Those of us who care about the welfare of natural ecosystems lend our support in a number of ways. Most donate funds to local or national conservation organizations, such as those listed on this blog. Many of us also engage in volunteer work at nature preserves or participate in environmental restoration projects. Almost everyone is attentive to recycling efforts, especially to those facilitated by our communities.
But the most effective way in which we can contribute to the conservation of our natural resources is to reduce our personal consumption. Limiting purchases to what we truly need, buying used products (including homes, vehicles, tools etc.) and buying items made from recycled materials all help to reduce the destruction and degradation of natural ecosystems. Of course, efforts to reduce our use of fuel, electrical power and fresh water are also important; the purchase of food and other necessities from local producers and a commitment to the use of mass transit will both help in this regard. Finally, human population control is essential to reducing the worldwide consumption of natural resources.
Too often, we are discouraged by the overwhelming power of industry, convinced that our behavior will have little impact on the war against nature that unfolds across this planet. But, beyond the donations that we make and the votes that we cast, we must reduce our personal consumption and, in the process, encourage others to do the same. Eventually, retailers and producers will respond, the maldistribution of goods and services will be corrected and the assault on natural ecosystems will end.
