Things You Can Do

Natural resources are materials that occur naturally (without human intervention). They provide aesthetic and cultural values, scientific interest, or commercial and industrial uses.

Consumption of natural resources has increased by growing population and modernized lifestyle. Human beings have over-exploited these resources for their continued survival on the planet. Hence, we must take action to conserve and ensure a continuous supply of these resources.

1. Planting trees to prevent soil erosion

Soil is what bring terrestrial life to the planet Earth (oceanic life in some way as well), but it is excessively being eroded. Erosion can be controlled by planting trees and vegetation. Vegetation plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystems by providing precipitation and an oxygen-rich atmosphere for maintaining life on this planet. They act as habitats for insects, birds, wildlife, and other small plants.

2. Grow vegetation in catchment areas

Catchment areas are the source of water, involving the flow of water into streams, rivers, seas, and oceans. Absorption of water into the deeper layer of soil will be enhanced by growth of vegetation in catchment areas that shall also increase the groundwater level.

3. Green technology to conserve minerals

Green technology controls the reverse effects of human activity on planets. In mining, green technology will reduce carbon emission in operations and diminish unpleasant environmental impacts. The usage of minerals and metals also support low-carbon technologies such as solar panel and wind power.

4. Conserve water through advanced technologies

Ninety-seven percent of earth’s water is salty ocean water and two percent is ice-caps glaciers. The rest is freshwater which is either found in rivers or as underground aquifers. It is essential to conserve the already scare freshwater resources through following techniques.

• Drip irrigation

It delivers water directly to plant roots by the drip irrigation system and reduce evaporation that happens with the spray water system.

• Capturing and storing water

Ponds and rain barrels should be built near agricultural land to store precipitation for use throughout the year. Properly managed ponds can also create habitats for local wildlife.

• Install water-saving equipment

Taps should be replaced from high volume to high pressure and low volume. In industries water can be conserved and reused after effluent treatment plants and sewage treatment plants for flushing toilets and floor cleaning.

• Rain harvesting systems

Rain harvesting during rainy seasons is another practice of water conservation. Water can be conserved through water barrels at home, industries, and agricultural lands. In this way, usage of water directly from water bodies is minimized. The harvested rainwater can be used for watering the lawn, cleaning the floor, washing cars and bicycles, and irrigation.

• Construction of reservoirs

The dams are the source of hydroelectric power and regulate the amount of water that is used daily.

5. Using renewable energy resources

Solar energy from the sun, geothermal energy from the heat inside the earth, wind energy, biomass energy from plants, and hydropower from flowing water are booming renewable energies and much better than fossil fuels. These alternative forms of power are bio-friendly because they do not produce harmful greenhouse gases that damage the ozone layer and mitigate air pollution.

6. Transition to Bioenergy

Bioenergy produced from biofuels cause lower emission of greenhouse gases. It is produced by biogenic waste like manure, biosolids, food wastes, treated sewage, and municipal solid waste that can be converted into liquid fuels and products. Bioenergy can replace fossil fuels (coal, crude oil, natural gas).

7. Develop policies to regulate poaching

Many of the wild animals are killed by poaching which has driven endangerment and extinction. Poaching is a significant threat to biodiversity and causes the extinction of many species like elephants, leopards, rhinos, and sold in black markets. Policies andregulations need to be put in place and strictly implemented to stop poaching worldwide.

8. Practice of in-situ or on-site conservation of wildlife

This includes the conservation of natural habitats of animals and create wildlife sanctuaries national parks and protect natural forests.

9. Practice Ex-situ or Offsite conservation of wildlife

If conservation of animals and plants is not possible in their naturally occurring habitats then pollen banks, botanical gardens, DNA banks, zoos, and tissues cultures should be established. This will ensure the long-term survival of plants and animal species.

10. Translocation of wildlife

The rapid increase in population has caused a decline in habitats of wild animals. Translocation includes moving wild animals to safe areas where there are safe from human interference.

11. Formulate regulations to stop overfishing

Overfishing disturbs aquatic life and diminishes fish available in oceans and rivers. So, regulations to avoid overfishing should be put in place.

12. Conserve petroleum products

Fossil fuels have been a primary source of energy for many centuries but now depleting rapidly. Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel are alternative source of energy that replace. They are friendlier for our environment and reduces air pollution and gives an oxygen-rich atmosphere for a healthy life.

13. Advancement in Offshore well construction and operations for oil drilling

Oil is the black gold and a non-renewable natural resource that is declining at a fast pace. Technologies such as dual gradient and managed pressure drilling prevent oil leakage. Development in this technology is focused on preventing oil spills.

14. Use pipeline to transport oil

Oil usually leaks during shipping and these oil spills are catastrophic to flora(plants) and fauna(animals) resulting in the deaths of many species in ocean. Therefore, the pipeline system is safer, more efficient, and modern way to transport oil.

15. Use of biogas in houses

Today, Liquefied petroleum gas is a source of fuel in our houses. The continuous use of LPG will result in the depletion of the oil reserve. Biogas is the best alternative source of LPG. This is produced by fermenting biomass (cattle dung and biogas plants). Biogas also help mitigate methane gas emissions and carbon dioxide emissions.

16. Buy hybrid cars

Hybrid cars use electricity (electric batteries) and reduce gas consumption. This has allowed to people with minimal use of environmental degrading fossil fuels.

17. Recycle and reuse plastics

Paper and plastic bags create tons of garbage and cause water and soil pollution. Recycling and reuse of papers and plastic bags will decrease overall pollution.

18. Reuse old furniture to reduce deforestation

Nowadays, it is common to dispose off old furniture and purchase new furniture. For reduction of deforestation, old furniture should be sold off or denoted to charity. The old furniture can be re- sculptured and redecorated to save wood.

19. Composting

Composting is a great method to decompose foodstuff into useful materials for gardens and soil fertility. Composting enriches the soil with nutrients and minerals and decreases watering by improving runoff and decreasing waste pollution.

20. Digital Media Mass Awareness Program

Online campaigns and movements should be run globally to raise awareness about conservation of natural resources for sustainability and a better planet for our future generations.