You want to help animals, but where do you find the time or the money? Here are 10 fast and free tips that let you make a difference right away while leaving your wallet intact.

In 30 seconds you can:
 • turn off unused lights and unplug electronics you're not using. This reduces energy consumption and confusing light pollution that affects bird flight patterns.
 • slap your vehicle hood loudly when you climb into your car. The noise startles any small animals that may have sought the warmth and safety of your engine, and allows them to escape before you turn the ignition.

In one minute:
 • pop a couple of reusable shopping bags into your car and use them on your next errand trip. This keeps plastic bags out of our landfills and ditches, and away from foraging animals.
 • add a line to your email signature encouraging readers to spay or neuter their pets. Research shows altering one cat can prevent up to 20,000 unwanted kittens in just four years.

In 5 minutes:
 • put your cleaning supplies up in a secure cupboard or a container with a tight fitting lid so pets and children can't reach them and become accidentally poisoned.
 • carry a plastic bag or other litter container in your vehicle and use it. Empty it regularly and feel good knowing you've helped create a safer, healthier and prettier environment for all.
 • move your bird feeder a few feet away from your window. This reduces the chance of a bird confusing its reflection with that of a rival, attacking it and hurting itself in the process.

In 10 minutes:
 • pick up litter around a favourite park or walking trail. Leaving a place cleaner than you found it makes you feel good, knowing you have created a safer place for all creatures.
 • put a grid, netting or cover over your rain barrel or other water container so small animals and children can't fall in and drown.
 • attach a sturdy towel to the edge of your swimming pool to hang into the water. Pets can rarely navigate the slippery sides of a pool. The towel provides small animals with something to grab and pull themselves out of the pool should they fall in.