Pollution Pervades: Understanding the Causes and Solutions
By: Khursheed Ahmed Rather
Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we’ve been ignorant of their value.” – R. Buckminster Fuller
This quote highlights the idea that pollution is not just a problem in and of itself, but also a symptom of our failure to properly value and utilize our resources. If we were more mindful of the value of our natural resources and took steps to harvest and utilize them in sustainable ways, we could prevent much of the pollution that plagues our planet. Pollution is the insidious accumulation of pernicious effects that inflict harm upon all aspects of society, including humans, plants, and animals.
Our society is culpable for polluting the environment in multifarious ways, such as household waste, polythene, and excessive use of pesticides in agriculture, which can be pernicious for the environment. Pollution touches every corner of the planet, imperiling our health through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
The sources and types of pollution are exceedingly diverse, as are the solutions to combat them. Hazardous chemicals in paints, cleaning compounds, dyes, electronic products, and numerous other household substances can cause pollution if not managed appropriately. Ecosystem functions are also at risk.
Air pollution is a significant concern caused by indoor air pollution from the use of solid fuels for cooking at home and outdoor pollution resulting from burning fossil fuels, forest fires, and burning waste. Tobacco smoke also contributes to air pollution, leading to respiratory and heart diseases in humans, and even lung cancer. Air pollution is also suspended in water bodies, endangering aquatic life and forcing animals to leave their habitats and move to new places.
To control air pollution, filters for chimneys in homes and factories can be used. It is also essential to avoid products that use chemicals or have a strong smell, such as paint or perfume, and to plant trees to release oxygen.
Water is a vital resource for all life on Earth, and water pollution can cause health problems in humans, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Water pollution occurs when a body of water becomes contaminated, usually by chemicals or microorganisms, making it toxic to humans and the environment.
With the massive use of plastic, it is estimated that 4.8-12.7 million tons of waste enter the ocean every year. Garbage from people discarding used items such as food packages is washed into the sea by rivers. Water pollution has severe effects on human health and well-being, and steps must be taken to reduce water pollution and protect the quality of our drinking water.
To control water pollution, boiling water is an effective way to purify it. Avoid pouring cooking fat or any other fat, oil or grease down the sink and use only minimal amounts of soap and/or bleach when washing clothes or dishes. Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load, minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and do not dispose of these chemicals motor oil, or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer system.
Soil can be defined as the organic and inorganic materials on the surface of the earth that provide the medium for plant growth, making it an essential component of the Earth’s ecosystem. Without soil, life for humans, animals, and plants would be challenging.
Soil pollution occurs due to the discharge of hazardous waste and sewage, unsustainable farming practices such as heavy use of inorganic pesticides, and strip mining, deforestation, and other destructive practices. When people do not dispose of their waste properly, it can end up in the soil, contaminating it and making it dangerous for plants and animals.
To control soil pollution, farmers should use the required amount of fertilizers and pesticides in the paddy field and avoid excessive use of them. Organic farming should be encouraged by using organic soil-friendly fertilizers and natural fertilizers. It is also vital to avoid deforestation and create awareness about the significance of proper waste disposal. Soil pollution affects human health in various ways, and we should take appropriate measures to combat it.
Cleanliness, a virtue that mirrors faith, holds the power to transform our society. As denizens of this planet, we bear the weight of responsibility to maintain a pristine environment, for our actions impact the entire ecosystem. Neglecting our duty towards nature invites detrimental consequences, impeding our path to a wholesome existence. Hence, to lead a fulfilling life amidst our community, we must endeavor to uphold cleanliness and hygiene standards, for it are the cornerstone of a healthy society.”
(The author is currently pursuing B. A from Degree College Kangan)
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