You can make a difference!
         How you can help endangered species — everyday!

As an individual, you can help turn the tide away from extinction by practicing some of these simple suggestions:

• Live conservation! Don’t make conservation an effort, make it a way of life. Start making a list of things you should do daily (recycling, saving water, etc.) and then add them into your routine one at a time until they are a part of your daily life.
• Buy shade-grown coffee and help reduce the need to clear-cut rain forests where much of the world’s coffee is grown. This leaves vital tree canopy and forests for birds and other wildlife.
• Consider "corn plastics" for your picnics. A number of new disposable eating utensils and food container products using corn, sugar cane and other natural starches are on the market that are biodegradeable/compostable and do not contain petroleum. They are as good as plastic and better for the environment.
• Don’t buy jewelry and souvenirs made from wild animal products (fur, shark teeth, coral, etc.). Many of these animals were killed to produce these “luxury” items. So, if you’re unsure about the legality or origination of your purchase, don’t buy it!
• Support the protection of old growth temperate and tropical forest ecosystems and refrain from buying exotic hardwood products obtained through non-sustainable forestry practices.
• Purchase FSC-certified wood products when building and remodeling The Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, is an international, non-profit organization that identifies wood and wood products, including lumber, furniture and paper, that are derived from well-managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC. By using products with the FSC logo, you are supporting the environment and more. The products are guaranteed to meet strict environmental and ethical standards and have been independently certified. Find suppliers by visiting www.certifiedwood.org and click on “Certified Forest Products” or just ask a clerk next time you shop. For more information on the FSC, visit www.fsc.org
• When traveling in other countries, remember that strict laws govern the import and export of many plants and animals. And NEVER remove wild plants and animals from their habitat.
• Increase your backyard’s biodiversity by planting a variety of native vegetation to attract diverse urban wildlife.
• Know where your food comes from. Many types of seafood are seriously endangered due to overfishing. Monterey Bay Aquarium has developed a Seafood Watch List which notes a variety of seafoods that are in jeopardy and should be avoided and which still exist in sufficient numbers and/or are harvested in a sustainable manner. The effects of palm oil is also having detrimental results with many Indonesian animals including sun bear and orangutan as this "cheap" source of oil used in foods and other products causes vast stretches of forests to be decimated for plantations. Learn more by visting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Palm Oil Crisis site.
• Don’t release unwanted “exotic” pets that are not native to the area in which you live. These pets, such as turtles, frogs and snakes, from other parts of the U.S. or the world, often are unsuited to our climate or compete with or prey upon native animals. They may also carry diseases that can infect native.
• When grocery shopping, take your own canvas bag or backpack. Reuse and recycle old plastic and paper grocery bags. This helps save paper (and trees!) and reduces the impacts on the environment from plastic production and the need for oil.
• Learn about issues affecting endangered species. Visit Association of Zoos and Aquariums-sanctioned zoos and aquariums, and also nature centers and wildlife refuges. Join and become an active member in these organizations. Membership at Woodland Park Zoo, for example, helps supports dozens of conservation projects around the world. (Go to our Membership section for more information or to join.)
• Contact your elected representatives and express your views about conservation of endangered species and wild habitats.
• Reuse what you can and always recycle. Use biodegradable products. Compost garbage when appropriate. Turn off lights and water. Buy items used whenever possible. Think of ways to be energy and water efficient. We’re all in it together!