It’s also a day to show our appreciation for Mother Nature and all the wildlife she sustains. And, to highlight the vital work being done by climate scientists, activists, non-profits, and even plant-based food producers, to name a few, that takes us closer to restoring the planet. 

Earth Day is a reminder to do better. To learn from our mistakes, to carve out innovative ways forward, and an opportunity to look back on the progress we’ve made. And in that way, it’s also a reminder that together, change is possible. 

A disclaimer

It’s important to note that animals losing their endangered status isn’t always a good thing. Sometimes, the loss of such labels causes species to lose their government-instilled protections, too.

For instance, in 2020, when the gray wolf was no longer considered endangered, the Trump administration removed the species’ federal protections. This kickstarted hunts against the species, despite still having relatively unstable population numbers. (In February of this year, the animals were reintroduced to the Endangered Species Act and consequently regained protections).

The species on the below list are no longer listed as endangered. But, like many others, they still face threats (most of which are human-caused). So whilst we celebrate these wins, we must continue fighting for the survival of all species – in the wild, in labs, in our homes, and on farms.

Species that shook off their endangered status

Giant panda

Last year, Chinese officials announced that the country’s national animal, the giant panda, was no longer endangered. In the late 1970s, there were around 1,000 giant pandas living in the wild. But populations have since blossomed, nearly doubling due to government recovery schemes. 

Fun fact: according to WWF, to obtain estimates about panda population numbers, teams of researchers scale through mountainous forests looking for panda dung and chewed bamboo. The latter is particularly useful, because panda bite marks are all unique, like fingerprints.

Giant pandas still face threats, including poaching and habitat loss relating to farming and tourism.

Want to learn more? Check out Pandas International, a non-profit working to protect the species.

Southern white rhinoceros 

WWF considers the southern white rhino a “major conservation success story.”

The herbivorous subspecies – the second-largest land mammal after the elephant – was once thought to be extinct, chiefly due to hunters targeting them for meat and sport. But in 1895, a group of under 100 southern white rhinos were found in Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa. 

Now, following a century’s worth of conservation efforts, there are more than 20,000 southern white rhinos on Earth. They live predominantly in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya in protected areas and private game reserves.

They are the only subspecies of rhino that are not endangered. In fact, scientists are hoping that the southern white rhino will play a key role in boosting the population of the critically endangered northern white rhino, of which there are just two remaining (a mother-daughter pair, who live at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya).

Southern white rhinos still need our help. They’re especially at risk of illegal poaching for their horns, particularly in South Africa, to meet demand from Asia (mostly Vietnam and China).

Save the Rhino International is fighting to protect all five rhino subspecies. Learn more here.

Arabian oryx

In the early 1970s, things were looking grim for the Arabian oryx, when hunting had completely wiped out the species in the wild. However, a slew of reintroduction schemes steered population numbers upwards, so that by 2011, the animal became the first to regain vulnerable status after being listed as extinct in the wild. 

Today, there are around 1,200 Arabian oryx living freely in Saudi Arabia, with another up to 7,000 in captivity. 

The unique animals – which can actually smell rain in the distance, and lead their herds towards it for fresh grazing – are still hunted for their meat, horns, and skins.

Fauna & Flora International, thought to be the world’s oldest international conservation organization, had a helping hand in rescuing the species. Learn more about the charity here.

American alligator

Like most examples of animal populations making a comeback, it was a matter of humans undoing the damage we were responsible for in the first place. Still, the fact that American alligators reached the very edge of extinction in the 1950s – after spending 200 millions years on the planet – only to become one of the first endangered species success stories is worth celebrating. 

In 1967, after hunters and poachers drove American alligator numbers down to near-extinct levels, the species was granted federal protections, banning the hunting of the reptiles.

By 1987, they were officially dubbed fully recovered. Now, they’re classified as of least concern (the lowest status there is). There are currently an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern United States (more than one million of them live in Florida). 

American alligators – which can grow up to 16 feet long – are mainly threatened by habitat loss caused by development. They are also still hunted for their meat and skins, though the trade is now regulated.

The Nature Conservancy restores the wetlands in which alligators reside. You can visit the non-profit’s website here.

Humpback whale

Earlier this year, the majestic humpback whale was removed from Australia’s threatened species list. The whaling industry had pushed numbers down drastically over several decades; at one point, just 1,500 humpbacks were living in Australian waters. Now, an estimated 40,000 individuals reside there, and that figure is still climbing. 

Australia’s ​​Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley assured that despite the listing change, the species will continue to be protected from whaling. Ley named it an example of “what can be achieved through coordinated action.”

“It is a message of hope for the welfare of a number of species,” they said.

Sea Shepherd works tirelessly to protect whales and other marine life in all corners of the world. Learn more about the charity here.

Lake Erie water snake

This water snake only calls one destination home: Lake Erie – which spans 9,910 square miles (25,667 square kilometers). But, in the 1990s, habitat-destroying development and resident-led culls (since locals considered the Lake Erie water snake a pest) saw the species reach the brink of extinction.es is exclusive

In response, the federal government added the water snake to the Endangered Species List in 1999. This made it illegal to kill or injure the snakes, which can live for up to 12 years in the wild. 

In 2011, the Lake Erie water snake population had slithered up to 12,000, and was removed from the list. 

Advocates for Snake Preservation aims to change the way the public view snakes, and promote peaceful coexistence with the animals. You can learn more about the organization on its website.

Bald eagle

The US’ iconic national bird was nearly wiped out after decades of hunting, habitat loss, and the use of DDT, a toxic pesticide that had severely contaminated waterways, then fish, then the animals consuming those fish, including the bald eagle.

By the 1960s, just 487 nesting pairs of bald eagles were alive in the US. The species (which can dive at speeds of 100 miles per hour, or 160 kilometers an hour) was included in the Endangered Species Act in the 1970s, and DDT was banned. 

Populations soared, and bald eagles were federally delisted in 2007. 

“The bald eagle is one of the original species listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act,” conservation biologist Margaret Fowle told myChamplainValley.com. 

“It was kind of a wake up call with this decline that the bald eagles went through for us to realize some of the things we’re doing to the environment and how they affect the wildlife and the ecosystem.”

The American Eagle Foundation is one non-profit working to keep the national treasure flying high. It also livestreams 24-hour “nest cams,” which can be viewed online for free.

Still want ways to help?

There are a wealth of avenues we, as a society, can take to better protect non-human animals. Global bans on poaching, hunting, and trading wildlife, for example, and heightened penalties for those who violate such laws, are integral approaches.

Comprehensive animal protection legislation and policies are also an important part of the equation. But besides signing petitions and (when possible) donating money, individuals carry more power than one might think.

A report published last month found that eating less meat could help reverse the decline of hundreds of plant and animal species. Researchers stated that increasing intake of fruits and vegetables whilst lowering meat intake could bring “significant health and environmental benefits.”

In fact, if the population of the UK ate an additional handful of vegetables a day, an estimated 407 to 536 species could be protected, the report said.

Indeed, a range of environmental studies have linked animal products to significant deforestation, habitat loss, ocean acidification, and pollution. One sizeable meta-analysis on farming’s environmental on the planet uncovered that plant-based eating is one of the most effective ways to help protect the planet.

The post Animal Species That Are No Longer Endangered, And How To Help Them Stay That Way appeared first on Plant Based News.

While Shein might be among the most successful, it’s not alone. Brands like H&M, Zara, Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, and Cider all rely on this approach. Around the world, 60 billion pieces of clothing and accessories are bought every year. But, according to a 2015 study, they’ll be worn an average of just seven times before they are thrown away.

Most of these items will end up either burned or in the landfill. But materials like polyester⁠—a favorite of fast fashion brands—are made with plastic. This means they don’t biodegrade easily, and when they do, they contaminate the earth, harming both the environment and animals. 

Microplastic pollution from polyester

Polyester is a nightmare for ecosystems. In 2020, one study found that microplastic pollution had decreased the population of tiny creatures, like mites and larvae, that live below the surface of the soil. Plastics have also been found seeping into surrounding waterways, posing a severe risk to the animals that rely on those resources to survive.

But polyester’s hazardous reach extends further than landfill soil. Before clothes are thrown out, they often get a few spins in the washing machine first. And last year, a study found that around 75 percent of microplastic pollution in the arctic is polyester, and much of it probably found itself there via the laundry. 

Shop sustainable fashion brands

Fast fashion is hurting ecosystems and the planet in many ways. Aside from waste and plastic pollution, it also contributes to deforestation (see: the leather industry) and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, when it comes to the latter, the global fashion industry is responsible for up to 10 percent of annual emissions. And it’s getting worse.

Elisa Tonda, the head of the United Nations’ Consumption and Production Unit, said in 2019: “If we carry on with a business-as-usual approach, the greenhouse gas emissions from the industry are expected to rise by almost 50 percent by 2030.”

But as consumers, we don’t have to engage with business as usual. Firstly, we can buy fewer clothes and wear them over and over again to reduce waste. We can also thrift, borrow, and peruse sites like eBay and Depop for second-hand items. But when we do decide to buy new, we can choose sustainable options. And luckily, there are more brands than ever offering vegan, low-waste, ethical fashion choices. Here are some of our top picks. 

1. OhSevenDays

After a stroll through Istanbul’s textile district led her to an untapped supply of deadstock (this is unused or rejected fabric from the fashion industry), Megan Mummery founded OhSevenDays to help you make your wardrobe staples sustainable.

The Turkey-based brand’s designs are chic, summery, and versatile. Take its Reese Reversible Blouse, for example. Made with leftover roll from fabric mills, it can be dressed up or down, depending on whether you choose to pair it with a fitted skirt and heels, or maybe a pair of jeans and your favorite vegan sneakers. 

2. Boyish

Based in California, Boyish is all about offering sustainably produced denim garments at an “attainable price point.” The brand focuses on longevity, ensuring that the quality and fit is of a high standard and can live on in your wardrobe for years to come.

The brand’s Monty Shorts are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. They’re made with a variety of low-waste, sustainable materials, including recycled cotton, Refibra (made with recycled scraps), and Tencel (derived from eucalyptus trees). For that chilled, headed-to-the-beach look, just pair with a simple tee and sandals.

3. Lucy & Yak

Known for its quirky dungarees, Lucy & Yak is just as passionate about ethics and sustainability as it is about fun, colorful prints. All of its suppliers pay fair wages. This is in stark contrast to fast fashion brands, many of which have come under fire for exploiting the factory workers who make their clothes. (Just last year, an investigation found Shein’s suppliers making staff work 75-hour weeks for very little pay.) 

Lucy & Yak uses materials like organic twill and organic cotton, as well as low-impact dyes, to make its vibrant designs, like this sunflower-printed Asahi Nagata & Yak Limited Edition Dungaree.

4. Nu-In

If you love fast fashion but don’t love its impact on people and the planet, Nu-In is for you. The brand offers a range of on-trend styles (like this Organic Tie Back Ribbed Knitted Mini Dress and this Recycled Rushed Frill Mini Skirt) for a slightly lower price point than other sustainable brands.

But while it may have a fast fashion-esque aesthetic and the occasional sale, that’s where the comparison stops. Nu-In is passionately against the fast fashion business model, and instead, encourages its customers to buy less and wear more. It states on its website: “We do not condone flash sales that encourage impulse buying of items that may not be needed or wanted and therefore discarded.”

It adds that people should “take the time to consider whether they really want to buy the item rather than buying it just because it’s on sale.”

5. Christy Dawn

In the market for a vintage-style, elegant, and sustainable dress to add to your wardrobe (wedding season is nearly upon us, after all)? Christy Dawn is a good place to start. All of the Los Angeles-based brand’s designs (like this pretty daisy-printed Laura Dress, for example) are created with respect for nature in mind, using deadstock fabric or organic cotton.

Plus, with its Farm-to-Closet initiative, the brand supports a network of local craftspeople and farmers in Erode India, who help to regenerate the land and heal the soil from depletion. 

6. Tala

For gym-goers, Tala is a comfortable, high-performance, sustainable, and ethical choice. Founded by Grace Beverley, a fitness entrepreneur and influencer, all of Tala’s activewear (from sports bras like this Ixia Seamless Zip option to flared yoga pants like these) is created in a transparent supply chain, where suppliers and factories are carefully vetted to check staff are being treated and paid fairly.

Fabrics include Q-Nova (which is made with regenerated waste materials), Lyocell (made from wood pulp), and bamboo. Plus, as a little sustainable extra, all of its tags are filled with seeds for herbs, flowers, or spices.

7. People Tree

People Tree is one of the OGs when it comes to sustainable fashion brands. Founded in 1991 by James and Safia Minney, the brand’s products are made with affordability and style in mind. But ethics or quality are never compromised.

Take these Sasha trousers, for example. The comfy, joggers look cute with a white tee and sneakers for those days when you’re just running errands. They’re also soft, functional (hello deep pockets!), and made with certified organic cotton.

The post This Earth Day, Boycott Fast Fashion And Try These Sustainable Brands Instead appeared first on Plant Based News.

Two years in the making, nine of the 26-part Asian Elephants 101 series world premiered on multiple National Geographic Channels, and the entire series will now stream on UnchainedTV.com.

The 26-part short film series highlights the survival challenges faced by people and elephants, as two dominant species compete for space. 

The episodes focus on key aspects of elephant ecology, the plight of captive elephants, human encroachment into wildlife habitats, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and deforestation.

Elephants VS climate change  

Elephants are the gentle giants that we all love. The biggest animal on earth, and the one that nothing is frightened of. 

But what many don’t realize is that all species of elephants are also ecologically significant. 

They traverse vast areas 16 to 18 hours a day, trampling softwood trees, thus allowing rain and sunshine to penetrate the ground, promoting the growth of hardwood trees that store carbon-di-oxide (a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change). 

According to the International Monetary Authority, African forest elephants help fight climate change, with each elephant at a carbon value of $1.75 million. 

Elephants also create pathways to waterholes and fodder for other animals, who would otherwise be unable to access these life-giving resources.

Asian elephants play a key role in climate mitigation but according to the IUCN, there are less than 40,000 Asian elephants left on the planet, fully 27,000 in India, their last bastion. 

Saving the Asian elephants of India is critically important to not only saving the species, but also other species in the ecosystem.

Human elephant conflict 

The series explores the serious issues facing Indinal elephants’ fight for survival. 

Human elephant conflict (HEC) is a huge problem for their survival. Due to unprecedented human population growth in India, competition for space is causing humans and elephants to clash. 

Reckless development and land use have decimated 80 percent of wildlife habitats. Famished elephants are forced to leave the forests and venture into croplands to quell their hunger, exacerbating HEC, resulting in senseless tragedies for both humans and elephants.

This in turn triggers retaliatory killings of elephants, and the vicious cycle continues unabated.

Illegal capture

The series also explores another major issue facing the elephants of India — their illegal capture. 

On the one hand, elephants are revered, considered the embodiment of Lord Ganesh – a Hindu God with an elephant face. But on the other hand, they are tortured and exploited for profit behind the veil of culture and religion.

The series aims to influence decision-makers to legislate laws that would take into consideration elephants, wildlife, and the rich biodiversity of India. 

The makers of the series told us:

“We hope that the narratives and visuals will help people understand our intricate connections with and dependence on other species, inspiring attitude, and behavior shifts, motivating people to protect the endangered Asian elephants. 

“The films will help people realize that the survival of elephants in the forests of India is crucial to mitigating climate change globally, demonstrating that what happens in one country reverberates across the planet.”

You can download the UnchainedTV app on your phone or TV streaming device here.

The post <strong>Unchained TV Features New Series About The Amazing Asian Elephant</strong> appeared first on Plant Based News.