Protecting the environment is a common goal, at least because from a purely selfish point of view not doing so has consequences that affect everyone. In this article we propose some measures to put into practice to get closer to the goal.
Last update: May 21, 2020
Protecting the environment is a goal that should be shared and pursued by all human beings. Various sources engaged in the study of environmental impact, such as Greenpeace and FAO, confirm, data in hand, that our planet needs more attention. But what can we do for the environment?
According to the FAO, 8,8 million hectares of forest disappear every year. According to research, this damage has a strong impact on each of us, as it represents an attack on biodiversity. Consequently, there is a strong loss of energy sources and natural spaces, essential for the planet to continue to be a habitable place.
For this reason, protecting the environment can only be a common goal. And to the question "what can we do?" the answer is simple: carry out small daily gestures that together make it possible to preserve nature. In these lines we will focus on simple activities to put into practice to be in line with this goal.
"What we are doing to the world's forests is nothing more than a reflection in the mirror of what we are doing to ourselves and to others."
-Mahatma Gandhi-
What can we do to protect the environment?
Reduce, reuse and recycle
Reduce, reuse and recycle refers to the "three R rule" introduced by the Greenpeace organization; consists in putting into practice consumption habits whose main objective is to reduce the volume of waste generated, promoting the responsible consumption of resources.
Reduce refers, in the first place, to minimizing the resources consumed, that is, reducing the consumption of energy and goods. In this sense, you can start with simple habits such as closing the taps when not in use, avoiding leaving appliances connected to the electricity grid, using energy-saving light bulbs and making the most of natural light.
Reuse means using an appliance, tool or object again for the same or different use. For example, using supermarket bags again or using old boxes to store items. Reusing also means creating with waste or already used materials: making vases with glass bottles, etc.
Always with the aim of protecting the environment, recycling consists in separating waste with the idea that it can be subjected to a transformation or recovery process. That is, differentiate between plastic, glass, cardboard and general waste to introduce them in the corresponding container. The next question is: while most of us know what recycling is, do we really know how to recycle properly?
"Reusing means using the imagination to create objects from something already created"
Take care of your surroundings
The environment belongs to everyone and therefore we are all obliged to use it responsibly; or a take care of the environment around us.
For example, we protect the environment if, when we are in a public place (beach, park, swimming pool, etc.) we leave it as we found it, removing any waste generated and keeping it clean and cared for.
"We share the earth, not only with humans, but with all other creatures."
-Dalai Lama-
Protect the environment by thinking about alternatives for transport
Sharing the car to go to work, opting for public transport to get around, choose the bicycle as a means of transport and, when possible, walk to reach the desired destination are the different transport alternatives that allow us to make our small contribution to protect the environment. Why is it important to do so?
Well, reducing the number of road vehicles reduces pollution, since the choice of these transport alternatives has a lower environmental impact than the CO2 emissions produced by the combustion of cars, as indicated by Greenpeace data.
In short, the Earth belongs to all of us, and it is therefore the responsibility of the individual to protect it. As George Holland states, when we witness environmental deterioration, the quality of life of all living beings, including us, suffers.
«Climate change has increased dramatically in recent years, mainly due to global warming caused by the high increase of CO2 in the atmosphere and extremely harmful to the environment. It's up to us to stop it and look for more respectful ways of interacting with the planet. "
-Oxfam Intermon-
