Can you describe the three most significant causes of environmental pollution?

I've discussed the topic of environmental pollution on this platform several times before. We all know how bad pollution is for the environment, but unfortunately, many of us still keep doing it even though we know the harm it causes. The problem is so vast that it's not just about grasping its impacts, but also understanding why and how it came about. Let's explore the three major causes of environmental pollution.

The first cause is industrialization. Industries have grown a lot all over the world. But these factories also create pollution without meaning to. They make products, but at the same time, they dirty the land, the sky, and the water. The air gets filled with smoke from the factories, which makes breathing difficult for us. Moreover, waste water from factories ends up in rivers, polluting our water supply. Reducing this pollution, even slightly, could significantly decrease pollution levels.

The second major cause is our negligence. We're so busy in our daily lives that we often overlook the environment around us. We use plastic bags, which take years to degrade, and thoughtlessly dispose of trash wherever we please. Likewise, we have increased our car usage, a major contributor to air pollution. A little mindfulness could help us control these factors and maintain a clean environment.

The third major cause is deforestation. We are cutting down trees to meet our needs, forgetting that these trees provide us with oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. When these trees are cut down, carbon dioxide levels rise, leading to global warming. Moreover, trees strengthen the soil. When they are removed, the soil erodes.

What are some effective ways to prevent environmental pollution?

We might think that fighting pollution is too hard, but there are actually many easy things we can do every day to help clean up the environment.

One effective strategy is to follow the “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” principle. We can do a lot for the environment by using less and throwing away less. Also, we can save money and pollution by using things again and again or making new things out of old ones!

Another good way to stop pollution is by using clean energy sources like the sun, the wind, and the water. These renewable resources are becoming more popular and accessible, and they’re a great alternative to traditional fossil fuels that pollute the air.

Planting more trees is also a fantastic way to combat pollution. Trees release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, helping to clean the air. Plus, who doesn’t love a beautiful green landscape?

Using public transportation is another effective way to reduce pollution. Fewer cars on the road means less air pollution, so consider taking the bus or train instead of driving alone.

Choosing environmentally friendly products is another simple way to prevent pollution. Many companies now offer eco-friendly options that are better for the environment and often better for our health too!

Finally, proper waste disposal is crucial in preventing pollution. Make sure to dispose of your waste correctly and avoid littering to help keep our soil and water clean.

Don’t forget, everything we do, even if it’s little, can affect the environment. By doing these easy things every day, we can all help reduce pollution.

How does environmental pollution affect all living beings, including humans, in your opinion?

Pollution doesn’t just hurt the land, the sky, or the water. It actually hurts every living thing, whether it’s a person or an animal.

Starting with humans, when we release excessive carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air, they mix with the atmosphere. We breathe in this polluted air, leading these pollutants into our lungs. This can cause lung diseases and provoke issues like asthma and allergies.

Similarly, when we dump industrial waste into rivers and seas, the water becomes polluted. If we drink this water or bathe in it, we can develop skin diseases or digestive problems. When we dispose of our garbage on land, it contaminates the soil. If we grow crops in this polluted soil, they too become tainted. Consuming such crops could lead to various health issues.

Now, turning to animals. Our oceans are so filled with plastic that some creatures mistake it for food, leading to their death. Similarly, when we dump our waste in forests, animals may ingest it and develop health problems.

Birds also fall victim to pollution. When they drink polluted water or eat contaminated food, they can develop health issues.

So, you can see that environmental pollution doesn't just impact our environment, but all living creatures. We are damaging our environment for our convenience without realizing that the repercussions of these actions will come back to us.

Have you ever participated in activities to keep your environment clean?

Indeed, I remember vividly from my childhood, specifically when I was in 5th grade at a government school, our class teacher used to assign five students each day the responsibility of keeping the classroom clean. On our designated day, we would arrive at school 30 minutes earlier and clean the classroom before the rest of the students arrived. We would pick up wrappers and other trash, putting them in the trash bin, and arrange the desks. We took particular care in cleaning our class teacher's chair. Those were such remarkable days! 😍

Fast forward to 2019, while I was teaching in a private college, a day was dedicated to a tree-planting campaign. Teachers and students collaboratively planted new saplings around the campus. I, too, actively participated in this endeavor alongside my students. 🌳

Moreover, on a personal level, I try to keep my home clean. It truly bothers me to see disordered things or litter anywhere. I’ve always liked cleanliness and arrange things neatly in my room. Being a Muslim, cleanliness is considered a significant part of our faith and our religion, Islam, designates it as half of our faith. Hence, I never neglect this aspect.

What is one message that everyone should remember to maintain a healthy environment?

To curb environmental pollution, I have a simple message: "Our Future, Our Responsibility." It means that our future is our responsibility. We need a clean and healthy environment for us and our kids to have a good future.

Let's try to understand that our every little action impacts the environment. If we recycle a plastic bottle, we can contribute to keeping the environment clean. If we plant a tree, we can help keep the environment healthy. If we use public transport, we can help reduce pollution. But we can only do this if we take it seriously. If we understand this, we can keep our environment healthy and secure our future.

^{Author: @waqarahmadshah | Date: 06-July-2023 | Achievement 1}