More Ways Kids Kids Can Help Animals & The Planet

• Reduce your trash.
• Use re-usable cups, dishes, and flatware.
• Cut-up soft drink six-pack rings. The rings often get caught around the necks of birds and sea mammals.
• Don’t litter. Throw all your trash away!
• Don’t pick flowers or collect wild creatures for "pets." Leave animals and plants where you found them.
• Don’t buy souvenirs made from animals. Animal parts are often used to make souvenirs and other trinkets. Sometimes animal parts like ivory, which comes from elephant tusks, are formed into other shapes to make jewelry and other items. If you are unsure, ask someone who works in the store.
• Watch out for wildlife. Give consideration to all living things you see crossing the road.
• Stay on the trail in parks and nature preserves. By staying on the path, you’ll won’t be treading on animal homes.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Be on the lookout for animals that may need your help. Report injured dogs and cats that you find to animal control and injured wildlife to a wildlife rehabilitation center or local Division of Wildlife so that they can be rescued.
• Avoid “animals in entertainment” such as rodeo, horse races, dog races, roadside zoos, animal pulls and traveling shows in which animals are often neglected or abused.
• Never purchase wild parrots or other exotic animals as "pets." Few people can care for a parrot for its entire lifetime, which is anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Wild animals belong in the wild.
• Don’t purchase a dog or cat from a pet store. Instead adopt an unwanted animal from the shelter.
• If you feel strongly about an issue or event affecting animals, write a letter to the newspaper expressing your views. Kid’s views are important too!
• Keep your cat indoors to protect them from traffic and unkind people — and to keep them from hunting area wildlife, especially songbirds.

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