Protecting and Preserving Our Environment Essay

Our planet Earth is dying. This is a fact that we are experiencing, caused by our own behaviors. The term â€Å"dying’’ is true, because our lifestyle is causing serious damage to the environment and might lead to the termination of humanity if those actions are not stopped. We all share a role in protecting and preserving our environment because it is the primary and the only place for us to live and develop new generations. We all are consumers, but there is a huge difference between a wise consumer and an average consumer in terms of protecting the environment and homeland. As consumers, we always look for the lowest price without putting in mind the potential damage a product can cause to our environment. A perfect example is plastic bottles. We always buy plastic bottled products without knowing whether they are recyclable or not. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of plastic bottles are not being recycled (Greenupgrader.com). A nonrecyclable plastic bottle may last as long as 1000 years before it biodegrades completely (Answers.com). Another notable fact is that 1 ton of recycled plastic bottles would save more than 7.4 cubic yards of landfill (Earth911.com). If we all move to buying recyclable bottles and recycle them, we would save our environment from mountains of discarded bottles. Also, we may save our environment from tons of toxic vapors caused by burning plastic bottles. Controlling air pollution is another crucial factor in preserving our environment. In the past, people were not worried about the potential harm the environment is exposed to because of their acts; however, they became much concerned and alarmed nowadays after they sensed the symptoms of the global warming. We all know about global warming and its side effects. We also know that we are all accused of that problem because of our actions, but why don’t we stop it? If we all try to reduce main factors of air pollution; we would decrease the global warming, and how is very easy. Reducing the use of fossil fuels is an excellent example. Hybrid or fully electric cars can produce 25% to 90% less toxic emissions than an ordinary gas powered vehicle (carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com). This means if we buy hybrid or fully electric cars; then we would contribute to the environment by reducing tons of toxic emissions from fossil fuel powered vehicles. Those toxic emissions cause about 51% of Carbon Monoxide in the air; which is an extremely toxic gas and fatal in high concentrations (thegoodairlady.com). Another great example of reducing air pollution is sharing a ride when commuting to work or school. Sharing a ride or â€Å"carpooling† reduces the number of running vehicles on roads and thus reducing the toxic emissions from them. If 500 people use carpooling every working day, then we would contribute to the environment by reducing as much as 60% of the total carbon monoxide in the air. Controlling air pollution is extremely important; however, excessive water consumption is even much more important and essential to humanity and next generations. Water is becoming scarce in different parts of the world, and this is because we don’t know how vital water conservation is. It is estimated that over 1.5 billion people worldwide do not have access to safe and fresh water to drink (Matt Scott). Isn’t 1.5 billion an astonishing number? , and don’t you think it is time to reduce our consumption not only for us, but also for the next generations? There are many ways to conserve water. One good example is the use of low flow shower head. A low flow shower head may reduce about 15 gallons of water during an average 10 minute shower (environment.nationalgeographic.com). In addition, we all have to regularly check our house for water leaks. Undiscovered water leakage could waste as much as 15,000 gallons of water a year. Moreover, try to avoid filling the bathtub and instead use the overhead shower. Taking a bath wastes about 70 gallons of water, while a normal 10 minute shower wastes only 20 gallons. The difference may not be significant, but over a long period, it does matter. Finally, I think if the majority of us went to one of the mentioned solutions and acted mindfully, then we would save our precious environment from pollution, water scarcity, and many other serious environmental issues. Environment conservation starts with me, you and all occupants of planet earth, so let us start protecting our lives and have a brighter future for the next generations. Works Cited Gunzelmann, Doug. â€Å"Plastic Bottle Facts Make You Think Before You Drink† August 2008 www.greenupgrader.com/3258/plastic-bottle-facts-make-you-think-before-you- drink/ Gunner, John. â€Å"How Long a Plastic Bottle Last Before it Decompose† April 2010 www.wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_for_plastic_water_bottle_to_decompose Earth 911 â€Å"Plastic Recycling Facts† June 2007 www.earth911.com/recycling/plastic/plastic-bottle-recycling-facts/ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning â€Å"A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning† www.carbon-monoxide-poisoning.com/article5-hybrid-car-emissions.html Sage Blossom Consulting. ‘’Car Pollution Facts’’ August 2007. www.thegoodairlady.com/car_pollution_facts_000233.html/ Matt, Scott. â€Å"40 Shocking Facts About Water’’ June 2009. www.metadornetwork.com/change/40-shocking/facts-about-water/ National Geographic â€Å"Water Conservation Tips† www.environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-conservation- tips/