5 ways to support wildlife with your wallet

Every year on March 3rd, we celebrate World Wildlife Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife and biodiversity.  

This year, the theme is all about “Wildlife Conservation Finance” and how we urgently need sustainable funding to protect wild animals and their habitats.

While large-scale investments from governments and businesses are crucial, individuals like you can also contribute in meaningful ways. Every day, we make financial choices – where to shop, what to invest in and even where to bank, and these decisions can add up to big impacts to help protect wildlife and their habitats.

Here are five easy, but impactful, ways you can contribute to wildlife conservation through your financial choices: 

1. Choose responsible investments and sustainable banking 

Did you know that some banks invest in industries that harm wildlife, such as deforestation, factory farms and fossil fuels? By choosing a bank or credit union that supports sustainable initiatives, you can ensure your money isn’t funding environmental destruction. Many smaller institutions focus on social and environmental responsibility, providing alternatives to the big banks. 

Tip: Some institutions consider the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact of their business practices to reduce poverty, promote social well-being, and prevent environmental risks. You can look for their ESG report on their website to see if Agroecology or animal welfare are included.

2. Donate to organizations dedicated to conservation efforts

One of the most direct ways to support wildlife is by donating to organizations that protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. Even small contributions can make a big impact when used effectively. 

Tips:

• Choose organizations with transparent financial reports to ensure your donation is used effectively for animals.
• Set up a monthly donation to provide consistent funding for conservation projects. 

3. Support companies that give back to conservation

Many brands are integrating conservation into their business models, donating a portion of profits to wildlife protection efforts. By choosing sustainable and ethical brands, your purchases can help fund critical conservation projects.  

Tip: Buy from brands that are certified B Corporations or contribute to conservation efforts. 

4. Advocate for government and corporate accountability

Public funding and corporate responsibility play crucial roles in wildlife conservation. By advocating for stronger environmental policies and urging companies to invest in nature, you can help direct more funding towards protecting wildlife.

Tips:

• Sign petitions that call for increased government funding for conservation. 
• Write to companies urging them to adopt sustainable business practices. 
• Vote for leaders who prioritize environmental and animal protection policies.
• Support our work investigating the sustainability and welfare impacts of corporations and financial institutions.

5. Be a conscious consumer

Everything we consume – from food to fashion – has an environmental footprint. By making more conscious choices, we can reduce the strain on natural ecosystems.

Tips:

• Eat more plant-based meals to reduce the demand for factory-farmed animal products.
• Shop second-hand to limit deforestation and habitat destruction! 
• Use carbon offset programs to counteract the impacts of travel and energy usage. 

Your financial choices matter

Our everyday actions drive collective change. By choosing ethical banking, supporting sustainable brands, donating, advocating and reducing consumption, you’re investing in a future where wildlife, ecosystems and humans thrive.

Our work to drive sustainable finance

At World Animal Protection, we’re exploring how impact investing can drive positive change for animals and the planet and pushing financial institutions to consider sustainability and animal welfare in their decisions.

In November 2024, we joined experts from Farm Credit Canada and private equity funds at the Sustainable Finance Forum to discuss innovative ways to fund sustainable agriculture and food technology. Industrial animal agriculture is a major driver of biodiversity loss, and we’re committed to shifting investments towards solutions that protect wildlife. This includes promoting plant-based alternatives, increasing animal welfare innovations, supporting the protein transition to spare land for wildlife and expose the risks of investing in destructive industries like factory farming.

On this World Wildlife Day, learn more about wildlife conservation finance, and find out how you can help invest in people and the planet by following our work in 2025.