Everything in this world is connected. An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that work together . If there is no sunlight, air, water and soil , the plants will die. Therefore, animals that depend on plants will die too. What will happen to man without animals and plants around? Remember that all things should work together to make a balanced system.
Nowadays, our healthy ecosystem is seriously damaged by human interaction, natural disasters and climate changes. Man is the main disturbing agent of the Earth. Human activities such as the increasing deforestation, illegal logging, mining, hunting and fishing destroy the natural resources. Environmental problems due to the pressure of growing population and modern technology like the industrialization, transportation, improper waste disposal and exploitation of water resources that cause pollution give great destruction to our surroundings. We need to protect the environment and conserve the ecosystem to help save our dying planet.
Forests are important in maintaining ecological balance and preserving the life of the Earth because they are the natural habitats of animals and plants. They are also essential in all aspects of human survival like food production. One way to conserve the ecosystem is to preserve our forest, all the natural resources and the wilderness in them. Plant more trees and make the surroundings clean and green. Stop deforestation and illegal mining. These will prevent soil erosion and floods brought about by natural calamities disastrous to man causing loss of lives and properties.
It is not impossible to bring together ecosystem conservation and economic development. Environmental protection is not a hindrance to increase our life standards. Progressing human population and advancement on technology will not greatly affect our natural resources if man possesses proper values to prevent pollution of the environment. Educate friends about proper waste disposal and sanitation. Let us preserve the ecosystem through composting and recycling. Composting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus which fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. It is free, easy to make and good for the environment because it offers natural alternative to chemical fertilizer. Biodegradable wastes like fruits and vegetables scraps, leaves and grass cuttings, wood ash, sawdust, eggshells, animal manures and shredded papers will be disposed properly as compost making them beneficial garbages. Recycling is a process of collecting non-biodegradable wastes like glasses, papers, metals, plastics, textiles, electronics turning them to useful trashes. Processing these recyclable materials through “reduce, reuse, recycle” ( 3 R’s ) will lessen the pollution in the environment. We say no to plastic bags and use paper or cloth bags instead. Technology-wise, make less use of greenhouse gases spreading components like chlorofluorocarbons ( CFC’s ) in airconditioners and refrigerators which causes depletion of the ozone layer. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate changes through less use of sprays and propellants.
We should develop caring attitude and love towards nature. Advocate preservation, restoration and improvement of natural environment. Environmental education campaign will make people realize the value of natural resources and promote prevention of their loss. Restore endangered animals in parks and wildlife. Coastal clean-up will improve the aquatic environment and protect marine life. Replace destructive human activities with tourism and recreation. Let us be aware and learn to integrate environment protection and conservation of the ecosystem in strenghtening human values and discipline to sustain economic and social progress of our country.
Life must be characterized by a sense of responsibility , not only human to human, but also human to other forms of life.
By: MYLA L. PASTOR | SPED TEACHER I | Antonio G. Llamas Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
