There are several simple ways you can help protect and restore biodiversity in your local community!

There are several ways you can help protect and restore biodiversity in your local community. ABC News: Alice Pavlovic.

• Create natural habitat. Consider plants that are native to your local area and help create a sanctuary for bees, butterflies, birds, frogs, and other wildlife, on your doorstep, in your garden, on your property, or in your local reserve. Your local catchment or bushcare group can advise on appropriate local plants.
• Get rid of weeds. Some non-native plants seem perfectly harmless around your home but can turn into invasive weeds if they get into local bushlands. Keep an eye on your exotics and stop them from heading bush. Your local Council, catchment or bushcare group can advise on environmental weeds and their control.
• Be a responsible pet owner. Keep pets under control. If you can no longer keep your pet do not release it into the wild. This includes pet fish — do not flush them down the toilet or put them into local streams. De-sex your dog and cat and keep them in your yard. Cats are safest indoors or in an outdoor cat run. Dogs should be kept on a lead when not on your property, unless in a designated off-lead area. Domestic and feral cats and dogs have a devastating effect on local wildlife.
• Resist, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. Look at ways to reduce your consumption and the amount of waste that ends up in landfill and waterways. Many things can now be recycled; check with your local Council or https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/
• Start your own compost bin or worm farm. Organic matter like vegetable peelings and egg shells are great for your garden once composted or turned into worm juice! Using compost and worm juice can reduce the need for artificial chemicals and fertilisers and improve the health of your soil, and decrease landfill.
• Only put water down the drains. Things like oils and chemicals poured down the sink end up in our waterways and seas, where they affect water quality and aquatic animals and plants. Dispose of chemical waste at dedicated facilities. Some fats and oils can be recycled, others can be put into the garbage. Consider using white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda instead of commercial cleaning chemicals.
• Be an informed seafood eater. Don’t eat threatened fish species. To find out what species you should avoid at the fish market go to Find a Fish — FishNames.com.au.