World Nature Conservation Day is observed annually on July 28. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s natural environment and resources – our water, air, sunlight, soil, minerals and fuels.
Although these resources are around us in nature, we may not fully recognize the impact we have on them. With a worldwide population of approximately 8 billion, we are depleting the Earth’s natural resources at a rapid pace. This day serves as a reminder to educate ourselves about our individual responsibilities to conserve and protect our natural resources and the environment. The foundation for a healthy society is a healthy environment for the well-being and stability of both current and future generations.
What does it mean to conserve nature? Conservation means using resources wisely and adopting sustainable, eco-friendly practices that balance our needs with environmental preservation. World Nature Conservation Day highlights the importance of protecting the vast variety of life on earth and preserving biodiversity and ecosystems that are critical for ecological resilience.
What can individuals do? The good news is that individual actions collectively can make a significant impact. Here are some simple, practical ways we can contribute to nature conservation:
1. Conserve water. Water is the essence of life and a precious, limited resource on our planet. Only three percent of the earth’s water is fresh, and out of that only 0.5% is readily available to meet the needs of a growing global population and the rising demands of agriculture and industry. Learn more about the global water crisis. Be mindful of your water usage. There are simple things you can do to save water: fix leaky faucets, take shorter showers, and shut off the faucet during teeth brushing. Outside, set-up a rain barrel system to collect rainwater for outdoor irrigation and let your established lawn go dormant during the dry, hot summer. It will come back when conditions improve.
2. Plant native plants, especially trees. Our landscapes should perform four ecological functions: provide energy for the local food web, support a diverse community of pollinators, sequester and store carbon, and manage and clean stormwater. Adding native plants to your landscape is the one action you can take that addresses all four of these responsibilities. Native plants have adapted to our soils and climate, have co-evolved with our insects and other wildlife, have longer roots than comparable non-native ornamentals, and, once established, take less water and help prevent erosion by enhancing water infiltration and thus reducing stormwater runoff.
Every landscape needs keystone plants which provide critical support for the food web. If you can plant only one tree, plant a keystone one like a native oak tree which Dr. Doug Tallamy’s research shows support over 500 species of caterpillars. See our general list of native plants for the Northern Piedmont region and check out this Audubon’s database to find bird-friendly native plants specifically for your area, searchable by Zip Code.
3. Adopt sustainable practices: Environmental sustainability and stewardship help to preserve resources like clean air, clean water and wildlife for future generations. As Extension Master Gardeners we promote the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council Eight Essential Elements of Conservation Landscaping. These environmentally responsible strategies work with nature to reduce pollution, protect natural resources, and support pollinators and other wildlife, while providing a healthy and beautiful human environment.
Learn how you can participate in stewarding our natural resources at Albemarle County’s Environmental Stewardship hub and take this environmental quiz to see how sustainable your lifestyle habits are.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Embrace the three Rs of solid waste management in your daily life. Reduce consumption and unnecessary waste. We live in a disposable age, which results in a lot of trash. According to the EPA, the average American generates about 4.9 lbs. of waste per day, one of the highest rates in the world. Buy only what you need. Avoid purchasing products with excessive packaging or packaging that is not compostable or recyclable. Avoid food items packaged in expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), which has been banned in some areas due to environmental and human health impacts.
Reuse or repair before you discard, then buy recyclables. The longer you use an item without replacing it, the better. Before discarding any item, ask yourself these questions: Can it be reused? Is it repairable? When you have to replace the item, look for a recyclable alternative.
Educate yourself about proper recycling so the recyclable materials do not become contaminatedthus remain a higher quality and can actually be made into a new product. Get to know the recyclables accepted and stay up-to-date on locations, hours and services provided by your local recycling centers. Avoid wish-cycling. For Charlottesville-Albemarle County, see the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority website.
5. Shop locally for produce, food and goods. If you are not growing your own produce, visit Farmers Markets to access locally-grown produce, meats, plants and other goods grown or created by local vendors. Not only will you benefit from fresh, more nutritious food, you will decrease the carbon footprint of our food supply.
6. Reduce or prevent food waste. In the United States, food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply. The vast majority of resources are consumed and the environmental impact realized during the production of food. Growing food that ends up as waste eats up 21% of our freshwater, 19% of our fertilizer, 18% of our cropland, and 22% of our landfill volume. Huge amounts of energy and other resources are expended for calories never consumed.
Food waste in landfills also generates a potent greenhouse gas – methane. The EPA estimates that based on weight, more food reaches the landfills than any other single trash material, accounting for 24% of the U.S. waste stream. Although food is wasted throughout the food supply chain, consumers are responsible for about 42% of wasted food in landfills or over 20 million tons every year. When food is landfilled, it undergoes anaerobic decomposition (without oxygen) and generates methane gas. According to the EPA, landfills are the third largest source of methane emissions. By contrast, properly managed composting is not a major source of methane. The average home can divert about 330 pounds of food waste each year by adopting a composting program.
Reducing food waste can reduce food insecurity. In 2023, 13.5% or around 18 million U.S. households were food insecure. Just a 15% reduction in food waste could feed more than 25 million individuals. Ways to avoid food waste include bringing your own carry-out container to restaurants, planning meals to avoid over buying, getting creative with leftovers, and being sure to compost food scraps. Read more here.
Taking these actions will promote resource and energy conservation, save on labor costs, reduce methane emissions from landfills and lower our carbon footprint.
7. Help teach children about the importance of conserving our planet’s natural resources. The Nature Conservancy provides ideas for celebrating Earth Month with kids. Connecting them with nature encourages learning, appreciation and respect for the natural world. Inspire them to spend time outdoors, visit green spaces, explore parks, read books and watch documentaries.
8. Volunteer for community clean-ups. Organize or participate in a neighborhood clean-up, a river clean-up or clean-ups of other common or natural areas. Remove litter from these areas to help protect wildlife and prevent pollution. Dispose of trash properly when visiting our parks. Leave No Trace provides 7 principles to guide you in minimum impact practices while enjoying the outdoors.
9. Support conservation organizations. Volunteer your time or donate to reputable organizations that focus on protecting wildlife, oceans, forests and other special habitats.
10. Use your voice to spread awareness and educate yourself. Have meaningful conversations about sustainability issues with your family, friends, neighbors and local leadership. It can make a difference and spark change in individuals. Participate in community discussions or organize educational events in your HOA or neighborhood to inform others about the importance of conservation. Share research-based information (#WorldNatureConservationDay) and your conservation ideas on social media.
As we celebrate World Nature Conservation Day, we recognize our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the Earth’s natural resources. By raising awareness, taking action, and adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, we can contribute to a healthier planet, create a harmonious coexistence with nature and ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all.