So, what can we do to help solve the problem with invasive species?
First of all don’t support unethical actions and businesses that promote the introduction of non-native or invasive species. These include unlicensed exotic pet stores, foreign plant and seed providers through Amazon or EBay, and other market places where the normal import controls are bypassed. Also, do not participate in activities that could release an invasive or non-native species into the environment to include “releasing” aquarium and tropical fish into the environment, planting non-native plants, or supporting those who do. To support the actions to manage or control invasives, you can volunteer at local parks and forests to join a team removing invasives. You can also join organizations and clubs, or donate to organizations that are actively working to solve the problem and the effects invasives may cause.
Proactively we can do a lot. From signing petitions and donating to invasive conservation organizations, volunteering, patronizing ethical merchants, or simply explaining to your friends why it is critical that we work to control invasives in our world today. Every petition signed, every dollar donated and every informed friend counts.