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With climate change continuing to be a hot topic, many parents and teachers are trying to figure out how to teach kids about pollution. It's important for children to know about it because when they're familiar with what it is, knowledgeable about its consequences and informed about how they can reduce or eliminate their own carbon footprints, they can help prevent it.

What Pollution Is

Put simply, pollution is anything that's introduced into the environment that has the potential to negatively influence the quality of life for humans, animals or plants. Nine kinds of pollution are widely recognized throughout the world, including:

Air Pollution

Water Pollution

Land Pollution

Radioactive Pollution

Thermal Pollution

Noise Pollution

Light Pollution

Visual Pollution

Personal Pollution

Some types of pollution are visible or smelly, such as smoke coming from a factory, and others can't be seen or smelled at all. Similarly, some kinds of pollution affect the planet on a global scale, while the effects of others are sometimes experienced in a more localized, smaller area.

Pollution Facts for Kids: The Consequences of Pollution

Pollution has very real consequences that affect people, animals and plants located all over the world. Even remote areas such as the Arctic Circle are impacted by manmade pollution. There isn't a single location on Earth that's untouched by pollution - not even the bottom of the deepest ocean nor the highest point in the sky.

Here are some pollution facts for kids that clearly demonstrate the harmful effects pollution has on the Earth and every living thing that inhabits the planet:

40 percent of the rivers and 46 percent of the lakes located in the United States have too much pollution for fishing or swimming.

Approximately 50 percent of the globe's population has to deal with polluted drinking water.

Around 250 million diseases caused by polluted drinking water are reported every year, which leads to anywhere from five to 10 million deaths annually.

About 70 percent of the industrial waste generated in developing countries is dumped into the water untreated. This pollutes the potable water in many locations.

Pollution is responsible for global warming. Global warming changes our weather patterns, which can lead to disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes and the premature melting of the world's glaciers.

Educational Pollution Activities for Kids: Reducing Pollution

While your children can learn about air, water and other types of pollution by looking over the consequence listed above, they can get hands-on with the topic through pollution experiments and activities. Then, those activities you participate in can even lessen your carbon footprint and make a beneficial impact on the environment.

Here are some of the activities you and your kids can do to learn more about pollution and help reduce its severity:

Pick up discarded items and dispose of or recycle them properly.

Turn off lights and electronic devices when they're not needed.

Walk or ride a bicycle instead of taking a car.

Use eco-friendly and energy-efficient products whenever possible.

Reduce, reuse and recycle as often as you can.

There are plenty of other things you can do to teach your kids about pollution and its dangers. You can make compost using your food scraps, for instance. Composting doesn't have to take up much space, and it can even be done in a small apartment setting.

You and your kids can plant trees, and, depending on where you live, you can also grow your own fruit and vegetables. If you can't grow your own produce, you can be sure you only buy produce that's grown locally.

As you do things to teach your children about pollution, be sure you share facts that will emphasize the importance of what you're doing. For example, when you're recycling things together, you can explain that recycling just one glass bottle reduces air pollution by 20 percent and causes 50 percent less water pollution compared to making a brand-new bottle.

Contact Science Explorers

At Science Explorers, we give kids across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, New York and Virginia. the chance to learn all about science. From exploring the effects of pollution to investigating the mysteries of space and everything in between and beyond, kids learn about science while having a great time at our after-school clubs and summer camps. To learn more about our fun-filled educational programs, contact Science Explorers today!

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How to Teach Kids About Pollution | Reducing Pollution | Science Explorers

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With climate change continuing to be a hot topic, many parents and teachers are trying to figure out how to teach kids about pollution. It's important for children to know about it because when they're familiar with what it is, knowledgeable about its consequences and informed about how they can reduce or eliminate their own carbon footprints, they can help prevent it.

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Did you know that every year 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in our planet's beautiful blue oceans? And that's seriously bad news for our friends beneath the waves...
Over 700 species of marine animals have been reported to have eaten or been entangled in plastic - and scientists think that the amount of plastic in the ocean may triple by 2050! But here's the good news - by understanding the issue and taking action, you can help change the future and make our oceans a clean, safe place for our wonderful wildlife!

What's the problem with plastic?

Plastic is an amazing man-made material used to make all kinds of important things. Bike helmets, car airbags and many medical supplies made with plastic save lives, and plastic water bottles can bring clean drinking water to people who don't have it.

The problem is that most of us use more plastic than we need to, and half of the plastic we produce is designed to be used just once and chucked away. This so-called ' single-use plastic' is used to make all kinds of items, such as shopping bags, straws, food wrappers and various packaging . And because plastic takes over 400 years to decompose (break down), it stays in the natural world, causing damage, for a very long time.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Plastic Pollution Primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

How does plastic waste end up in the sea?

Scientists think that a whopping 8.8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean every year. That's the same as stacking five plastic shopping bags of rubbish on top of each other on every metre of coastline in the world! But how does it all get there?

One way is through ' ocean dumping', when people illegally tip large amounts of waste directly into the sea. But not all plastic in the ocean is dumped there on purpose. In fact, around 80% plastic in the sea comes from the land....

Much of it is blown into rivers, streams and sewers from overflowing rubbish bins or landfill sites, and from streets and parks where people litter. Another way is through our drains. Lots of our clothes contain tiny plastic fibres, called microfibres, which enter our water ways from washing machines when people do their laundry. And believe it or not, toiletries such as toothpaste and face wash can contain minuscule bits of plastic, too! These "microbeads" get flushed down the drain and, eventually, into the sea ocean. Thankfully, the UK government has banned toiletries containing microbeads, but lots of other countries still use them.

Why is plastic waste dangerous?

Animals and birds can get trapped, tangled and even strangled by all kinds of plastic waste, such as discarded fishing nets and six-pack rings from drinks cans. They also mistake small bits of plastic, such as bottle tops and wrappers, for food and gobble them up - leaving no room in their swollen tummies for real food. And the problem doesn't end there...

When plastic breaks down in the ocean, it doesn't break down completely - it just gets smaller and ends up being swallowed by fish and other marine animals and birds. The tiny particles of plastic absorb toxic industrial chemicals which, when eaten by fish, are absorbed into their tissues and are eventually eaten by humans.

What can we do about plastic pollution?

By working together, our choices can help clean up the ocean - and make it a safe place for our amazing marine life!

Look at how much single-use plastic your family uses by filling out a plastic journal for a week - then talk about what you can do to use less! Be sure to drink from reusable water bottles, use multi-use shopping bags and ask your parents to choose loose fruit and veg, rather than groceries wrapped in layers of plastic. And of course, recycle all the plastic that you can!

You can also help keep our seasides clean by going along to an organised beach cleanup. It's fun, and we promise you'll feel really proud when you see what a difference you've made!

Discover more ways that you can help clean up the natural world with our 10 tips to reduce plastic pollution!

Did you enjoy learning about the problem of plastic pollution? What have you done to help reduce plastic? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Text by Allyson Shaw, NG Staff
Photo credits:
Sea turtle with plastic bag photo - Sergi Garcia Fernandez, Biosphoto, Minden Pictures
Plastic on beach photo - apomares, Getty Images
Pelican with plastic photo - ©Studio One-One, Getty Images
Trash bags in sea water photo - Rich Carey, Shutterstock

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The problem with plastic pollution - National Geographic Kids

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Learn all about plastic pollution. How much plastic is in the ocean? Why is plastic pollution dangerous? What can we do to reduce it?

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You might use plastic water bottles, yogurt cups, and straws for just a day, but they can remain in the environment for years. And that pollution can harm habitats and the animals that live there. Cut down Earth's trash with these tips.

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13 ways to save the Earth from pollution

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You might use plastic water bottles, yogurt cups, and straws for just a day, but they can remain in the environment for years. And that pollution can harm habitats and the animals that live there. Cut down Earth's trash with these tips.

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The way we farm and eat can make a world of difference. Organic is an 'agroecological' farming system that offers many benefits.

1. It's better for the planet

2. It has higher animal welfare standards

3. It's better for wildlife

4. It's better for people

By opting for organic next time you shop, you're helping support a way of farming that:

1. Is better for the planet

Designed to respect nature and to enhance the health of soils, water and air, organic farming is leading the way on sustainability.

In fact, if Europe's farmland all followed organic principles, agricultural emissions could drop by 40-50% by 2050, with plenty to feed the growing population healthy diets.

Organic farmers are encouraged to 'close the loop' on their farms, making use of what's to hand and limiting the use of imported resources.

This means:

1. No artificial fertilisers

2. Healthier soils, that store more carbon

3. Meat that's more environmentally friendly

2. Has higher welfare for farm animals

Ensuring all animals reared for meat and animal products have a good life is at the heart of Soil Association standards.

Organic farming has the highest animal welfare standards of any international farming system; this means truly-free range animals, encouraged to forage, graze and roam, with plenty of space, fresh air, and conditions that allow them to express their natural behaviours.

Smaller flocks and herds, and more access to the outdoors means organic animals don't have to be routinely treated with antibiotics and wormers, and mutilations like beak-tipping to prevent the aggressive side effects of stress are also not needed, or allowed.

3. Is better for nature and wildlife

41% of Britain's wildlife species have declined since 1970, and more than 1 in 10 are currently facing extinction. Intensive farming practices, especially pesticide use, have been identified as the main driver of these declines, but organic farming offers an alternative.

Organic farms are havens for wildlife and provide homes for bees, birds and butterflies. On average, plant, insect and bird life is 50% more abundant on organic farms, and there are around 75% more wild bees on organic farms. There are a number of reasons for this.
Organic farmers use fewer pesticides
And only under very restricted circumstances. Organic farmers rely on a whole ecosystem to keep pests under control, where animals like beetles and birds feed on pests such as aphids and slugs.

If pesticides were substituted for more sustainable farming practices like organic, this could slow or reverse the decline in insects!
Land use on organic farms is more nature-friendly
Did you know? For every 10% increase in bee-friendly habitats - like that found on organic farms - bee numbers and diversity increases by over a third!

Because organic farmers rely on healthy ecosystems to control pests and protect their soils, they tend to farm in a way that encourages wildlife, like planting trees, 'beetle banks' and wildflower margins, and digging ponds around their fields. This means organic farms are more ecologically diverse.
Organic farming supports cleaner water for wildlife
The nitrogen fertilisers used in conventional farming can create 'ocean dead zones' which deprive life below water of vital oxygen. This can kill fish and other aquatic life. Organic standards ban the use of these manufactured fertilisers, lowering the risk of pollution in rivers, seas and waterways.

4. And is better for People

You might be asking yourself if organic food is safer than conventional products.

Organic farming joins the dots between our own health and the health of our planet, our animals and our wildlife:

Eating organic food means supporting a way of farming that works for people long into the future - from farmers out in the fields to those tucking in at home.

The health of soil, plant, animal and man is one and indivisible Albert Howard

For a food product to be labelled as organic, every step in the supply chain, from farmers and packers to food processors and shops that sell organic products, must meet organic standards and prove it to an organic certification body, like Soil Association Certification.

Soil Association Certification certify over 70% of organic food in the UK, meaning that wherever you see the organic symbol, you can be sure that you're buying:

Food that contains fewer pesticides The best way to reduce your exposure to pesticides in food is to buy organic. Certified organic food, including fruit and vegetables, processed food and meat and dairy products will, overall, contain less pesticides.

As mentioned above, pesticides are named as a key driver of insect and pollinator decline. Three quarters of our food crops depend on pollinators, and without them, we wouldn't have some of our favourite, and most nutritious foods, like potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, coffee, chocolate!

Producing food that's nutritionally different

The hard work organic farmers put into caring for their crops and animals pays off in the quality of the food they produce. Research has found significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic farming:

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2014 showed that organic milk and meat contain around 50% more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids than non-organic. These nutritional differences also apply to organic dairy like butter, cream, cheese and yoghurt.

The difference in Omega 3 is because organic animals eat a more natural, grass-based diet, containing high levels of clover, which is used to fix nitrogen on organic farms, replacing chemical fertiliser.

Organic meat had slightly lower concentrations of two saturated fats, and organic milk and dairy were found to contain slightly higher concentrations of iron, Vitamin E and some carotenoids.

What's more, organically produced crops (cereals, fruit and vegetables) were found with up to 68% more antioxidants than non-organic, whilst organic fruit and veg contained lower concentrations of pesticides and the toxic heavy metal cadmium.

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It's better for the planet It has higher animal welfare standards It's better for wildlife It's better for people By opting for organic next time you shop, you're helping support a way of farming that: Designed to respect nature and to enhance the health of soils, water and air, organic farming is leading the way on sustainability.

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Learn how to live a healthy and regenerative lifestyle with this blog! Healthy recipes, garden tips - we’ve got you covered.
To live a happy, regenerative lifestyle is truly amazing when shared with someone. So go ahead and enjoy learning more while doing your part in keeping the world green.

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About organic food

Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are important issues for organic farmers. The term 'organic' can also cover animal products. For example, eggs certified as organic are free range, rather than from caged (battery) hens.

Types of organic foods available in Australia include , dried legumes, , , , eggs, honey and some processed foods.

Organic farming

Animals raised using organic methods are treated humanely and with respect. For example, chickens are free range and not kept in cages, and cows are not kept in feed lots. Animals are also not fed any growth-regulating drugs, steroids, hormones or antibiotics. However, the animals may be treated with vaccines to prevent disease.

Organic farming is also concerned with protecting the environment and working in harmony with existing ecosystems - including conserving water, soil and energy, and using renewable resources and natural farming cycles.

Traditional farming methods are often used, such as rotating crops to prevent nutrient depletion in soil and integrating crops and livestock.

Pesticides and other chemicals in organic food

Also, some naturally occurring pesticides are permitted for use in organic farming and include:

pyrethrins

light oils

copper

sulphur

biological substances (such as Bacillus thuringiensis).

Organic food is a growing industry

The Australian organic food industry is booming. In 2021, the retail value of the organic market was estimated to be at least $2.3 billion. Australia has seen a compound annual growth rate of 13% since 2012, with the number of certified organic operations increasing by 38% since 2011.

Consumer demand for organic food is growing at a rate of 20 to 30% per year. It is estimated that more than 6 out of every 10 Australian households now buy organic foods on occasion. Popular products include fruit and vegetables, beef, non-alcoholic drinks, nuts and ready to eat foods.

Reasons to buy organic food

Most people buy organically-grown food products because they are concerned about , , antibiotics or other chemical residues, and believe organic food is healthier.

Other reasons include - concerns with the impact of conventional farming on biodiversity and the environment, and the ethical treatment of livestock.

Organic food and nutrition content

lower nitrate levels

higher vitamin C levels

higher levels of some minerals (such as phosphorous, magnesium and ).

Organic food and ethics

Organic foods promote more humane treatment of animals, as well as providing meat that is free from hormones and antibiotics.

Also, some people worry about the long-term health, economic and environmental consequences of GM foods and choose organic foods in support of an industry that does not use GM techniques.

Organic food is better for the environment

Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by diversifying their crops, using physical weed control, and animal and green manure.

Organic food outlets

You can buy organic food from:

some supermarkets

some green grocers

health food shops

some fresh food and farmer's markets

certified organic retailers.

Organic food is often more expensive than conventionally produced food. This is because organic farming generally operates on a smaller scale and production is more labour intensive. Also, without herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals, yields are generally smaller.

Organic food certification

Organic farms are only certified after they have been operating according to organic principles for 3 years. However, the use of the word 'organic' is not regulated in Australia, so it is important to make sure that products you buy come from certified growers and producers.

Before 2009, a standard (guidelines and rules) did not exist for domestic and imported organic foods. This led to a misrepresentation of the word 'organic' in the Australian domestic food market.

Two key standards now govern the production, processing and labelling of organic food in Australia. These are:

The National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce (for exported foods)

The Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products (for domestic and imported foods).

These standards provide an agreed set of procedures to be followed in organic food production. This helps to ensure the integrity and traceability of an organic food product from 'paddock to plate'. The standards include requirements for production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic products in Australia.

While it is mandatory for exported organic produce to be certified and meet the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, the Australian standard (for domestic and imported foods) is not mandated, and certification is voluntary. Its purpose is to assist the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to ensure claims made about organic and biodynamic products are not false or misleading.

'Organic-certified produce' means the food was grown, harvested, stored and transported without the use of synthetic chemicals, irradiation or fumigants.

How to identify food certified as organic

Suggestions for making sure the food you are buying is organically grown include:

If you are buying from an organic retailer - check for the Organic Retailers' and Growers' Association of Australia (ORGAA) notice, which should be prominently displayed.

Check packaging for the grower's name and certification number.

Do not be fooled by packaging that claims the produce is 'natural' or 'chemical free' if the proper certification labelling is not displayed.

Accredited certifying organisations

Organisations classified by the Australian government as organic certifiers:

Some certifying organisations have their own standards in addition to the National Standard.

Biodynamic food

Biodynamic farming is a type of organic farming pioneered by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. It uses traditional farming methods with prescribed preparations and places strong emphasis on ecological harmony and environmental sustainability.

In Australia, biodynamic foods are covered under national organic certification.

Organic gardening

increases levels

reduces

is inexpensive and helps you save money

- reduces food packaging and waste, uses less chemicals, saves water and lowers energy use and emissions

food is fresh and ready to harvest

encourages - food is more nutritious and reduces our consumption of processed foods.

Where to get help

Tel. -

Tel.

Tel.

Your local supermarket, food retailer or greengrocer

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Organic foods are farmed in a more environmentally sustainable way than conventional foods.

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About this film

From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

Share

Movie Resources

Credits

The Story of Stuff was written by Annie Leonard, Louis Fox, and Jonah Sachs, directed by Louis Fox and produced by Free Range Studios. Executive Producers included Tides Foundation and the Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption. It was released in December 2007.

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About this film From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.

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Only 10% of native plants can be bought as seed – a big problem for nature repair. Here’s how we can make plantings more diverse

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The need to restore native vegetation is clear, but we can’t properly repair nature without good, diverse supplies of native seeds.

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Global food production has resulted in significant biodiversity loss, new research shows

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Agricultural and fishing practices are changing the biodiversity and stability of entire regions.

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Volunteers | Ballarat Wildlife and Conservation - BWRAC

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Become a volunteer with BWRAC & help Australian Wildlife, BWRAC needs its members to be active and its volunteers to be passionate about the care and rehabilitation of our wildlife and their environments. Volunteering to help our native wildlife is a

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One cat, one year, 110 native animals: lock up your pet, it’s a killing machine

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Roaming pet cats kill 390 million animals per year in Australia. Most of the animals are native to Australia.

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Choosing Plants Our program has a focus on indigenous plants but that doesn’t mean that other plants are not good to have in the garden too. Indigenous plants mix well with exotics and attract more local wildlife such as butterflies and native pollinators. All plants contribute something to a

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Sport produces mountains of high-tech waste. We are finding new ways to recycle it

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Strong, light composite materials have revolutionised many sports. But these composites are notoriously hard to recycle

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Yes, paper straws suck. Rather than bring back plastic ones, let’s avoid single-use items

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President Donald Trump has ordered his government to stop using paper straws. A better approach is to avoid using single-use products.

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About this film

The Story of Electronics, released in November 2011, employs the Story of Stuff style to explore the high-tech revolution's collateral damage-25 million tons of e-waste and counting, poisoned workers and a public left holding the bill. Host Annie Leonard takes viewers from the mines and factories where our gadgets begin to the horrific backyard recycling shops in China where many end up. The film concludes with a call for a green 'race to the top' where designers compete to make long-lasting, toxic-free products that are fully and easily recyclable.

Share

Movie Resources

Credits

The Story of Electronics was co-created and released by The Story of Stuff Project and the Electronics Take Back Coalition, which promotes green design and responsible recycling in the electronics industry.

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The Story of Electronics - Story of Stuff

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About this film The Story of Electronics, released in November 2011, employs the Story of Stuff style to explore the high-tech revolution's collateral damage-25 million tons of e-waste and counting, poisoned workers and a public left holding the bill. Host Annie Leonard takes viewers from the mines and factories where our gadgets begin to the...

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For the majority of Australian food shoppers, the decision to buy organic is a discretionary one. Often – though not as a rule – sold at a higher price than conventional alternatives, o…

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Environmental Benefits of Organic - Australian Organic

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Organic food is produced using sustainable farming methods that imitate natural ecological processes. Organic food production does not disrupt ecosystems with the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers or GMOs which may be harmful to the environment.

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How Organic Farming Benefits The Environment | Australian Organic Food Co

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Organic farming benefits are broad and far reaching from better soil health and reduced carbon emissions to cleaner waterways and greater biodiversity. Read more about the benefits of organic farming on our blog!

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Buying sustainably & ethically produced food | Food Fairness Illawarra

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Supporting A Food System That’s Fair on The Environment We all have the power to invest in the type of food system we want to be a part of. We have a simple choice as consumers, between food produced using unsustainable, intensive, industrialised agriculture – or food grown using sustainable and ethical practices.

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WWF strongly believes that the palm oil industry can grow and prosper without destroying tropical rainforests by adhering to the princes and criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. We actively promote this standard to producers of palm oil, and encourage buyers and users to only purchase products containing Certified Sustainable Palm Oil.

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WWF strongly believes that the palm oil industry can grow and prosper without destroying tropical rainforests by adhering to the princes and criteria of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. We actively promote this standard to producers of palm oil, and encourage buyers and users to only purchase products containing Certified Sustainable Palm Oil.

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Teens volunteering protects against poor mental health

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A new report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) has found that if a child is involved in volunteering before the age of 13, the odds of having poor mental health are reduced by around 28%.

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Being a volunteer has lots of benefits. It can bring meaning and purpose to your life, while increasing your self-esteem and wellbeing. Volunteering can also relieve stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression. As well as having a positive impact on your community, volunteering can improve your relationships.

Volunteering explained

Volunteering is spending time willingly to help someone else without being paid. It can be formal or informal. Informal volunteering includes helping friends and family with things like babysitting, home repairs or caring. Formal volunteering usually takes place through a charity or other not-for-profit or community organisation.

There are many organisations that actively seek volunteers. These include areas such as:

What do you hope to get out of volunteering?

Volunteering can be very meaningful and enjoyable, and in turn may be good for your mental health and wellbeing.

Volunteering can:

give you a sense of achievement and purpose

help you feel part of a community

help you feel better about yourself by improving your self-esteem and confidence

help you share your talents, learn new skills and create a better work-life balance

help combat stress, loneliness, social isolation and depression

help you meet new people, which can help you feel more connected and valued

Social benefits of volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and build healthy relationships. It strengthens your ties to the community and exposes you to people with similar interests.

Volunteering also gives you the opportunity to practise and develop your social skills.

Because volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others, it can also help you develop a solid support base. As well as helping to protect you against stress and depression, volunteering can help with mental health recovery.

More information

Last reviewed: September 2021

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Being a volunteer has lots of benefits. It can bring meaning and purpose to your life, while increasing your self-esteem and wellbeing. Volunteering can also relieve stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression. As well as having a positive impact on your community, volunteering can improve your relationships.

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Eat the Invaders: Feral cats - ABC Education

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Tony Armstrong visits Yookamurra Sanctuary in South Australia, a dedicated safe haven for some of the country’s most threatened species to speak with wildlife ecologist and ranger Dr Aly Ross about feral cats.

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The impact of roaming pet cats on Australian wildlife | Biodiversity Council Australia

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This factsheet summarises research findings on the impact of Australia’s pet cats on wildlife. It also provides information for cat owners and local government organisations about how to reduce the impact and improve the welfare of pet cats.