It’s World Environment Day on the 5 June, which is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. We can all make changes in our daily lives to help the environment, which in turn can benefit our health. So…

Take action today for a healthier Earth tomorrow

Here are five ways to take care of the environment, helping to leave a healthy planet for our children and grandchildren.

1. Save water

Water is a finite resource which is essential to life. Only 2.5% of the world’s water is freshwater, and less than 1% is accessible and usable. By saving water, you are protecting the environment; less power and fewer chemicals are required to treat the water, so less carbon is produced.

Quick and easy ways to save water in your home: turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, ensure full loads in dishwasher and washing machine, and take quick showers!

Read more about where our water comes from in the south west here.

2. Enjoy and engage with the natural environment

Encourage your children to appreciate the value of nature, instilling the need to protect the environment. Spend time in green spaces – maybe visit a lake after school and see how many butterflies of different types of tree you can spot! Care for the environment through activities such as litter picking on a walk. Being outside in nature can also have a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health.

3. Get into walking and cycling

Air pollution is the theme of World Environment Day this year – ‘a call to action to combat one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time.’ Riding a bike or walking instead of getting in a car is a fantastic way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful views of the world around you, whilst helping to #BeatAirPollution.

4. Recycle

Only 9% of plastic is currently recycled. Avoid single-use plastic wherever possible to #BeatPlasticPollution. Roadford Lake Cafe is aiming to be single-use plastic free over the counter by 2020, using quick and easy fixes such as paper straws and wooden takeaway cutlery. As part of the Refill initiative, bring your reusable drinking bottle with you, and we will be happy to refill it for you with tap water.

5. Engage with environmental initiatives

UN Environment state that our food systems, nutrition, health, clean air, climate and freshwater depend on biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Together, we can make a difference to the environment; we have lots of events happening at various sites throughout the year offering this opportunity – today, you could directly improve the biodiversity of Siblyback Lake by pulling up Himalayan Balsam, an invasive species. Take part in watersports or angling? Make sure you Check, Clean, Dry.