300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, 7 million go to the ocean. The terrible result worsens with one million deaths per year of marine animals, without counting the deaths of those who live on land due to this contamination. Additionally, plastic pollution is so immense that there are plastic islands all over the world, one of the largest is located in the Pacific Ocean, its size is 6 times the size of Ecuador!

It is important to know that plastic bags and bottles take 450 to 1000 years to decompose and 160,000 plastic bags are used per second in the world. Therefore, use less plastic, take reusable bags to the supermarket, use water heaters and fewer plastic bottles. Do not order straws with your drink, try to recycle and avoid products with plastic packaging.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Deforestation is a direct impact of livestock and its own food source (soy, grass). This is how it works: thousands of trees are cut down to create spaces for cattle to graze. Additionally, thousands more trees are cut down for crops and production of other food for cows, chickens and pigs. This means that greater consumption of meat generates a demand to deforest even bigger areas for more livestock. On top of all this, habitat destruction causes reductions in predator prey populations such as tigers, leopards and lions, which in turn, gives life to a confrontation between humans and wild animals, where felines are poisoned and killed when they hunt cattle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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It is directly related to deforestation and its causes. To remind you, higher meat consumption causes more deforestation. In this way habitats are destroyed at an accelerated rate, the equivalent of one soccer field per second. Keep in mind that eating less meat is healthy, it’s a matter of discovering new options. Here are some recipes that you can prepare at home. In addition, eating less meat results in a great contribution to the planet because it reduces the methane gas released by livestock (terrible for Earth) and because less demand means less deforestation, more oxygen, less CO2 and much less animal abuse and suffering.

Uncontrolled fishing is depleting the population of marine species. We are fishing faster than the speed of reproduction of marine animals. In addition, each year the so-called “by-catch” (incidental catch) kills millions of species such as sharks, whales, dolphins and turtles, beings that are accidentally caught in fishing nets destined for shrimp, fish and other species.

The more demand for fish or shellfish, the more fishing nets are used. These nets are abandoned in the sea and kill beings that swallow them or die by drowning when trapped. 48% of the total waste from the famous plastic islands is fishing nets.

Check out the Seapiracy documentary about fishing, its environmental pollution and all the dark business behind this industry.

If you do not do it for the planet, do it for the exercise, if not for the exercise, then do it to avoid traffic jams and if you do not do it for the traffic jams, do it because you can spend a few minutes outdoors before sitting in the office for hours . You can see it this way, if you go by bike you avoid traffic while exercising and contributing to not polluting the planet. If you live in Quito look at this blog to sign up for BICI Q and start riding a bike!

Keep in mind that millions of people go to work by car or bus. That results in millions of tons of CO2 released into the atmosphere which pollutes the environment and accelerates Global Warming, which in turn generates climate change, environmental impacts, animal deaths and natural disasters. It would be ideal if the CO2 had color, we would be more aware of the level of pollution we are causing.

We all know someone who goes to the same place as us. If you go to work by car, then share. Talk to your classmates and organize your round trip from home to school or office. Sharing transportation also helps to have less traffic, you will get home faster, you will not have to drive (which you probably don’t like) and you will not have to stress because of how people drive in the city.

You can also choose to go by bike, and if your work is too far, use public transportation. Remember that vehicles pollute much more than buses and take up more space in relation to the number of people who use it. Consider changing from a gasoline car to an electric or a greener one.

The purchase of products generates demand and poaching of animals in danger of extinction. If you buy any type of clothing made with the skins of felines, dogs, reptiles and other animals then you are encouraging hunting and sentencing many species to their death and disappearance from Earth. If you are buying products made with ivory then you are supporting the killing of elephants, rhinos, whales, hippos and more (a bloody and painful slaughter). In many countries the bones, genitals and fangs of exotic species are coveted for their medicinal uses and meals. And keep in mind that the way these animals die is horrible, some are shot, others are trapped and then killed.

Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer populations of exotic species and such demand has caused the creation of farms where, for example, tigers are raised and then killed and sold in parts. Also, they are caught alive and then sold to people with a lot of money, people who want to eat them at lunch with friends or family.

It is estimated that wildlife crimes are worth $ 10 billion annually for criminals alone, all at the cost of the lives of hundreds of the world’s most beloved species.

Circuses, prohibited in lots of countries, use wild and exotic animals that are often mistreated, beaten and drugged to perform acts that entertain and impress people. Their life can be reduced to being in a small cage with poor living conditions.

Don’t go to Sea World or similar places where they use killer whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions for entertainment. The confinement that these animals receive is painful, the psychological damage they suffer is very serious, their suffering is real. We invite you to watch Blackfish so you know the incredible damage it causes when you attend these events.

There are many who support and are responsible for conservation projects in other countries. There are others who only seek money and do not treat animals in the way that a living being should be treated. For example, there was a zoo in Asia that sold tiger skin. So research the zoo a little before going, then you will know what you are supporting.

In several cities and countries around the world there are people who charge tourists for taking a picture with wild animals such as tigers, lions, leopards and more. These animals are drugged to remain calm while you take a selfie. Think about whether it is worth taking a picture with an animal that is in pain.

There are hundreds of organizations, foundations and people who are making all efforts to protect the environment and its species, especially those that are in danger of extinction. You can sign petitions, donate or buy products that finance conservation projects. In this list you will find 20 animals that you can help save, living beings that may soon disappear, if you do not get involved.

Once or twice a month, you can choose not to buy a coffee, or not go out to eat at a restaurant or buy drinks, instead, you can use that money to donate and symbolically adopt animals, you will receive a WWF certificate. In addition, you can buy a shirt with the photo of a leopard, tiger or other species to support causes. Many organizations allocate 100% of that money to conservation projects.

WWF – WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

The world’s leading conservation organization, protecting Nature for 50 years. They are present in 100 countries and have the support of more than one million members in the United States and about five million worldwide.

On their website you can symbolically adopt endangered animals, you will receive a certificate of your contribution and a stuffed animal. Think about adopting one with your friend or your family.

DONATE / ADOPT HERE

The world’s leading conservation organization has been protecting nature for 50 years. It’s established in 100 countries and has the support of more than one million members in the United States and about five million worldwide.

On its page you can symbolically adopt endangered animals, you will receive a certificate of your contribution and a stuffed animal. Adopt one with your friend or your family.

We hope you apply one or more or, better yet, all of the actions mentioned. You would be contributing a lot to the conservation of endangered species, to the protection of the world, as well as to your own life. #LifeIsDying #Don’t LetIt