What can we do?
What can we do better in order to help the environment?
What changes can we make to our day to day to ensure that we are building a better future?
These are questions I have asked myself throughout lockdown, which has highlighted many good and bad things about the world we live in.
One of the positives is exploring the areas around our homes by going on long walks and admiring the nature and beauty we have all around us.
I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of my time by the river, lakes and beautiful fields. Like many people I have explored these by going on bike rides, runs and walks.
During this time, I have seen lots of changes. Changes that have both surprised and shocked me.
At the beginning of lockdown when we were all advised to work from home where possible, there were less cars on the road and less day to day commuters.
This resulted the rivers and lakes becoming crystal clear, and animals beginning to thrive in old habitats due to the decreasing pollution.
It has been reported globally that the Coronavirus lockdowns have given nature a chance to experience their lives without many destructive humans around. I have also been lucky enough to see many animals grazing around unfazed getting used to having fields upon fields human free and safe.
Our world is beautiful and I really do believe that by working together, it can stay that way.
Libby Barrow 121 Account Manager
It doesn’t have to be this way
This got me thinking … WHY?
Why are we unable to live harmoniously with the animals and creatures both in the water and on land? Why as humans are we creating issues and manmade problems that affect our environment so deeply? Why have the animals thrived without us around? Why are we all not doing more to protect this?
Walking around now as lockdown is easing and life is slowly starting to get back to normal. I am starting to see the negative effects of humans again.
More litter in the rivers and lakes, litter in the fields and tow paths. Litter in the bushes and thrown up into trees. Litter left in the local parks after picnics and get togethers. Rubbish bags piled high next to bins that will soon enough be scattered over the parks due to negligence.
Recently I have also seen 3 swan’s nests and 4 coot’s nests built on twigs, leaves and plastic bottles and I am sure there are many more sights like this.
Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality that will be back in full swing if we as humans do nothing to stop it.
Personally, I don’t even think this behavior is all intentional and that is why if we make positive changes the outcome would be fantastic and would really change the world.
So, what can be done?
This begs the most important question… What can we do?
- If you have a picnic or have any kind or rubbish while out and about enjoying the local parks or rivers and the bin is full take and dispose of your rubbish at home. This is a quick and easy resolution that could save many animals and also keep the scenery looking beautiful.
- Make sure your bags are secure when you dispose of rubbish to ensure that the rubbish does not get taken out in any way
- Use recycling centers that are located in most car parks, this is a great way to responsibly dispose of any waste that you may create along route of your outing
- Try to use less plastic, take your own bottle out! This way you will create even less waste by using a re-useable cup again and again. Many cafes are happy to fill up your own cup
- If you do see an area with lots of rubbish and litter, contact your local council and make them aware of the spot. They will then be alerted to install a bin within the area creating a solution
- Remind others by telling family and friends to use the bin!
Our world is beautiful and I really do believe that by working together It can stay that way.
We all should be able to enjoy, admire and live harmoniously within the environment and alongside the animals that live all around us.
Libby Barrow is a 121 Account Manager
