How to save the planet: a kids’ guide!
Check out our top tips for becoming an eco-hero…
Here at National Geographic Kids, we know how much our readers want to make a positive difference to our world! So, read on to find out how to save the planet…
1. Be a habitat hero!
All over the world, wild places are in trouble. As the human population has increased, we’ve taken over more and more land for our homes, farms, factories and roads.
In the rainforest, around 80,000 acres of trees are cut down every day to make way for farming, or to provide wood for industry. In other countries, habitats like grasslands, underwater habitats, and wetlands are also at risk – and so are the animals and plants that live there.
Luckily, lots of people are working hard to protect these precious places, and you can be one of them!
- So, how can you help save our habitats?
- – Stand up against deforestation, by avoiding foods that contain unsustainable palm oil.
- – Keep your local habitats safe by sticking to the paths.
- – Make your garden wildlife-friendly by setting aside space for nature! You could build a bee hotel, have a log pile, or even create a pond.
- – If you own a cat that goes outdoors, put a bell on its collar so that vulnerable wildlife can hear it coming and make their escape!
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle!
We live in a ‘throwaway culture‘, where many of our things aren’t built to last. Each year, every house in the UK produces about 1 tonne of waste – that’s about the same weight as a great white shark!
What’s worse, is that 60% of what we throw away, is actually recyclable! That’s why it’s super important to check the label on every piece of rubbish, to make sure you’re putting it in the right bin.
Even better, you can avoid throwing things away altogether, by buying fewer things, taking better care of the things you have, and finding ways to repair or reuse things that are old or broken.
- So, how can you reduce your waste?
- – Before you throw something away, stop and think about what else it could be used for! For example, rather than using disposable paper towels to clean up in the kitchen, why not turn old clothes or bedsheets into cloths? Then, you can use them over and over again!
- – Ask a grown-up if they can teach you to mend small rips in your clothes, so that they last longer! And if you really have to get rid of something, see if you can give it to charity instead.
- – Fight plastic pollution by using reusable water bottles, bringing reusable bags with you to the shops, and always taking your rubbish home with you.
- – Take your plastic prevention one step further by checking out our ten top tips, learning how to make plastic-free gifts, and reducing plastic waste in school too!
3. Be a green eater!
In the past, people thought that we could take whatever we wanted from the planet, without any consequences! Now, we know that’s not true. If we keep taking as much as we want, whenever we want, our planet’s resources could one day run out.
That’s why it’s important that we try to live sustainably. Issues like overfishing, water scarcity (when there’s not enough clean water to go around), and climate change are all affected by our lifestyle choices. Thankfully, there’s lots we can do to help.
Around the world, we eat a whopping total of 360 million tonnes of meat and 156 million tonnes of fish every year. That’s an astonishing amount!
If we could all cut down, just a little bit, it would take the pressure off natural ecosystems, and ensure that these animals – and their habitats – have a healthy future.
- So, how can you become a green eater?
- – Talk to your family, and ask if you could all try some vegetarian or vegan meals. There are loads of meat-free and plant-based recipes available online, or you can try our veggie pasta bake!
- – Know where your food comes from! When you’re in the supermarket, ask a grown-up to help check things like tins of tuna for signs that they’ve been sustainably fished, like the blue MSC label. These will have been sourced responsibly, in a way that helps protect fish populations.
4. Keep an eye on what you use!
Our daily lives require an amazing amount of water and energy. In countries like the UK, Australia, or the USA, these things are available at the push of a button or turn of a tap – but sadly, that’s not the case for everyone…
Around the world, 2.5 billion people have no (or unreliable) access to electricity. Plus, 4.2 billion struggle to access clean water every day, which they need for drinking, bathing, washing, growing crops and rearing animals. That’s why those of us that have access to these precious resources should be careful not to waste them.
- So, what can you do to save energy and water?
- – Go on a vampire hunt! Household appliances that are unnecessarily left on standby are known as ‘vampire devices‘ as they sneakily suck up lots of electricity! Make sure they’re all turned off at the wall, to stop them wasting power.
- – On a sunny day, hang things outside to dry! This saves energy that would have been used on the dryer.
- – If you can, try cycling, walking, or using public transport to get out and about, rather than using the car.
- – Turn off any dripping taps, and make sure you don’t run them for longer than necessary. Turn the taps off while brushing your teeth, and take short showers of four minutes or less!
5. Be a planet advocate!
The real secret of how to save the planet? Sharing your knowledge with others, and helping them to become eco-heroes too! Whether it’s spectacular habitats, cool creatures, or eco-friendly living, don’t be afraid to speak up and tell others about your planet passions! It takes lots of people working together to make change happen – so share, share, share!
Now, get out there and save the world – you can do it!
Thanks to Markus Spiske; Sabine van Erp; Surfing Croyde Bay; Louis Reed; Eutah Mizushima; Boudewijn Huysmans; Nareeta Martin and Abigail Keenan for the images used in this article.
What’s your top tip for other kids learning how to save the planet? Let us know in the comments below!
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help save the earth
lets go save earth!
Cool
Lets take care of the planet!
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Grow your own fruit and vegetables. Gooo Greeeeen
A big thanks to Greta!!! I ❤️ her personality, confidence and attitude. Age 11
I like water but it doesn't taste like anything
love it!
We really have to keep the water clean for the rest of the month, I’ve been worried about that big oil spill. We must do our part!
let take action and recycle :}
We can go to grocery shopping with clothe bags which we can reuse every time we go grocery shopping. Let's not throw trash , recyclable things, and biodegradable things anywhere . WE should put things in recycle bins , trash bins, and biodegradable bins.
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I think they are good ideas to take care of the environment, reuse, not deforest, not waste water, plant trees, do not pollute, are very easy things that we can do in our daily lives.
I like that they want to include children in the care of the world
cool
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good
The only way to save our planet is if we all do our part, because some people are thinking that it is not their problem, but we’re all in this together!
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If we want to save the planet for future generations for them to enjoy then we should start saving our planet through all the ways we kids can! Let’s take part!
Yeah people should step up and at least try to save our world. I worry about climate change every single day. This article is almost reading my mind and saying my views publicly. So please, everyone do something in here to help save the world!!!
I love nat geo doing all this stuff, it's a pity people just are too lazy to get moving and start seeing how the things we humans do are going to destroy the world someday.
save the planet be kind to it if you dont the planet wont be kind to you think about it.
Grow your own fruit and vegetables .
As well as being good for the environment, eating less meat improves your health and saves lives. Why wouldn't you go vegan or vegetarian?
I love NGK
Donate to people who help animals!
Do not litter we want a plastic free world when we are older from a 5th Grader
Kids should not litter . They should say no when they see anybody cutting trees
Pollution is harmful..very harmful. It can take lives of people with breathing problems if it’s not taken care of. I’d rather spend my time planting trees than watching television. Help me take care of my earth please. P.S from a 4th grader child.
love the eirth it is my and your home and we need to take care of itttttt ps. Emma from 2 grade
take care of the eirth isabel and cat
Plloution is lame would love to plant trees
Tillie i agree i have never used palm oil before but I'm agreeing
I love the Eirth take care of it
Pollution is bad for...well Anything. it hurts Creachers, pets,and us. Thats why we need to stop people doing it.almost the whole earth is hurt from pollution! PLEASE HELP ME SAVE THE EARTH PLEASSSEEE! P.S Catherine from 2 grade
I’m never using palm oil again!
Pollution is lame.... I would rather spend time cleaning the air and environment!
Fight back against pollution and rescue the earth HELP THE EARTH AND STOP POLLUTION!!!!!
I will care for the planet and be an eco warrior! LETS TAKE ACTION!!!
I 'll be an eco warrior
I love surfing, skateboarding and swimming .I care so much for the environment and ecosystem I want everyone to try to be eco friendly. This website is awesome btw
Take ACTION!
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Not eating meat is easier than you think....
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people say they will take action but they never do but they do need to start doing what they say
im vegan
cool
wow I did'nt realise I was making so much damage thanks National Geographic Kids
I eat my veggies to be vegan
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I want to share to people that we have to care about the environment, Because we are slowly killing it without even noticing.
This article is very good and it thought me to help the planet. and to help the animals.
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I learned alot from this website and this is really helpful for kids like me thank you and don't forget to plant trees :]
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Thank you for the amazing tips, thank you. I'll be vegan from now on.
I will give this 10/10 because its amazing by learning this for science class.
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i will really try all this stuff
A big thanks for this resource material! It will surely pave a great way in raising awareness about Biodiversity Conservation to our youth today.
I want to share these fruitful and meaningful resources to my students to promote awareness and concern to our environment.
I care about the earth and want to take part in saving it.
this was a great website and I hope to see more off it
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thanks for tips
awesome
I eat veggie foods all the time. I try and do my best to help the environment.
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Nice
When I think of people being responsible and saving the world changes the world in lots of ways
good
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Good
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Save The Planet
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save the turtles
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Me to can’t wait
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PRITTY COOL TO ME
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HI
ILL HELP SAVE OUR PLANET
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People could also start a club to save the world and put up posters as well
I'M GONNA PLANT ONE HUNDREAD TREES!!!!
Trees are the natural answer to climate control – they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil, which then helps to reduce climate change. Trees also provide a home for lots of different birds, insects and creatures. You can easily find tree seeds such as acorns, sweet chestnuts and conkers (horse chestnuts) wherever you find mature trees. However, learning how to identify and grow trees adds an entirely new level of appreciation and understanding of nature. Don’t worry if you have no space to plant trees, as indoor plants also do a great job of cleaning the air. By looking after plants, children can learn about the important conditions needed for plants to grow. There are lots of other ways to get involved in this step too; for example, you could help actually grow a forest by raising money for one of the many tree-planting organisations around the world! Even in the centre of a city, once you start looking you will be surprised at how many different creatures you can spot, such as squirrels, birds and foxes. Lots of wild animal species in the UK are under threat right now. One of the best things you can do to help them is to re-wild an area in your garden or school playground. Sprinkle some soil and dead leaves around and let the grass, daisies and dandelions grow. Wildflowers provide excellent food for bees, who are in turn very important for pollinating food crops. You can also invite wild animals such as endangered hedgehogs in by making piles of leaves and twigs for them to nest in. Make sure that you provide gateways for these creatures to move freely to the next garden.
nice!
I can do everything else but not vegan thing
lets go
Let’s take Action - We can make a difference!
Save the Planet
Cool I do almost all of them
I am alredy making a groop to help save our planet
epic!
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SAVE THE WORLD
SAVE THE WORLD
Save the planet!
Guide our planet
Yay
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Why is saving the planet important
Save the PLANET
Thank you Nat Geo Kids for all you do to spread animal information!!
Let's make a Difference!!
Cool
Thank you I had fun reading this and will follow your tips only because this is my favorite nature website.
When you finish brushing your teeth, to save water you shouldn’t turn the tap on when you spit the toothpaste out.
I liked the idea of saving the planet!!!!
wow
Lets take care of the planet!!!!
Love reading
We could write letters to our local councils, and headteachers, and convince them to promote saving the planet to even more people!
planting trees and recicling matterale like plastic drink bottles.
I have a tip for saving the planet maybe plant some trees in your garden or plant wild flowers for bees. If you have any recyclable rubbish recycle it or make something out of it yourself like a fish or a bird.
I have a tip for saving the planet maybe plant some trees in your garden (if you have one) you could also plant some wild flowers in your garden for bees.
Amazing imformation thanks nat geo kids!
Okay!
Thanks for the tips! Save the Earth!
If everyone in the world just plants one tree imagine how much that would help!
We don't realise it but we can do so much for the environment!
We don't realise it but we can do so much for the environment!
nice tips!!!!!!
nice tips for saving the environment
We must save our planet. Save the planet save lives.
it is relly good :)
LETS TAKE ACTION!
Cool
Lets do this
Let’s do this!
Cool
Cool
Awesome! Thank you so much! Now I'm prepared to help my planet!
we can do this
Let's save the planet!
Hi this is cool
hi
I am going to do all of that stuff
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amazing
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I love it!
I hope we get to help and this is what I’d did - recycle - throw litter -
epic
Cool! Lets Take action !! :))
this is amazing i will try these
nice
Thanks for sharing this now I know how to save the earth
Be careful of wastage
I learnt we should be careful of wasteage
hi
Let's take action! Save the planet! Plant trees! Make animal homes! Eat green! Anything! I'll do anything to save our world!
This is a great article with lots of fantastic information . Thanks . X
thanks a lot mother nature
I love earth.
hi
so much fun
We should take action in putting rubbish in the right bin.
awsome
What I think is that we need to put rubbish in the right bin and eat healthy.
noice
COOL
WOW
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I want to help keep trees and animals alive they are important
Noice
What is your favourite country of France
i want to save the world
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SAVE PLENTT
I love this and save the world
I hope everyone can be kind enough to save a bunch of animals even if you see a hurt animal help them because 1 tiny thing can make a HUGE difrents
my avatar is so handsome
Save the world please.
I hope we can save giraffes they play a very important part in your ecosystem I hope we can save other animals too.
i am happy their are kids like me out there i really like animals.
hi I go by the name green girl you all have asome ideas i am not a member yet couse it dont work. i have adopted three animals. i love that i finally found kids like me or even younger
I am so happy their are other kids trying to help the wold. Every one has a saying in this wold and to keep it safe i am not a member yet couse it dont work so i try like every 5 mins # safe the earth.
hi
Lets save the world by a few simple things
I am just happy we have the earth
OMG! Let's save the world!
I am just happy we have the earth
It's very good that you are writing things like that ,because, every person on our planet earth needs to protect it. Because, if we don't do something now, our planet earth will die quicker then you think.
This is great we can all save the planet together
I love our planet and I will use these ideas to help save the planet.
I find it very interesting
I Love This
we can save the planet!!!
Taking care of the environment is important since in part the plants are also living beings that feel so as not to harm them there to plant more plants and trees instead of cutting them
SAVE THE EARTH PLEASE
cameron
Thanks so much this was an amazing article to learn about thanks .
awsome
Cool thing, I like it
This is a cool article to learn about !
lovely
cool
Doing it STRAIGHT away
every one should recycle
Plant one tree each month
Plant one tree each month
Wow! that is amazing-I tried all of it myself. let's take action together!
hello
How to save the planet
This is a good thing to save Are earth maybe I will try some.
Let's do this!
We need to save our planet before it's too late!
These are really good ideas! Everyone should recycle more
Pick up rubbish and take action.
have a great day
save the earth and help recycle so we can save this plait
save the earth
I didn't know how to save our planet earth before reading this. Thank you.
water more trees
Cool!
Yes we need to start trying to recycling and not be lazy!
i love this
We should take action to save our world!
Cool
hello
i like to help the world so this helps me tell me what to do
Cool
Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Plant trees!
Plant trees!
This is cool!
Wow! That's awamazing!
That looks fun to recycle!
Recycle looks fun! I'm very good throwing stuff, During St Paul's High School
CUSTOMIZE YOUR AVATAR