Preservation of the Environment: what is the importance and how to preserve

The preservation of the environment refers to the set of practices that aim to protect nature from actions that cause damage to the environment, such as pollution, forest degradation, animal extinction and global warming.

Due to the current economic model, based on high levels of consumption, human beings have caused countless damages to the flora and fauna on the planet, causing environmental imbalances irreversible.

Excessive waste production, contamination of ocean and river waters, air pollution, effect greenhouse and climate change are just a few examples of the consequences of environmental degradation in course.

As a result of these imbalances, several species of animals are endangered or are at risk of becoming extinct. In this way, the planet's biodiversity is altered, putting the future of the next generations at risk.

Faced with this scenario, actions to preserve nature are indispensable, both on the part of government officials, who must establish rules and limits for the use of natural resources, as of each individual in their day-to-day.

How to preserve the environment?

For the conservation of nature and guarantee of sustainability it is necessary to create public norms and policies that prevent degradation, both at local and international scales.

Currently, several international agreements and treaties are signed between countries with the aim of reduce waste production, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and degradation of forests.

One of the examples of these actions is the Kyoto Protocol, signed by countries belonging to the United Nations with the objective of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, which intensify global warming.

But in addition to the measures adopted by international and governmental bodies, all individuals can contribute to the preservation of the environment through some changes in their practices daily.

know more about greenhouse effect and global warming and Kyoto.

Check out some tips on how you can contribute to environmental preservation:

1. Save water: you can save water with simple precautions, such as avoiding open faucets or long baths. Furthermore, it is possible to optimize the use of water with the use of a rainwater catchment system, for example.
2. Separate the trash: sorting waste is a very efficient way to help recycled materials go to recycling points and become raw material for other products instead of garbage.
3. Make compost: you can compost the organic waste you produce, so in addition to reducing the amount of waste eliminated, you will have excellent organic compost to put in your plants.
4. Save electricity: use electricity only when necessary, turn off lights when you are not in the room, and turn on electronic devices only when using them. Enjoy natural sunlight and replace your lamps with more economical models.
5. Avoid using the car: whenever possible, make your journeys by bicycle, on foot or by bus. Burning the fuel removes carbon dioxide from the air, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the intensification of global warming.
6. Reuse and buy only what you need: avoid buying products that you already own or that can be purchased second-hand. Also, before making a purchase, think about whether you really need that object, we often buy it unnecessarily.
7. Respect environmental laws: environmental laws determine the areas of environmental protection and the permitted fishing periods, for example. Fishing during breeding seasons can lead to species extinction and, consequently, environmental imbalances.
8. Collect cooking oil: never pour cooking oil down the sink! In addition to clogging the pipes, when there is no adequate depletion, the oil can reach rivers and cause water contamination. Reserve the used oil in a bottle and then take it to the oil collection points.
9. Prefer companies with environmental commitment: when purchasing a product, research the company and avoid contributing to corporations that pollute or do not properly dispose of the waste they produce.
10. Reduce beef consumption: the production of beef, in addition to requiring a high consumption of water, causes the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), which intensify the greenhouse effect and raise the planet's temperature.

know more about carbon dioxide and greenhouse effect.

Importance of environmental preservation

Preserving the environment is preserving life, not just for human beings, but for all existing species. After all, if natural resources are not used sustainably, the next generations are put at risk.

In addition, air and water pollution, soil contamination and excessive use of fertilizers are already responsible for health problems, such as respiratory, lung, heart and cancer.

See also the meaning of pollution, biodiversity and ecosystem.