The sun is setting a little later, flowers are blooming, and baby animals are being shown the ways of the world by their nurturing parents. Spring is the perfect season to embrace the beauty of nature – and to do so in a way that helps shape a kinder world for our furry and feathered friends for many seasons to come.
Here are five ideas for your next free day this spring:
1. Have a picnic and observe animals in their element
One of the simplest joys of spring is enjoying a picnic – solo or with loved ones – amidst the wonders of nature. Head to your local park, nature reserve, or picnic ground, where you might spot families of ducks gliding across ponds, echidnas waddling between bushes, or mobs of kangaroos bounding over the land. It’s amazing how much personality shines through when we pause for a moment and notice each animal simply being themself and living their life.
As you prep to set off on your outdoor adventure, remember to reduce plastic waste as much as possible by packing reusable picnic essentials – like reusable cups, bottles and cutlery. It’s also a good idea to prepare home-cooked food and snacks to enjoy on the picnic, to minimise the single-use containers and packaging that come with most takeaway. And of course, leave the space as clean as you found it (or cleaner, by picking up any rubbish you come across!). Eliminating or reducing the amount of plastic we use, and disposing of it correctly, are simple ways to help reduce the life-threatening risks plastics pose to animals.