Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources like air, water, and soil or destruction of ecosystems. It is caused by factors like population growth, poverty, urbanization, modern agriculture, industrialization, and transportation. Some simple ways to overcome environmental degradation include replacing disposable items with reusable options, reducing paper usage, conserving water and electricity, supporting local and environmentally-friendly businesses, and properly recycling.
2. Meaning of Environmental Degradation
Definition: Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the
environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and
soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. It is
defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to
be deleterious or undesirable
3. Causes of environmental degradation:
(1) Population Explosion: One of the main causes of environmental
degradation is the tendency of population explosion in India. As a result of
it, pressure of population on land has increased very much and land is being
exploited ruthlessly. Population explosion has caused large-scale
deforestation to make use of the land for:
(i) Agriculture,
(ii)Construction of houses for urban population
(b) construction of river valley projects for irrigation and power supply.
4. (2) Increasing the poverty : Number of persons living
below the poverty line is very large in India. These people
cut trees for their subsistence and thereby exploit natural
capital.
(3) Increasing Urbanisation: Tendency of urbanisation has
gained momentum after independence. As a result,
demand for houses and other public amenities has
increased tremendously. To meet this increasing demand,
land and other natural resources have been excessively
exploited.
5. (4) Modernisation of Agriculture: Consequent
upon modernisation of agriculture, effect of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides has
increased very much. It has also contributed
to the rise in pollution. Causes of
environmental degradation:
(5) More Rapid Industrialisation: After
independence, Indian economy has witnessed
rapid inIt has added to air pollution, water
pollution and noise pollution.
(6) Multiplicity of the Means of Transport: It
has also been another main cause of the
problem of environment. It resulted in large-
scale air and noise pollution.
6. Means Of Overcoming Them
The First 5 Are Simplest Ways To Overcome These Problems
1. Replace disposable items with reusable
2. Pass on paper
3. Conserve water & electricity
4. Support local & environmentally friendly
5. Recycle
7. 1. Replace disposable items with reusable
Anything you use and throw away can potentially spend centuries in a landfill. See below for
simple adjustments you can make to decrease the amount of disposable items in your daily life.
Carry your own reusable cup or water bottle
Use airtight, reusable food containers instead of sandwich bags and plastic wrap
Pack a waste-free lunch: carry your utensils, cloth napkin, and containers in a reusable
lunch bag
Bring your own bags to the grocery store
Consider buying bulk containers of your preferred beverages and refilling a reusable
bottle, instead of buying individually packaged drinks
Use rechargeable batteries
8. 2. Pass on paper
We are living in the Digital Era, but think about all the paper products you use in your daily life. These
actions still align with reusing and repurposing, though may take a little more time for transition.
Join a library instead of buying books or buy a Kindle
Print as little as possible; and if you must, print on both sides
Wrap gifts in fabric and tie with ribbon; both are reusable and prettier than paper and sticky-tape
Stop using paper towels and incorporate washable cloths
Look at labels to make sure you only use FSC-certified wood and paper products
Cut out products made by palm oil companies that contribute to deforestation in Indonesia and
Malaysia
9. 3. Conserve water & electricity
The tips you see below will seem like no-brainers; however, it may take to become more aware of your
unconscious habits.
Turn the sink water off when brushing your teeth
Water the lawn in the morning or evening; cooler air causes less evaporation
Switch off anything that uses electricity when not in use (lights, televisions, computers, printers, etc.)
Unplug devices when possible; even when an appliance is turned off, it may still use power
Remove chemicals inside of the house; research companies that use plant-derived ingredients for their
household cleaning products
Remove chemicals outside of the house; use eco-friendly pesticides and herbicides that wont contaminate
groundwater
Consider signing up for a renewable energy producer that uses 100% renewable energy to power homes
10. 4. Support local & environmentally friendly
Here are a few reasons to start buying local:
Reduces plastic and paper waste
Boosts cost-efficiency
Enables bulk purchasing
Helps support your neighbors
Retains farmland within the community
Builds up the local economy
Uses fewer chemicals for both for growing and transporting
11. 5. Recycle
Implementing recycling habits into your daily life is one of the most effective ways to help lessen landfill
waste, conserve natural resources, save habitats, reduce pollution, cut down on energy consumption, and
slow down global warming.
Confirm you are using the proper separation containers for your household per the local recycling
services
Remember to make sure your trash bags are recycled or biodegradable, and always cut up the plastic
rings from packs of beer or soda to prevent wildlife from getting caught
Educate yourself about what can and cannot be recycled, as not all plastic and cardboard is acceptable
(like pizza boxes for example, due to the grease)