What can you do to maximize biodiversity?
The widespread loss of biodiversity due to urbanization can feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that there are many simple things we as individuals can do to help.
Plant Diverse Species
By planting a wide variety of species in your yard, a greater variety of birds, insects, amphibians, and other species are able to find comfortable niches for themselves by taking advantage of the variety of resources availably. By planting diversely, you not only end up with more habitat for other native non-plant species, but also may have fewer pest problems because native species have adapted to coexist by regulating each other, so to no one species can take over an ecosystem [36].
Plant Native Species
By planting native plant species in your yard, you can provide a host of beneficial services to the urban ecosystem. Native plants tend to be more resistant to disease, and because they are adapted to this specific environment, they require much less maintenance than foreign plants [38]. Because of their resilience and ability to thrive in this area, native plants require much less (if any) treatment with pesticides or fertilizers, leading to a more chemical-free environment. Cultivating native species also maintains the genetic diversity of that species, ultimately leading to a healthier, richer ecosystem.
Plant Diverse Species
By planting a wide variety of species in your yard, a greater variety of birds, insects, amphibians, and other species are able to find comfortable niches for themselves by taking advantage of the variety of resources availably. By planting diversely, you not only end up with more habitat for other native non-plant species, but also may have fewer pest problems because native species have adapted to coexist by regulating each other, so to no one species can take over an ecosystem [36].
Plant Native Species
By planting native plant species in your yard, you can provide a host of beneficial services to the urban ecosystem. Native plants tend to be more resistant to disease, and because they are adapted to this specific environment, they require much less maintenance than foreign plants [38]. Because of their resilience and ability to thrive in this area, native plants require much less (if any) treatment with pesticides or fertilizers, leading to a more chemical-free environment. Cultivating native species also maintains the genetic diversity of that species, ultimately leading to a healthier, richer ecosystem.
Minimize Pollution
When buying detergents, soaps, fertilizers, or any other chemical, try to get eco-friendly, biodegradable solutions. When buying products from the store, try to get products with minimal, biodegradable packaging and remember to use a biodegradable bag! When grocery shopping, try to buy organic foods to cut back on the use of chemicals in other areas of the world. Just as importantly, try to buy locally grown produce as well. Not only is this great for the local economy, but there is much less pollution from transportation as well. When working outside, try not to use noisy hand tools or blast music. Curb light pollution by turning off lights whenever possible. Or, to get healthy while you save the environment, bike to work to reduce pollutant emissions. The possibilities seem endless!
Eat Invasives
Yes, that's right. You may want to familiarize yourself with edible invasive species in your area and eat them! Various websites offer a wide variety of recipes and suggestions for curbing the effects of invasive species [39]. One extremely detrimental but widespread invasive is the Asian clam (corbicula fluminea), and there are hundreds of websites boasting delicious Asian clam recipes [40]. With enough people getting rid of harmful invasive species, the ecosystem has a much better chance of returning to its natural, more diverse composition.
Spread Awareness
Perhaps the most effective way to change our daily habits is by spreading awareness. The more people realize how simple it can be to maintain a healthier ecosystem on an individual level, the better off our environment will be.
When buying detergents, soaps, fertilizers, or any other chemical, try to get eco-friendly, biodegradable solutions. When buying products from the store, try to get products with minimal, biodegradable packaging and remember to use a biodegradable bag! When grocery shopping, try to buy organic foods to cut back on the use of chemicals in other areas of the world. Just as importantly, try to buy locally grown produce as well. Not only is this great for the local economy, but there is much less pollution from transportation as well. When working outside, try not to use noisy hand tools or blast music. Curb light pollution by turning off lights whenever possible. Or, to get healthy while you save the environment, bike to work to reduce pollutant emissions. The possibilities seem endless!
Eat Invasives
Yes, that's right. You may want to familiarize yourself with edible invasive species in your area and eat them! Various websites offer a wide variety of recipes and suggestions for curbing the effects of invasive species [39]. One extremely detrimental but widespread invasive is the Asian clam (corbicula fluminea), and there are hundreds of websites boasting delicious Asian clam recipes [40]. With enough people getting rid of harmful invasive species, the ecosystem has a much better chance of returning to its natural, more diverse composition.
Spread Awareness
Perhaps the most effective way to change our daily habits is by spreading awareness. The more people realize how simple it can be to maintain a healthier ecosystem on an individual level, the better off our environment will be.
Secondary Sources http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikemaps.htm
36. "What Can I Do Today?" Help Us Grow the Next Generation. The National Gardening Association, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. <http://www.nationalgardenmonth.org/index.php?page=what-can-i-do-today>.37. "Human Habitat Restoration." Rock Creek Campus. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.humanhabitatrestoration.com/drive-byrockcreek.htm>.
38. "Landscaping with Natives." Sound Native Plants. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.soundnativeplants.com/landscaping-natives>.
39. "Fighting Invasive Species, One Bite At A Time." Eat The Invaders. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://eattheinvaders.org/>.
40. Foster, A., P. Fuller, A. Benson, S. Constant, D. Raikow, J. Larson, and A. Fusaro. "Asian Clam (Corbicula Fluminea) - FactSheet." Nonindigenous Aquatic Species. USGS, 5 Oct. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. <http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?speciesid=92>.
41. "Bicycle Maps ShareThis 2012 Seattle Bicycling Guide Map." Department of Transportation. Seattle Department of Transportation, 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. <http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikemaps.htm>.
36. "What Can I Do Today?" Help Us Grow the Next Generation. The National Gardening Association, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. <http://www.nationalgardenmonth.org/index.php?page=what-can-i-do-today>.37. "Human Habitat Restoration." Rock Creek Campus. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.humanhabitatrestoration.com/drive-byrockcreek.htm>.
38. "Landscaping with Natives." Sound Native Plants. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://www.soundnativeplants.com/landscaping-natives>.
39. "Fighting Invasive Species, One Bite At A Time." Eat The Invaders. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. <http://eattheinvaders.org/>.
40. Foster, A., P. Fuller, A. Benson, S. Constant, D. Raikow, J. Larson, and A. Fusaro. "Asian Clam (Corbicula Fluminea) - FactSheet." Nonindigenous Aquatic Species. USGS, 5 Oct. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. <http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?speciesid=92>.
41. "Bicycle Maps ShareThis 2012 Seattle Bicycling Guide Map." Department of Transportation. Seattle Department of Transportation, 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. <http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikemaps.htm>.