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Rainforest trees

Why does nature matter?

This is your hub of everyday tips to make a positive, planet-saving change through protecting nature.   

The natural world is the ultimate life support system, producing fresh air, clean water, fertile soil, rich biodiversity, and a stable climate, and it has an awesome recycling system. The more plants, animal, fungi and microbes, the healthier the system.

Today, we are facing an emergency with dire air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. We have broken our relationship with the natural world and are punching holes in the web of life.

What can I actually do?

  1. Go wild and grow plants

    Grow food, flowers, trees – anything you like – in a garden, window box, allotment, wherever you can. Do it organically, using peat-free compost, or simply embrace the weeds and ‘rewild’.
  2. Create homes for wildlife

    Bug hotels and bird boxes can be installed in gardens, on buildings, at home, work or school, or consider digging in a pond. 

    Go an extra step by growing fungi or creating compost from food and plant waste which adds vital nutrients back to soil and improves its structure.

  3. Tread as lightly as possible

    Reduce your impact on nature. Save water and don’t waste food, use nature-friendly products and dispose of pollutants responsibly. 

    Fix, reuse and recycle to avoid landfill. Cut air pollution: walk, cycle and use public transport.

  4. Connect with nature

    Research shows we protect nature when we feel more connected to it. Spend time outdoors and in green spaces with family and friends. 

    Respect wildlife and take part in a community beach or park clean.

Can how I shop make a difference?

  1. Buy wisely and consume less

    Think before buying something new. Repair, recycle and swap what you have. Look for sustainable certification labels such as Soil Association, MSC Seafood, Rainforest Alliance, FairWild, Fairtrade, FSC. The Giki app can help.

  2. Consider what you eat

    The food industry is the prevailing cause of biodiversity loss. Choose fresh, local, seasonal, and organic produce; buy in bulk from a ‘refill’ source, not packaged in plastic. 

    Eat more plants, less meat, fish and dairy, and embrace diversity.

  3. Look for nature-friendly products

    Peatlands support life and store carbon. Use peat-free compost and avoid garden, household and personal care products that contain chemicals that are harmful to nature, use natural alternatives – like cleaning with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
  4. Consider what you wear

    The fashion industry has a huge impact on the health of the environment. Choose natural fibres, try a washing machine filter, buy second-hand, care, repair and recycle. 

    Avoid disposable fashion made far away, and find long-lasting alternatives made locally.

How do I get the word out?

  1. Speak up for nature

    Tell people what you’ve discovered about any issues in your area. Try and get a group together, including any local businesses. 

    Pass on your thoughts to local MPs or conservation groups.

  2. Support environmental organisations and campaigns

    Help them push for sustainable practices in big industries, rally against deforestation, practise rewilding and protect nature, and persuade governments to transform policies.
  3. Pressure governments to protect nature

    Use your vote. Write to your local MP about issues in your area (and beyond) and encourage them to support positive change through their votes and policies.

  4. Keep an eye on local building projects

    Use your right to comment on new developments in your area to encourage the use of sustainable practices and materials, and suggest nature-friendly measures, such as the inclusion of wildlife corridors.

Can I find out more?

  1. Be a curious consumer

    Learn where something you use or consume comes from and how it got to you, read labels and ask questions in shops, markets, restaurants, and garden centres. 

    Ask others what changes they have made to protect nature.

  2. Become a citizen scientist

    Try the iNaturalist app, which identifies species, connects with other enthusiasts, and contributes to global biodiversity knowledge.

    Take part in a wildlife monitoring scheme: tracking plants, insects, fish, and other animals (there are many more out there).

  3. Learn a new skill

    Find a gardening course or group in your area, learn new DIY skills or how to upcycle, and check out life hacks that show you how to create new things from waste, or clean using natural substances.
  4. Sign up for nature news

    Keep up to date with climate and biodiversity news, reports and peer-reviewed research from reputable sources, as well as positive, inspiring stories of what people are doing to make a difference.

Eden's nature-based initiatives

Biomes in the background and daffodils in the foreground

We are science communicators, culture contemplators, and environmental advocates. We are a global movement responding to the planetary emergency. Join us.