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On July 28th every year, we celebrate World Nature Conservation Day, a National Day highlighting the significance of preserving our natural environment and resources. The reality is that without the latter, we wouldn’t be able to sustain our society, now or in the future.
You know how much I love our planet, and that’s why I researched the topic this week to help raise awareness about the crucial need to protect our precious natural resources. Why not join me in this mission and help me spread the message?! You can do so just by sharing this piece of information with your friends and family!
ABOUT WORLD NATURE CONSERVATION DAY
The concept of World Nature Conservation Day first originated in India, spearheaded by passionate individuals committed to preserving the Earth’s resources. In New Delhi, the Environmental Information System Centre (ENVIS) plays a proactive role in advocating for this day, with the backing of the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the Government of India. Many nations worldwide have, since then, united with India in honouring this significant day dedicated to our planet. But what exactly are we raising awareness about on this day?
The Earth’s natural resources include air, sunlight, soil, minerals, fuels, and water – all sourced from nature and utilised by humans on a daily basis. With nearly 8 billion people on the planet and this figure projected to surpass 9 billion by 2037, every day, these individuals, or rather all of us as a global population, rely on the Earth’s resources. And as the global population continues to grow, the demand for resources such as water, minerals, and fossil fuels is of course also increasing, putting a strain on the planet. Hence why the latter is suffering.
With these natural resources being used and extracted way more frequently than they have time to grow, they are now depleting. The growing concern is about what exactly is going to happen to us humans and the planet once we don’t have access to these resources anymore. Consequently, many individuals and groups have started emphasising the significance of preserving them, and that’s what World Nature Conservation Day is all about.
THE ISSUE WITH OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
Natural resources’ depletion happens when they are used up quicker than they can replenish, a pattern that originated back in the Industrial Revolution. With societal advancements and the introduction of convenient innovations, the need for raw materials skyrocketed. Obtaining these resources from nature poses the issue of unsustainable consumption. Hence why the Earth finds it challenging to meet our ever-increasing demands.
From overpopulation to overconsumption, from environmental pollution and deforestation to technological and industrial progress, it’s hard to pinpoint just one cause behind the issues we’re facing today. Unfortunately, natural resources are exhaustible and not infinite in quantity, and they can be exhausted by human actions.
Water
While water is abundant on our planet, with 70% coverage, only a small 2.5% of this is freshwater. The majority is saltwater, which is not suitable for human consumption. Freshwater resources are mainly in the form of ice or permanent snow cover, leaving only a limited percentage available for use. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, it is estimated that by 2025, 1.8 billion individuals will lack access to clean drinking water.
Coal
Being the most commonly used fossil fuel, coal is a non-renewable energy source. Predictions indicate that peak coal extraction will occur between 2025 and 2048. In 2011, it was projected that there would be sufficient coal to satisfy global needs for 188 years. However, if demand rises, this timeframe will shorten. Not to mention the ecological harm caused by coal mining, which makes the whole process even worse and actually harms the environment more than just extracting the coal itself.
Oil
Global transportation heavily relies on oil. According to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, there were 188.8 million tons of oil remaining in known reserves as of 2010. At the current demand rate, this oil is projected to last approximately 46.2 years to meet global needs.
Natural Gas
Back in 2010, which is the last known date I could find actual stats for, the estimated known reserves of natural gas were projected to last 58.6 years based on the current global production. Of course, since then global production as skyrocketed even more – just think of how many fast fashion retailers have popped out of nowhere in the last 10 years?!
Fish
Fishermen from various coastal provinces have noticed a decrease in their catch. Overfishing has led to the near-extinction of other marine species like tuna, for example. This is concerning as fish is a significant part of our essential food group. Not even to mention the presence of plastic in our waters – from actual plastic waste to microplastic pollution, we’re also losing fish to that.
Phosphorous
Phosphorus, essential for plant growth, is a key component in fertilisers. Experts predict that peak phosphorus levels will be reached by 2030, according to the Global Phosphorous Research initiative. Phosphorus is sourced from phosphorus rock and guano, but if we run out, we won’t be able to grow any more plants or vegetables and won’t have enough food to sustain ourselves…
Additional natural resources facing depletion are wildlife and forests, as I mentioned in one of my latest articles “It’s World Rainforest Day” as well as rare earth elements such as metals. With scarcity on the rise, the search for alternative energy sources like solar and wind power is becoming increasingly crucial.
Related – It’s World Rainforest Day
WAYS TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Minimising humanity’s combined carbon footprint and preserving natural resources to combat climate change can be what ensures a sustainable planet for generations to come.
We humans depend on natural resources for survival, yet not all resources are renewable, as mentioned above. Our food, water, air, and shelter all come from natural sources, so it’s crucial to conserve them for the well-being of the planet and humanity. The positive news is, there are easy ways to conserve these valuable resources.
Conserve Water
Reduce water wastage in your home by taking shorter showers or turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Utilise your dishwasher or washing machine only when there is a full load and consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances if feasible. Last World Water Day, I wrote an article about water scarcity and insecurity and how we can solve this issue. You can revisit the article below.
Related – World Water Day
Conserve Electricity
Another way to conserve natural resources is to turn off any electrical appliance we don’t need on. From turning off lights and televisions to unplugging appliances like portable air conditioners, toasters, and coffeemakers when not in use. If these appliances don’t get turned off, they can continue to use small amounts of electricity without us even noticing. Additionally, LED light bulbs require far less wattage than standard bulbs, so switching to this alternative lighting method can also help conserve resources.
Switch to Renewable Energy
While the use of renewable energy has been around for centuries, the urgency of climate change and global warming has prompted scientists and researchers to explore greener practices. Renewable energy sources replenish themselves, reducing the necessity to exploit new resources. So, embracing solar panels or wind energy can notably decrease our dependence on natural gas and mitigate resource depletion in the long run. If you can find a way to make it work for you, why not make the switch!?
Control Your Thermostat
Heating and air conditioning account for about half of your energy expenses. By lowering the heat by a mere two degrees during winter, you can save energy at home. Similarly, increasing the thermostat by two degrees in summer can also lead to energy savings and lower your monthly bills.
Compost
Composting is an excellent method to transform food scraps into valuable resources for your home garden. It enhances soil quality, decreases the necessity for watering by enhancing runoff to reduce soil erosion, and attracts beneficial organisms that reduce the need for pesticides or harmful chemicals. Additionally, composting promotes sustainability and helps decrease waste and pollution generated by food waste. If you want to learn more about composting and how to get this done at home, wherever this is, then you can check out my previous article.
Related – All You Need To Know About Composting
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Creating new products consumes resources, while recycling allows us to repurpose existing materials. So, producing fewer new materials can minimise waste, thereby reducing groundwater and air pollution. You can recycle plastic bottles, cardboard, glass and aluminium from the comfort of your home from pretty much everywhere in the UK and EU in general. This can really help, as the recycling of those items can help reduce the production of new ones.
Choose reusable goods
Avoiding single-use plastics is another way to conserve resources. Instead of buying water bottles, plastic cups, plastic toothbrushes or paper plates, opt for ceramic, metal, or glassware or bamboo. Use your own fabric grocery bags rather than plastic bags. Anything you can think of that you dispose of after one single use (think your make-up remover pad), think again – there are already reusable options out there in the market.
The truth is that I’m constantly looking for sustainable and ethical shopping websites and marketplaces, so feel free to open up pretty much any of my articles to find plenty of brand recommendations when it comes to where you should shop these items from.
Shop Thrifted
Visiting a thrift shop can make a significant impact on the environment. In fact, more than you think it does! In case you didn’t know, producing one cotton t-shirt consumes over 600 gallons of water, so opting for secondhand clothing helps minimise the number of reusable garments discarded in landfills by prolonging their usability.
Thrift shopping extends the lifespan of clothing, reducing the frequency of disposal and lessening the demand for excessive production and manufacturing. You can find my list of favourite thrift shops and second-hand marketplaces to shop from in the UK in one of my latest articles.
Related – An A-Z Of The Best Vintage & Pre-Loved Shops & Marketplaces
and finally......
I can’t stress enough how important it is to do what we can to save our planet’s natural resources, both for future generations and the health of the planet itself. Of course, individual action isn’t enough, as governments should really put in place more rules and regulations for both individuals and companies to do the most they can to reduce their emissions and work as sustainably as possible all the way throughout their supply chains. How are you saving natural resources? I’d love to hear from you!
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