Eat, shop and spy to boost local biodiversity

Truth be told, we might not always be aware of it, but we ARE part of an entire ecosystem. Our pets make our hearts full, but they're just a snippet of the incredible tapestry of life on our planet. From tiny squirrels to towering trees, every being plays a vital role in our ecosystem.

What is biodiversity?

We like how WWF puts it: "Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you’ll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life. Biodiversity supports everything in nature that we need to survive: food, clean water, medicine, and shelter."

Safeguard your future with these 3 ingenious ways which empower you to boost biodiversity.

1. Shop smart: from BIG consumer to conscious consumer.

   It's no secret that we, Europeans, like the comfort of having access to an enormous amount of products. That this buying habit however, requires a lot of our planet, is often ignored by brands. As a consumer, we have a lot of influence. And transitioning to being a conscious buyer is a great help for our biodiversity.

   • Try the Refuse, reduce, reuse, repair & recycle-method.
     This is a method that helps us make mindful decisions before buying a product. It makes us question if we really need a new, say "tote bag", if we require that many or if we can reuse the one we have one more time rather than disposing of it after it has done its purpose. The lifecycle of a "tote bag" can often be extended by repairing it or giving it a new life through upcycling or recycling.
     
     
   • Is it a brand you can support ethically and sustainably?
     We agree, with the information overload it is hard to find out what's what. Thank the stars there are certifications and labels out there to guide us. Brands with a B Corp certification have been taken under the loop for their entire social and environmental impact. Take a look and check if your favourite brand aligns with your values. For fashion we appreciate the directory of Good on you as well.
     
     
2. Devour your fruit and vegetables
   

   Believe us when we say; you can never eat too many avocado's!
   
   Let's put it in perspective. Research shows that coffee, chocolate and cheese are in the very top of the food footprint table, next to meat. Surprising? A quick Google will set it straight. The truth is... you lower your food impact tremendously by eating plant based more often.
   
   Go for unprocessed, organic and local food instead of that (vegan) cheese lurking at you. Usually, the more pure your food is, the healthier it is for you.
   
   But you want to help the planet and its biodiversity... Then buying food from small "local" farmers who work with less chemicals and offer a colourful range of produce (no monoculture) is the way to go. We put local in brackets, because an organic steak from the farmer next door asks a lot more from our home environment than a kilo of organic avocado's coming from the other side of the world.

   So go ahead, eat buckets of fruit and vegetables. And feel guilt-free. Thank us later, when you're bursting with energy!

3. Make a biodiversity heaven at home
   Give back space to native species and create a biodiversity heaven in your back yard. It is quite easy and you will love the new neighbours!

    

   • Plant endemic flowers and other greenery in your garden (or in a few pots for the balcony).
     Flick some seeds in the ground, wait for the rain and watch new life unfold. Yesss, you don't even need to mow the grass anymore.
     
     Because, be honest, how often do you use your whole garden anyway? Sit back and relax. Put some small trays outside to harvest rainwater as well. The birds and the bees will appreciate the gesture. Insect hotels are a great addition for both urban and countryside neighbourhoods. Good photo opportunities incoming!
     
     
   • Give ground animals a way through the fences.
     Hedgehogs, moles and rabbits find it though to navigate through their home environment when it is built up with walls and fences. Do them a favour and make a little doorway for them. Their lives depend on it!
     
     Set a camera trap with the family to see which ones have found your doorway. Fun times guaranteed!