The foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable all come from nature.

The UN Environment Programme, UNEP, believes these are exceptional times in which nature is sending us a message: To care for ourselves we must care for nature.

They are calling on all of us to wake up, take notice and raise our voices. It’s time to build back better for People and Planet.

As individuals we can help do our part by rethinking what we buy and use and become conscious consumers. We are encouraged to:

LEARN about what we can do;

SHARE that knowledge with our family and friends on World Environment Day and beyond; and

ACT on the things we need to change.

Here’s how individuals can ACT for nature:

• Change your diet to more environmentally friendly foods, especially your main protein sources
• Travel less – limit your travel when things go back to normal after the Coronavirus pandemic
• Leave some wild green spaces in your garden where pollinators and ground dwelling insects can thrive
• Let your city and national governments know that it is important they meet environmental targets they’ve pledged
• Avoid buying single-use plastics. Plastic waste that ends up in nature is often mistaken for food by animals both on land and at sea. For many species, it can cause severe injury and death
• Recycle as much as you can
• Plant an urban garden on your balcony or backyard or get involved in supporting a community urban garden with native flowering plants
• Minimize use of household chemicals that can have toxic effects on soil and groundwater. Instead, experiment with natural products, such as vinegar and plain old soap and water
• Create a compost in your garden or windowsill and grow some of your own produce
• Explore how to buy locally produced products and foods

For more details visit World Environment Day.