The Museum of Lost Species
The Museum of Lost Species is a morbid place that only opens its doors for a few days a year; a place where the voices of species long gone echo from the walls. Our creepy curators are eager to tell you all about the Lost Species within the Museum and their plans to fill it up with more. Will you help them on their malicious mission or will you join up with the 'conservationists' outside and try to save species from entering the Museum forever?
The 'CLOSE THE MUSEUM' Campaign
THE CONCEPT
We wanted to create an out-of-the-ordinary exhibit that highlights how we, as humans, have the power to cause detrimental effects to the environment and the millions of species that live in it, and also show the ways that we can protect the Earth's vibrant biodiversity. Through our creepy curators and an opposing team of campaigners, the exhibit allows visitors to explore their role in biodiversity loss and think about what they can do in the future.
WHERE HAS THE MUSEUM BEEN?
The Museum of Lost Species opened its doors for the first time in August 2018 at the Green Man Festival, in Brecon Beacons, Wales - pictures pending.
How can you help?
The facts and figures are scary (just take a look at the Museum's Annual Report!), but each person can make a difference to protect the environment, and prevent further biodiversity loss.
Living sustainability doesn't have to be difficult. Listed below are some of the things that you could think about to start making a positive impact on the environment.
1. What am I eating?
Raising animals for food is the single greatest human-caused source of destruction to our environment. It is the largest source of greenhouse gases, land use and degradation; the number one source of water pollution and rainforest deforestation! Reducing the amount of meat and dairy you eat is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Though it's best to find local produce, as all those exotic avocados have flown from across the sea!
2. Where does my food go?
Food should go into our stomachs, but so much food actually goes in the bin! Love Food Not Waste gives some great tips on how to reduce food waste. But what about those banana skins and leftover lettuce? Well, creating your own compost bin is a fun and enviro-friendly activity - the Royal Horticultural Society explains how in this easy video.
3. What products do I use?
Every product we buy seems to be covered in plastic, and we buy so many things! Try and make a list in your head of all the products you buy or use that include plastic - it's crazy, and it doesn't have to be this way. Use refillable water bottles, buy fruit & veg without plastic wrapping and don't ask for a plastic straw. Companies will change to recycled materials if they get enough customer pressure to do so.
4. Am I an energy guzzler?
As much as we'd love the world to run off the sea, the sun and the wind, it doesn't (yet!). To get our energy we have to burn non-renewable resources which release damaging gases into the environment, causing a wide-range of effects to climates across the globe. What ways could you reduce your energy consumption?
How did the Museum make you feel?
Have you been to the Museum? We'd love to find out how it made you feel! Send us an email at learning@linnean.org to let us know.
Here are some of our favourite quotes:
The museum is terrible. The animals are exactly the same as us. You wouldn't like it if a giraffe killed you and used your fingers for forks.
Good simple examples which took me to the forest - get all our 8 year olds to see these examples and to convert their parents
Stop the world I want to get off! A real insight into how we are wrecking the place. Would love to know how we can reserve the damage done.
Careless actions have significant consequences
Be kind to our planet - GO VEGAN
Fill the hunters with chocolate and let them explode
Put a force field around every animal in the world
The museum made me feel worried about different species
Spend more time surrounded by nature - learn to love it - go camping more!