Worst of all, we don't know how long the fires will continue. Of course it has to stop. Now. Immediately. Help by skipping that one meal out or buying that one less bottle of wine in the supermarket. Every little bit contributes (cliché, but true) and donating is super easy, even to the other side of the world. Don't just donate: look carefully at where you leave your money. These are the best and most easy access tips:

Would you prefer to donate to one Dutch organization and via iDeal (for example, if you do not have a credit card or PayPal account), this is possible
* Red Cross NL on IBAN NL02INGB0000 0051 25 or via GIRO 5125
* IFAW, International Fund for Animal Welfare. This organization does everything it can to save wild animals from the forest fires.
* Via a Tick you can donate directly to WWF Netherlands. The link to the Tikkie can be found at the top of the Insta van WWF Netherlands.

Now, of course, it's not just about donations. It is also about educating ourselves on how we can prevent these gigantic fires:
* In Australia, the voice of indigenous people is becoming bigger and better heard. @drmngnow is committed to the indigenous communities (who often have very little anyway) who have been affected by the fires. And in this Instagram video says one indigenous fire worker that Australia has always known fire and knew how to handle fire well. Until we forgot to listen to the signs of the land that could cause unstoppable fires.
* The most dramatic images are those of the koalas, kangaroos and other animals that are victims of the fires. These two major organizations are committed to protecting and... saving the animals: @portmacquariekoalahospital en @wildlifevictoria
* There are many Instagram/social media initiatives (TOP) and we thought this was one of the best: spendwiththem. This organization promotes small local entrepreneurs from villages affected by the fires. Because after the fires comes the aftermath and reconstruction. AND our help is needed with that too.

* Consume less. Now we were already under the spell of Marie Kondo. And now we have another nice reminder to buy less. Less mess especially. We have written it down a hundred times: buy less (also saves money and results in a tidy house and mind), choose well (choose the sustainable, natural option when possible), make it last (which is a good excuse to really nice but slightly too expensive jacket).
* Now, we're not here to talk about politics. Because boring, often not attractive and oh so colorless. But vote for a party that also has an eye for the animals and the environment has a high position will help prevent environmental catastrophes and animal suffering.
*Go outside, into nature. When you spend a lot of time in nature, you not only feel a lot better, you also learn to take better care of nature. Hug a tree. Or a stranger on the street. Do.
* Travel into nature preferably. For the environment, it is certainly better to be close than far away. But certainly, you may, or should, have been to Australia at least once in your life. And when you do it, do it right the first time. The tips below will help you get to a damn wonderful end. And you would you flight kilometers can not be purchased compensate (makes a difference) for example with Trees For All. Just saying.