Environment- Our Real Wealth!!!

Hello there,

And welcome back to yet another exciting article.

I hope you enjoyed reading the previous posts on Sustainability and Of Cuisine

Environment: Let us get down to some hard facts!!!

The 21st century has witnessed population explosion, excessive waste generation, destruction of natural resources in the name of development, and extinction of rich flora, fauna, and wildlife. As a result, humankind has been consuming more than what the Planet can regenerate.

Life on Earth remains wholly dependent on the ecosystems present worldwide. Be it humankind, animals, birds, insects, and micro-organisms- they are all indispensable. One cannot do without the other as each species has a specific role in the ecosystem. Their extinction will make survival difficult and problematic.

Remember our teachers taught us the food chain diagrams??? They stressed upon us the gravity of maintaining the cycle for continual existence.

This blog post aims to highlight the most crucial pillar and aspect of Sustainability- the Environment.

We often speak about the pristine beaches, rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls- whenever we want to take a break from the over-crowded cities and districts where we reside. The simple reason is our deep-rooted connection to Nature. However, the basic fact that humans forget is that, just like other species, we too are a part of the ecosystem. And are dependent on it for our existence.

Being blessed with an extremely powerful mind, the responsibility of maintaining a balance between Nature and development falls on our shoulders. In the circle of life, we must enforce this concept among our fellow humans as well.

To further explain, Earth has to be able to provide us with clean air, water, life-giving oxygen. Reduction in the use of fossil fuels, lessened carbon footprints have to be seriously considered as the way forward. At the same time, turning our attention to natural and sustainable business methods has assumed greater importance. The curbing of the ever-increasing global population is the need of the hour.

The strengthening of the Pillars of Sustainability- Economic, Social, and Environmental will solve many such issues. Hence, concepts like eco-friendly products, water conservation, waste management have become the buzz words.

In a few lines: What is Environmental Sustainability?

This term signifies -using the available natural resources in a manner that will benefit the present generation. But will be of use to the future generations as well. In short, the intelligent utilization of Natural Capital. It also revolves around syncing our lives in coordination with the available resources. Environment Sustainability also focuses on the use of renewable sources of energy. And abandon the excessive use of non-renewable sources of energy.

How to achieve Environmental Sustainability?

As the current trends indicate, man is running against time. The desire to consume has reached a level where we are relentlessly polluting the very air that we breathe.

Adapting to an environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle is the last resort. However, the propagation of conservation consciousness amongst individuals will be a small step towards a mammoth goal. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using bio-degradable products, and various other concepts have been gaining speed. (I will discuss a number of them in my subsequent blogs). And are being implemented far and wide. However, the pace has to be upped-maybe as fast as the Formula 1 cars to provide our future communities an equal opportunity to reap the benefits of such a fantastic Planet. And save it from total catastrophe and impending doom.

Hence, a few of the main focal points to be Environmentally Sustainable are:

Improving Air and Water Quality
Ensuring the fertility of the soil is maintained
Conserving the habitats of wildlife
Making conscious efforts to make the planet green
Avoiding the disposal of industrial waste in water bodies. Thereby protecting the marine life that exists.

Apart from the above, recycling or reusing products are also contributing factors.

It is heartening to see celebrities and NGOs encourage people and groups to adapt to a sustainable lifestyle. Upcoming entrepreneurs are venturing into recycled or upcycled products.

Although specific steps are being taken in the right direction, we still need to be more vigilant.

The Environment is the be-all and end-all for the survival of every living organism on Planet Earth. The situation is quite ironic. We aim to look for life on Mars. But are unable to ensure the continuity of our ultimate abode. The fact remains crystal clear that we need to secure ourselves from within. We have to allow resources to regenerate. Only then can we all survive.