Endangered animals can seem like a far-away problem, but there are likely threatened species, from birds to bears to bugs, in your own neighborhood.   Invasive plants that overrun native vegetation and invasive animals without existing predators can combine to devastate native animal populations. Note the difference between invasive and non-native species; invasive refers specifically to species that thrive and overtake native species. Many non-native plants and animals are just fine. In fact most of our animal and plant foods are not native. When planting, choose plants and flowers that are native to the area.  Native vegetation is more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and other animals that may be endangered. Remove invasive weeds and non-native plantings in favor of local varieties. Build bird feeders suited to native species. Eliminate the use of chemical pesticides in your yard or garden in favor of natural deterrents.  Give your local threatened or endangered species a fighting chance to thrive without dealing with unnecessary toxins.  Water runoff can spread pesticide chemicals far from your home as well, so you will be benefiting a larger habitat than you might think.  "Integrated pest management" is an option that relies on "natural" ways to combat pests and unwanted plants. If, for example, you have an aphid problem, try attracting lady bugs that feed on aphids. The feeling among people who practice permaculture (and others as well)is that if you have an abundance of snails or slugs in your garden, the problem isn't the abundance of snails and slugs, it's the lack of ducks who would eat the snails and slugs and keep them in check. Also, start composting to create natural, ultra-locally sourced fertilizer instead of relying on chemical-laced, long-distance hauled store brands. Many people dream of having the huge backyard with the pristine green lawn, but the growing encroachment of humans into wildlife habitats is a major cause of species endangerment.  Consider turning your yard into an edible landscape. In drought-stricken areas like California, focusing on using native and/or drought adapted plants can help animal species survive. When it is time to move to a new home, think carefully about the amount of space you really need.  Also consider the benefits of a smaller space (less mowing, for one!) as well as living in an area of existing development rather than a newly-carved suburban enclave. If moving is not on your to-do list, consider whether it is possible for you to reduce your footprint on your own property.  Would you be able to permit part of your land to return to a more natural state -- for instance, by replacing lawn space with native plantings that you allow to grow freely?
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One-sentence summary -- Look for local species that need help. Grow naturally. Consider your space needs.


If there are multiple Chinese restaurants around your area, take a look at each one of their menus.  Although many items on the menu will be similar or even identical, you might find more healthy options at certain places.  Some restaurants may offer a wider selection of certain foods.  Look for menus that have more steamed dishes, more vegetable dishes or are able to make changes or substitutions. Also check for a "healthy" or "diet-friendly" section of the menu.  Many restaurants now are catering to the large population of people looking to lose weight.  They may offer things under a certain calorie limit or that are cooked a bit healthier. Most Chinese restaurants offer a few different types of soup on their menu.  Starting with a soup can help curb your appetite and total calorie intake.  Studies have shown that if you start a meal by consuming a low-calorie soup, you end up eating less quantity and fewer calories overall.  Try order a "small" or cup of hot and sour soup.  This generally is about 100 calories and contains vegetables and broth. Although the soup may be low in calorie, it's most likely still higher in sodium.  Ask for a low-sodium option if available and plan on sticking to the small serving. No matter what entree or side dish you're in the mood for, try to go for the steamed option over fried.  This automatically cuts calories and fat.  Anything battered or marked as '"crispy" is deep fried, e.g. prawn crackers and spring rolls. Anything in batter means that it will be high in fat. If your order comes with the option of fried rice or steamed rice, always go for steamed.  Fried rice has over 100 more calories per serving than steamed rice.  Also go for steamed or stir-fried proteins.  Things like General Tso's chicken are deep fried and higher in calories.  Opt for a lower calorie option like chicken and broccoli. For appetizers, skip the egg roll and fried dumplings and order spring rolls or steamed dumplings instead.  Two steamed dumplings are only around 50 calories. Adding an extra vegetables to any dish — takeout or homemade — can help decrease the overall calorie content of the meal and help you stick to a healthier, more nutritious meal.  Adding extra vegetables to your Chinese takeout meal will help provide bulk to your meal.  That means you'll be eating the same quantity of foods, but filling up more on vegetables. Since vegetables are low in calorie and high in fiber, you'll get full and feel satisfied on fewer calories.  With any Chinese takeout dish, ask for extra vegetables.  If it comes with peppers and onions, ask for a double amount.  Or if you're ordering chicken and broccoli, ask for extra broccoli. You can also ask for an order of plain steamed vegetables or a side order of steamed vegetables.  Eat these in addition to your meal or toss them with your entree of choice. Another option to try is ordering brown rice.  Again, many restaurants are catering to healthy eaters and may offer this nutritious side.  Brown rice is considered a 100% whole grain.  It's less processed compared to white rice and is higher fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients.  Although brown rice is a more nutritious or nutrient-dense choice, it will have the same or very similar amount of calories to steamed white rice.  The benefit here is the added nutrition. There are a variety of different meals and types of foods that you can order to make Chinese takeout more healthy; however, don't forget about how it's cooked and served.  Ask for sauce on the side.  Many times, Chinese food is slathered and drowning in some sort of sauce.  Although usually very tasty, the excess amount of sauce can add up to a lot of extra calories.  Ask for the sauce to be served on the side and monitor how much you add. Also ask if your foods can be prepared with less oil or butter.  This can help cut down on fat and calories as well.  Ask about reducing the amount of soy sauce, MSG or salt that's added to your foods during cooking.  Although these ingredients don't come with a calorie content, they can help cut down on the overall sodium content of your meal.
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One-sentence summary --
Check out multiple restaurant menus. Start with soup. Go for steamed over fried. Always order a vegetable. Order brown rice. Make changes to the cooking methods.