Action Plan Information for...

Individuals

Biodiversity is ultimately lost or conserved at a local level and we can all play our part in conserving it. From how we live and travel to what we buy and throw away, the choices we make in our day to day lives can have a big impact on the environment.

Listed below are some of the many simple choices we can make to ensure we all play our part in conserving our natural environment.

Around the House

  • There are many natural products that offer an environmentally friendly and cheap alternative to harsh cleaning chemicals.
  • Re-use, recycle and compost – your local council can give you advice about services in your area and how to dispose of different types of waste.
  • There are many ways to improve your water, gas and electricity efficiency, including water saving devices such as ‘hippos’, energy saving lightbulbs and insulation.

In the Garden

  • Let wildflowers grow to provide nectar and pollen sources for birds and insects.
  • Avoid chemicals – instead encourage natural pest killers such as hedgehogs, ladybirds and lacewings.
  • Make a home for wildlife – this could be a bird, bat or insect box, a pond or a pile of logs and stones for animals to rest and hibernate in.

Everyday Life

  • Take your own bags shopping.
  • Leave the car at home – journeys on foot, bicycle or public transport can be quicker than you think, plus you get a chance to take in the sites and enjoy the fresh air.
  • Use your consumer power and choose products that are produced sustainably and are low on packaging – there are lots of alternatives out there.

In your Community

  • Buy locally produced food to support the farmers in your community as well as reducing the transportation of produce around the world
  • Become a volunteer with a local environmental group. This can be a great way to meet new people and keep fit, plus you will be helping to conserve wildlife in your local patch. See below for some ideas and local contacts.
  • Most of all – be a role model for others and show them how easy it is to make small changes to their lifestyle that will benefit us all.

Further Information

Visit Recycle Now for information about recycling, packaging and composting.

The Environment Agency has practical information on a range of subjects including water efficiency, waste and recycling

Waterwise has tips to help you improve water efficiency.

For ideas about wildlife friendly gardening you can visit Natural England or Sussex Wildlife Trust

Search Walking the Way to Health to find a health walk in your area and enjoy your local environment.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust holds a list of accredited butchers selling meat from rare breeds, the sale of which will help to secure the future of our native agricultural breeds.

Sussex Wildlife Trust sell lamb and hoggets through local farm shops. Lamb is grazed on nature reserves and so helps to maintain the quality of important chalk grassland sites.

Local opportunities to volunteer are available with a range of organisations undertaking many different tasks.

Learn new skills and have fun by taking part in a survey such as those run by OPAL

The Green Pages list local businesses around Brighton and Hove that have sustainability as a core policy.