May 22 is International Day for Biological Diversity
Biodiversity means the variety of life on Earth. Here are some fun facts on biodiversity:
- An estimated 150,000 species of organisms live in Canada of which about half have been identified, named and classified;
- It is important for sustaining life as we know it;
- It is insurance for the future;
- It faces its greatest threat in Canada from competing land uses such as agriculture and urbanization.
Celebrate and protect biodiversity year round by trying to follow these simple rules:
- At least once a week leave the car at home and use another means of transportation.
- Do not fly for distances under 500 kilometres.
- Buy food fresh from a farmers market at least once a week.
- Do not eat meat or fish more than four times a week
- Always turn the lights off in empty rooms.
- Replace at least two light bulbs with new energy efficient bulbs.
- Choose native plants that attract wildlife.
- Avoid herbicides and pesticides in gardens.
Learn more about Biodiversity »
See HWW’s Invasive Alien Species vignette »
