wetland Centre 

There are a whole range of volunteer opportunities available at the London Wetland Centre

WWT is the charity that protects wetlands and wildlife.

  • Some volunteer roles include 

  • Education - School Facilitator

  • Family Engagement Volunteer

  • Grounds Volunteer

  • Locking Up Warden

  • Maintenance - Painter & Decorator

  • Membership and Retail Support

  • Reserves Support 

  • Visitor Engagement Volunteer

90. Everyone should have access to affordable repair. 

It's simply not enough to rely on the good will of companies who make most of their money by selling new products and want to control aftermarket repair too.

We need a range of repair options in every neighbourhood and laws that make products easier and cheaper to fix.

Visit London Repairs and choose with confidence from over 300 businesses across London that repair everything from smartphones to lawnmowers to electric guitars.

91. Forest School Activities: Nature crafts.

Nature crafts are a great way for children to express their creativity and create something beautiful using materials found in the natural environment. These activities can include leaf rubbing, creating natural dyes, or making dream catchers with natural materials.

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