Aussies Advised on Last-Minute Christmas Gift Mistakes
Shoppers are urged to avoid gifting invasive species this Christmas to protect Australia’s unique environment
Australia, Christmas, Invasive Species, Environment, Pets
Australia: Shoppers are being warned to think twice before buying gifts this Christmas. It turns out that some popular plants and pets can be harmful to the environment.
Jack Gough from the Invasive Species Council shared that many people don’t realize they might be giving a gift that could hurt Australia’s unique landscape. He suggests choosing native options instead.
For instance, instead of picking English ivy, which can choke local plants, why not go for a lovely creeping grevillea? It’s a much better choice!
Gough also pointed out that while cats can be adorable gifts, they come with a lot of responsibility. Many people aren’t prepared for that, leading to issues like abandonment.
During COVID, there was a spike in pet ownership, but sadly, that also meant more cats were left behind. This has a huge impact on native wildlife, with millions of animals being killed by free-roaming cats each year.
He emphasized that if you own a cat, it’s your duty to keep it safe and contained. There’s a push for clearer rules to help protect wildlife from roaming pets.
Gifting non-invasive plants and pets is a great way to raise awareness about protecting Australia’s biodiversity. Invasive species are a big problem, costing the country billions each year in management and restoration efforts.
So, as you rush to finish your Christmas shopping, remember to choose wisely and help keep Australia’s environment safe!