ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION

The process of protecting the environment from pollution and exploitation is

referred to as environmental protection. The overarching goal of protecting the
environment is to make it a healthy place for the present and future generations.
The environment is continuously facing degradation due to human activities and
thus our planet is on the verge of depletion. People are exploiting the natural
resources without giving a thought to its adverse consequences on the earth and
its living beings. However, we can still come together and save our environment
from the inhumane activities. We all know the importance of environmental
protection. In other words, we can also say that we can’t deny the importance of
protecting the environment. In the name of upgradation of lifestyle, the human
being is causing harm to the environment. In this era of development, our
environment is facing a lot of destruction. It has become very much necessary to
stop the condition from getting worse than what it is now. Thus there arises an
awareness of environmental protection in the world.
Some factors like the growth of population, illiteracy, deforestation are
responsible for environmental pollution on this earth. The human being is the
only animal on this earth who plays an active role in the destruction of the
environment. So it is none but only human being can play a vital role in the
conservation of the environment. A US-based organization the Environmental
Protection Agency is doing a lot to spread awareness among people to conserve
the environment. In Indian constitution, we have environmental protection laws
that try to protect the environment from the cruel clutch of the human. The
environment has been providing free service to all the living organisms on this
earth from the very first day of this earth. But now the health of this
environment is seen deteriorating on a daily basis due to the negligence of men.
The gradual deterioration of the environment is leading us towards the
doomsday. So there is an urgent need of environmental protection.

A number of environmental protection agency are formed across the globe to

protect the environment from being destroyed. In India, The Environment
protection act 1986 is forced with an attempt to protect the environment. This
environmental protection law is implemented after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in
1984. All these efforts are only to protect the environment from more
degradation. But still, the health of the environment has not been improved as
expected. A united effort is required for environmental protection.
Ways to safeguard the environment:

1. People should start conserving water which is the most essential component
of life. We should close all taps after use and should encourage rainwater
harvesting to preserve water and combat the water crisis.
2. Save electricity by switching off all the lights and devices when not in use.
Try to incorporate solar energy panels that do not cause any pollution and
contribute to sustainable living.
3. We should use public transport to reduce air pollution levels. Also, we must
not throw waste into the water bodies to prevent water pollution.
4. Recycling and reuse of products must be encouraged along with the use of
paper bags instead of plastic ones.
5. Promote afforestation and reforestation to increase green cover on the earth.
6. Do not waste food and water. The food and water you waste hold much value
to the people who do not get it easily.

How to protect Environment in daily life:

We can follow some simple steps in our day to day life to protect the
environment such as:

1. We should minimize the use of Disposable paper plates: – Disposable

Paper plates are mainly made from wood, and manufacturing of these
plates contribute to Deforestation. In addition to that, a huge amount of
water is wasted in the production of these plates.
2. Maximize the use of reusable products: – One-time usable products
of Plastic and paper have a very bad impact on the Environment. In
replace of these products, we must use the reusable product at our
home more and more.
3. Use Rainwater harvesting: – Rainwater Harvesting is a simple
method of collecting rainfall for future uses. The collected water by
using this method can be utilized in different works like gardening,
rainwater irrigation etc.
4. Use Eco–friendly cleaning products: – We must maximize the use of
eco-friendly cleaning products rather than traditional products which
rely on synthetic chemicals. Traditional cleaning products mostly
made from synthetic chemicals which are very dangerous to our health
as well as our environment.
Environmental Protection laws:

There are six different environmental protection laws in India. These laws not
only protect the environment but also the wildlife of India. After all, wildlife is
also a part of the environment. The environment protection law in India are as
follows: –

1. The Environment Protection Act of 1986

2. The Forest Conservation Act of 1980
3. The Wildlife Protection Act 1972
4. Water prevention and control of pollution Act 1974
5. Air prevention and control of pollution Act 1981
6. The Indian Forest Act,1927

Few important Environmental Issues:

 Oil Drilling- This issue is one that causes a great deal of environmental

destruction. Our dependence on fossil fuel is a global addiction that
affects every aspect of the world. Oil spills and offshore drilling poison
marine life, oil drilling (on land) suffocates the earth, and the combustion
of fossil fuels add to the increased atmospheric CO₂, which in turns
causes the progression of global warming and ocean acidification.
 Deforestation- Millions of acres of forest are cut down for industrial
benefit, such as large-scale farming, oil mining, and the production of
paper goods. Deforestation causes wildlife and biodiversity extinction
because the loss of habitat threatens many species’ existence. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has a Red List of
environmentally threatened species with up-to-date information.
 Production of Plastic Goods- Currently our society creates a great deal of
waste and much of that waste consists of plastic. According to the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2010 alone 31 million tons of
plastic waste was created. This waste ends up all over the globe in both
land and water, a good example is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Not
only is plastic waste an issue, but the production of plastic is also
dependent on fossil fuel combustion. According to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration (EIA) in 2010 191 million barrels of liquid
petroleum gases (LPG) and natural gas liquids (NGL) were used in the
U.S. alone to produce plastic goods.
Environmental Pollution:

Environment is the surroundings in which we live. But the contamination of

our environment by pollutants is environmental pollution. The current stage of the
earth that we are seeing is the cause of centuries of exploitation of earth and its
resources. Moreover, the earth cannot restore its balance because of environmental
pollution. The human force has created and destroyed life on earth. Human plays a
vital role in the degradation of the environment. The environmental pollution,
directly and indirectly, affects the lives of humans and other species. These living
beings co-existed on the earth with human from centuries.

Effect on Air:

Carbon and dust particles string up with the air in the form of smog, haze, and
smoke. These are caused by the emission of industrial and manufacturing units by
burning of fossil fuels, vehicle combustion of carbon fumes. It also affects the
immune system of birds.

Effects on Land, Soil, and Food:

Human’s organic and chemical both waste harm the land and soil with its
decomposition. Also, it introduces some chemical in the soil and water. Land and
soil pollution mainly caused by the use of pesticides, fertilizers, soil erosion, and
crop residues.

Effect on Water:

Water gets contaminated easily with any pollutant whether it is human waste or
chemical discharge from factories. Also, we use this water for irrigation of crops
and drinking. But, because of infection they become contaminated too.

Effect on Food:

Because of contaminated soil and water, the crop or agricultural produce also get
toxic. Furthermore, this contaminated food effect our health and organs. From the
beginning of their life, these crops are laced with chemical components that reach
a mass level until the time of harvest.
 Effect on Climate:

Climate change is also a cause of environmental pollution. Also, it affects the

physical and biological components of the ecosystem. Ozone depletion,
greenhouse gases, global warming all these climate changes are a cause of
environmental pollution.

Day by Day Tips to reduce Air Pollution:

 Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.

 Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.
 Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.
 Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being
careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely.
 Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,”
where available.
 Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.
 Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
 Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
 Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.
 Consider using gas logs instead of wood.

Basic tips to control pollution:

 Using public transports. ...

 Turn off the lights when not in use. ...
 Recycle and Reuse. ...
 No to plastic bags. ...
 Reduction of forest fires and smoking. ...
 Use of fans instead of Air Conditioner. ...
 Use filters for chimneys. ...
 Avoid usage of crackers.