BEING ECO-FRIENDLY CONSUMERS
BEING ECO-FRIENDLY CONSUMERS
We all know that an unpolluted and unspoiled environment is
important to the well being of all species. But somehow, even
though we talk about it often enough, we do not very often get around
to practicing it in our daily lives. Today, the large scale production, use
and careless disposal of consumer goods and services, excessive use
of fossil fuels for energy generation and transport,
excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers in
agriculture, cutting down of forests and disposal
of raw sewage and toxic waste into water bodies
and sea are highly threatening and dangerous to
the fragile ecosystems.
Hazards to nature include
The Indian Government has set up a Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) and also Pollution Control Boards in all States for the prevention,
control and abatement of pollution.
The Boards try and ensure that the ‘polluter pays’ principle is adhered
to. However, the Government cannot perform this task alone. We, as
consumers, must be aware that the increasing pollution will affect us the
most and must help in the task of reducing pollution and in conserving
natural resources.
An example of pollution today is the waste being generated in cities and
towns. A lot of packaging material thrown consists of plastic material,
which is largely non-biodegradable. Segregation of waste and appropriate
disposal techniques for each kind of waste category is probably the only
solution to scientific waste disposal.
We can contribute to protecting the environment by
We all know that an unpolluted and unspoiled environment is
important to the well being of all species. But somehow, even
though we talk about it often enough, we do not very often get around
to practicing it in our daily lives. Today, the large scale production, use
and careless disposal of consumer goods and services, excessive use
of fossil fuels for energy generation and transport,
excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers in
agriculture, cutting down of forests and disposal
of raw sewage and toxic waste into water bodies
and sea are highly threatening and dangerous to
the fragile ecosystems.
Hazards to nature include
- Š Unsustainable and increasing use of natural resources
- Š Increasing pollution (air, water, land, noise)
- Š Loss of forest cover and wildlife habitats
- Š Excessive concentration of harmful pesticides in the soil and consequently in the food chain and water sources
The Indian Government has set up a Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) and also Pollution Control Boards in all States for the prevention,
control and abatement of pollution.
The Boards try and ensure that the ‘polluter pays’ principle is adhered
to. However, the Government cannot perform this task alone. We, as
consumers, must be aware that the increasing pollution will affect us the
most and must help in the task of reducing pollution and in conserving
natural resources.
An example of pollution today is the waste being generated in cities and
towns. A lot of packaging material thrown consists of plastic material,
which is largely non-biodegradable. Segregation of waste and appropriate
disposal techniques for each kind of waste category is probably the only
solution to scientific waste disposal.
We can contribute to protecting the environment by
- Š Practicing the 4 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse
- Š Using environmentally friendly and less harmful products
- Š Conserving natural resources and energy
- Š Segregating waste
- Š Practicing sustainable consumption – which ensures better quality of life
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