Tackling the Root Causes of Biodiversity Loss: What Can We Do?

The planet is at a tipping point. A recent IPBES report—a landmark study on biodiversity—delivers a stark warning: we are not doing enough to stop the devastating loss of nature​. And the root causes? They’re embedded in overproduction, overconsumption, and short-term thinking.

Every second, the equivalent of one truckload of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill​ a shocking example of how unsustainable consumption is destroying our ecosystems. If we don’t act now, we risk losing vital natural systems like forests, wetlands, and oceans that are crucial for life on Earth.

At Terry, we know we’re not perfect, but we’re here to help tackle these systemic problems—empowering individuals to turn their small actions into collective impact.

The Three Main Causes of Biodiversity Loss

The IPBES report identifies three core drivers of biodiversity decline:

Overproduction and Overconsumption
The sheer volume of goods produced and consumed is overwhelming the planet. Fast fashion, single-use plastics, and resource-intensive industries are accelerating environmental degradation.
What Terry Thinks: We focus on necessary purchases. Our mantra is simple: “The best purchase is the one you don’t make. For all the others, use Terry.” By partnering with brands to fund climate action, we help ensure every purchase contributes to a solution rather than the problem.

Concentration of Wealth and Power
Systems driven by profit often prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Subsidies for destructive practices like industrial agriculture, fishing, and fossil fuels are further entrenching this cycle​. What Terry Thinks: Through transparency and accountability, we channel funds to vetted, impactful projects. From reforestation to marine restoration, we support initiatives that regenerate nature and benefit local communities.

Individualism and Short-Term Thinking
 A culture of “consume now, worry later” has normalized unsustainable habits. While systemic changes are needed, individual choices remain powerful tools for change.
What Terry Thinks: Terry bridges the gap between individual actions and systemic impact. Every time you shop through Terry, you’re contributing to climate projects that restore ecosystems and help tackle biodiversity loss.

From Individual Choices to Collective Impact

The scale of the biodiversity crisis can feel overwhelming, but collective action is transformative. As the IPBES report makes clear, small changes—when multiplied across communities, can shift the trajectory.

Here’s how you can help:

• Buy less, choose better: Focus on quality and necessity to reduce consumption.
• Support climate action with Terry: Every purchase through Terry funds projects that protect and restore nature.
• Advocate for change: Use your voice to support policies and initiatives that prioritize sustainability.

A Shared Responsibility

Stopping biodiversity loss requires bold, systemic changes alongside small, conscious decisions. While we’re not perfect, Terry is built on the belief that together, we can create monumental impact—one choice at a time.

Let’s rethink how we consume, invest in nature, and finance the future. Join us in turning every necessary purchase into a step toward a healthier planet.

Sources

• IPBES Report: https://ipbes.net
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation: “A New Textiles Economy” Report
• UN Environment Programme, “Global Biodiversity Outlook”

Join Terry Today

Ready to transform your purchases into action? Together, we can tackle biodiversity loss and restore the natural world.