Conserving the environment is important, both to those living on the planet now and those of future generations. The Earth has a limited number of natural resources, and some of those resources are vanishing quickly. Deforestation, air and ground pollutants, and human consumption are the primary causative factors behind the depletion of resources. The best ways to conserve resources is to use less, reuse as much as possible, and reduce the amount of toxins released into the air.
While the term “natural resources” encompasses many things, from fresh air to solar power, those that are in the most danger of being depleted include coal, fossil fuels, water, and trees. There is a limited amount of coal and fossil fuels on the earth, and they are being used for everything from heating homes to running cars. Fresh water is in jeopardy primarily because of pollution, and while trees can be replaced as they are cut down, it takes many years for them to grow back to a useable size.
Using fewer natural resources is one of the best tips for conserving the environment, as it allows those resources to last longer. While large acts, such as replacing all the old household appliances with ones designed to save energy, are good long-term goals, smaller acts can be just as effective if enough people do them. Taking a shorter shower, turning off lights when they are not in use, and switching over to an electronic bill-paying system rather than a paper one can all make a difference.
Finding a second purpose for items that would traditionally be thrown away is another method of conserving the environment that doesn’t require too much effort. With a little imagination and redesigning, a thoroughly cleaned pickle jar can be turned into a bank for coins; a coffee container can become a pencil holder, and a cereal box can become a magazine or paper storage center. While packing lunches in reusable containers is ideal, even plastic baggies can be reused by washing them out and drying them on the dish rack.
Toxins released into the air often fall back to the earth in rainwater, which then permeates the ground and affects the safety and usability of freshwater sources. These toxins come from a number of sources, including household cleaners, exhaust from cars, and smoke released by factories during manufacturing of certain goods. Reducing the amount of toxins in the air is helpful in conserving the environment as well as increasing the overall health of the population, as toxins can cause respiratory problems. Switching to household cleaners that do not contain harmful chemicals, sharing a ride or taking public transportation to work, and recycling paper, plastic or aluminum goods can all help decrease the level of toxins in the air.
Conserving the environment is a ongoing process that should involve the whole family. Teaching children the benefit of preserving natural resources and keeping the environment clean can help ensure future generations are aware of the issue. Staying up to date on new advances in environmentally friendly technologies is also helpful, as researchers are continuously seeking alternatives to current environment-damaging goods and services.
