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Writer's pictureDr Willard Wigan MBE

Small Things Matter in a Disappearing World. Together we can create a pollution-free environment

Updated: Jun 12, 2023

Hey everyone! 🌍✨ On the 5th of June, we celebrate World Environment Day, a global initiative to raise awareness and take action for a greener and more sustainable future. Our environment plays a vital role in supporting life on Earth, from the tiniest insects to the magnificent creatures that roam our planet. Let's take a moment to understand why it is crucial to protect our environment and what we can do to make a positive impact.

Dr Willard Wigan MBE the World's greatest micro sculptor stood in front of the world
Small Things Matter in a Disappearing World

The environment is home to an astounding variety of species, collectively known as biodiversity. This intricate web of life ensures the resilience and balance of ecosystems, but human activities are putting it at risk. Deforestation, pollution, and climate change threaten habitats and push countless species toward extinction.


That's why protecting the environment is so important. By embracing sustainable practices and conserving natural resources, we can help safeguard biodiversity and wildlife. Here are some simple steps you can take to contribute:

🌿 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste generation and support a circular economy.

💧 Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage and fix leaks to reduce water waste.

🚲 Adopt Sustainable Transportation: Opt for public transport, carpool, bike, or walk whenever possible.

🥦 Support Local and Sustainable Food: Choose locally grown and organic produce to reduce your ecological footprint.

🌳 Plant Trees and Restore Habitats: Participate in reforestation efforts and help restore natural habitats.

A unique micro-sculpture raising awareness about the environment
Disappearing World Trees in the Eye of a Needle

The environment plays an indispensable role in sustaining life on Earth, and its well-being should be a shared responsibility of every individual. World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th each year, serves as a global call to action to protect and nurture our planet. It reminds us of the vital importance of environmental conservation and encourages us to reflect on our impact and the actions we can take to preserve it.

Why is it important to protect the environment?

The environment encompasses all living and non-living components that coexist on Earth. It provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the resources we depend on for our well-being. Preserving the environment is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation: The environment is the foundation of Earth's biodiversity, hosting an incredible array of species. From the tiniest microorganisms to the majestic creatures that roam our lands and oceans, biodiversity ensures the resilience and balance of ecosystems. Protecting the environment safeguards countless species' habitats, preventing biodiversity loss and maintaining the delicate web of life.

  2. Sustainable Development: Environmental protection goes hand in hand with sustainable development. By embracing eco-friendly practices, we can create a harmonious balance between economic growth, social well-being, and ecological stability. Preserving the environment ensures the availability of natural resources for future generations while mitigating the negative impacts of human activities, such as pollution and climate change.

  3. Climate Change Mitigation: Our environment plays a critical role in regulating the global climate system. By reducing deforestation, promoting renewable energy, and adopting sustainable lifestyles, we can mitigate the impact of climate change. Protecting the environment is our best defence against rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the disruption of ecosystems that sustain life as we know it.

What small things we can do to protect the environment in a disappearing world?

Each of us has the power to contribute to the preservation of the environment in meaningful ways. Here are some actions we can take to make a difference:

  1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Practice the 3 R's to minimize waste generation. Opt for reusable products, recycle whenever possible, and support initiatives that promote a circular economy.

  2. Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage in your daily activities. Fix leaks, turn off taps when not in use, and consider installing water-efficient fixtures. Water is a precious resource that must be conserved.

  3. Adopt Sustainable Transportation: Whenever feasible, choose public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk instead of relying on private vehicles. These choices reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air quality.

  4. Support Local and Sustainable Food: Buy locally grown and organic produce. Reduce food waste by planning meals, composting, and supporting sustainable farming practices that protect soil health and biodiversity.

  5. Plant Trees and Restore Habitats: Trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and provide habitats for countless species. Participate in reforestation efforts and support organizations restoring and protecting natural habitats.

  6. Raise Awareness and Educate: Share your knowledge and passion for the environment with others. Encourage friends, family, and your community to embrace sustainable practices and advocate for policies that prioritize environmental conservation. Small Things Matter in a Disappearing World.


A micro-sculpture of 4 birds sat on Eyelash
An unpolluted and loving environment is so important to biodiversity and wildlife.

Small Things Matter in a Disappearing World - Why is the environment important to biodiversity and wildlife?

The environment forms the foundation for biodiversity and wildlife survival. Ecosystems provide the necessary resources, such as food, water, and shelter, for countless species to thrive. As humans encroach on natural habitats, disrupt ecosystems, and contribute to climate change, biodiversity and wildlife face significant challenges:

  1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Deforestation, urbanization, and land degradation destroy natural habitats, leaving species without suitable places to live and reproduce. Protecting the environment safeguards these habitats and ensures the survival of diverse plant and animal species.

  2. Pollution and Contamination: Environmental pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, has detrimental effects on wildlife. Pollution can disrupt ecosystems, harm aquatic life, and contribute to the decline of vulnerable species.

  3. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events threaten the survival of many species. Animals and plants must adapt or relocate to survive, but these changes often occur too rapidly for them to keep pace.

We preserve the environment by creating conditions for biodiversity and wildlife to flourish. It is our responsibility to protect these intricate ecosystems, allowing future generations to witness the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

A tiny micro-sculpture of planet earth in the Eye of a Needle
Planet Earth in the Eye of a Needle

Bees, butterflies, and trees play crucial roles in the environment and have significant impacts on various aspects of ecosystems. Here's why they are important:


Bees: Bees are key pollinators, responsible for pollinating a large portion of flowering plants, including crops that contribute to our food supply. They transfer pollen from the male parts (stamens) of flowers to the female parts (pistils), enabling fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits. Without bees, many plants would not be able to reproduce, leading to a decline in biodiversity and impacting the entire food chain.

A bee in the Eye of a Needle by Willard Wigan the world's greatest micro sculptor
Bee Careful - Disappearing World Collection, Wollaton Hall, Nottingham, UK

Butterflies: Similar to bees, butterflies also contribute to pollination. While they may not be as efficient as bees, they still play a role in the reproduction of plants. Additionally, butterflies serve as important indicators of the overall health of ecosystems. Their presence or absence can provide insights into the condition of habitats, the availability of food sources, and the impact of environmental changes. The decline of butterfly populations can indicate ecological imbalances and potential threats to other species.

A butterfly in the Eye of a Needle
Small Things Matter in a Disappearing World

Trees: Trees are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" due to their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. They help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Trees also provide habitat and food for numerous animal species, contributing to biodiversity. They help stabilize soil, prevent erosion, regulate water cycles, and improve air and water quality.

Four micros-sculptures of tress at different times of the year
Disappearing World Four Seasons Tress

In summary, bees, butterflies, and trees are all vital components of ecosystems. They support plant reproduction, contribute to biodiversity, help maintain ecological balance, and provide various environmental benefits that are essential for the well-being of both humans and other living organisms.


Remember, each small action adds up and contributes to the greater cause. Together, we can make a difference and protect our beautiful planet for future generations.

Dr Willard Wigan Stood in front of planet earth in space
Small Things Matter in a Disappearing World & Diverse World

Looking at little things to get big things done - Small Things Matter

We are a community thinking a little differently, creators of small changes. Sharing ideas, values, and success stories, inspired by microscopic art. My work is a message, the smallest art making the biggest impact on you. Encouraging you to look at little things, a reminder that small things matter. A tidal wave of success can be created by a community doing small things together. Imagine a planet that's more sustainable, a natural world that we live in harmony with rather than damage, and a more thoughtful society, discovering hidden talents within neurodiversity. Small things matter is a community of people, experiencing the world's smallest art, inspired to make little changes, combined together to get big things done.


Join the Small Things Matter Community https://www.smallthingsmatters.com/disappearing-world





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