How It Works - UK (2020-05)

http://www.howitworksdaily.com How It Works 041

DID YOU KNOW? Ladybirds can consume over 5,000 plant-eating aphids during their lifetime

BECOME A

eco-warrior

L

eading scientists, environmentalistsand

governments the world over aretr y ingto

save the Earth from a horrif y ingfuture,a

future without orangutans swingingthrough

the rainforest or Amur leopards paddingacross

the snow y Russian mountains. Thethoughtof

losing our gorillas, sea turtles and rhinosistruly

terrif y ing, but if you think that sav ingourplanet

is a job for hugely influential indiv iduals,then

it’s time to think again, because pint-sized

eco-warriors the world over are beginningto

make a difference... and so could you.

While people tend to think of largeanimals

needing our help, we should also considerthe

under-appreciated insects that breakdownand

dispose of the world’s waste. They pollinateour

Words by Joanna Elphick

plants, keep pests in check and prov ide us with

extremely useful products such as beeswax and

silk. Sadly, the vast majorit y of species teetering

on the verge of extinction are insects. Birds too,

once considered commonplace, are in rapid

decline and hurtling towards extinction. It’s

high time to act.

A lthough it’s unlikely you possess your own

piece of rainforest or coral reef, many people

have access to a back garden. With some quick,

clever changes, you can make a welcoming

home for your native wildlife. Becoming a back

garden eco-warrior isn’t as simple as weeding

the flower beds and watering the plants. It

requires gardeners to reduce their waste, reuse

where possible and make smart choices.

Believe it or not, you can help save the planet

without leaving your own home