September 8, 2021

WAKING UP TO BIO DIVERSITY

“The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.” Sir David Attenborough

 

 

What is Biodiversity?

 

Biodiversity is how we describe the variety of life on earth. Each living species - animals, plants, insects, marine life - has its place in the amazing natural world around us. Millions of different kinds of plants and animals work together, interlocking lives to sustain each other. No matter how big or small a species is, it has a HUGE part to play in boosting the productivity of the ecosystem. When one species declines or disappears, it has a knock-on effect on all the species it interacts with. 

 

How does this happen?

 

One of the biggest causes of the decline in biodiversity is the disappearance of habitat. When the natural habitat of a species disappears, the species can no longer survive.

Industrial activities, agriculture, aquaculture, mining, deforestation, and water extraction are all central causes of habitat loss. This includes deforestation, the creation of monocultures for intensive farming of (for example) grazing land, soya, palm oil and the removal of hedgerows.

Insect populations are plummeting; a 2019 study suggests that 40 percent of insect species are in decline, a sobering finding that has jarred researchers worldwide. Insects are crucial for pollinating crops (75% of all flowering plants are pollinated by insects) and recycling animal waste and they are at the bottom of the food chain – eaten by animals, birds and fish alike – if they die, everything suffers.

It’s time to start acting in order to put it right! Human behaviour has contributed to the disappearance of 60% of the world species since 1970. Not only because of our industrial, economic or urban activities but also because of how they all act together to affect climate change and its extreme events.

 

Photo Source: WWF



What we can do to help?

 

We have to help restore biodiversity and re-wild the world. Nature is our biggest ally and if we take care of it, it will take care of us. The good news is we already have some solutions. It’s not way beyond our control and we can start doing our bit now. It’s our responsibility as human beings to make better choices and to do our bit to set this trend into reverse

- Switch to sustainable options: Avoid single use plastic such as coffee cups and water bottles and support local businesses that care about their environment and their produce.

- Recycle: Always check to see what your local council will and will not recycle. Don’t forget our mailing bags are recyclable and we don’t use any single use plastic. Plus, we’re always looking to make improvements and we’re introducing new “leave no trace’ bags for our clothes for this Autumn/Winter and beyond. They are water soluble, ocean safe and biodegradable, breaking down harmlessly to non-toxic biomass in soil and sea.

- Make local wildlife feel welcome. Bird boxes and putting out bird feed all year round is an amazing way to do something small for nature. You can also volunteer at wildlife charities in your area.

- Donate to charities who are passionate about sustainability. We are so proud to give 1% of our gross annual earnings to vetted environmental non-profits who exist to protect the planet and we’ll be announcing soon who will we’ll be partnering with over the next year.

- Choose organic cotton. Organic farms have 50% more insects than standard farms (as mentioned in our last blog It's Organic September) which is key to increasing bio-diversity. And we absolutely believe organic cotton creates the best clothes!

- Get involved! The World Wildlife Fund website is a great resource for finding out more about ways to support the work that they and other organisations do.

 

Paws for thought.

 

To live on this planet we need to live in balance with nature, working with it not against it. This is our planet and we only get one. It’s our responsibility as humans to pitch in any way we can to help reverse the damage. As we try to recover from COVID, we should use this as an opportunity to reset our ways. We can fight for more biodiversity policies from the government and continue to make small changes in our lives. 

 

Featured: Oakley Black Organic Cotton Polo Shirt

 

Documentaries with easily digestible information.

 

If you want to learn more, these documentaries and websites are a good place to start!



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