This article will discuss how people are gradually destroying the ecosystem around us. And the social justice rights we have to live in a clean and safe environment for ourselves and our children. Then I'll discuss strategies to aid the environment and what we can do to protect the environment for future generations.
Our children and their children should have the right to exist as we do, but with our current methods, that may not be viable in the future. Our way of life is destroying the world. We are killing the earth at an alarming rate, and it may be too late to reverse the pattern.
‘Justice is the concept of fairness. Social justice is fairness as it manifests in society. Social justice depends on four essential goals: human rights, access, participation, and equity. Social justice can’t be achieved without these four principles.’
Environmental justice is an integral part of social justice.
Littering
How many of us litter? It may be as simple as a package of crisps, a bottle of water, or a plastic bag, but it all adds up if everyone tosses their trash on the ground. It is simple to litter. However, we all have the right to live in a society where the environment is clean. Why can't we just hold onto the rubbish until we can locate a proper spot to dispose of it instead of tossing it on the floor? I expected to see fewer plastic bags on the street now that you have to pay for them, but there are more. All of this waste will eventually wind up in the ocean, harming creatures we care about.
Plastic in Supermarkets
While we're on the subject of plastic, why is it that when we go to the grocery to buy fresh produce, most of the fruits and vegetables are wrapped in plastic, often numerous layers of plastic? Some retailers, such as Aldi, Morrisons, and Waitrose, have replaced plastic bags with reusable mesh bags or paper bags. However, it is still visible, and the plastic is still present. Our supermarkets contribute significantly to plastic waste. Not only that, but several sources state that just 16% of plastic waste is recycled to generate new plastics, while 40% is disposed of in landfills and 19% is dumped.
Landfills
In 2016, the UK created a massive 221.0 million tonnes of total garbage, with England accounting for 85 percent of the total. Consider how much room it has taken up. The site might have been utilised for parks or something valuable to society, but instead, it is filled with our waste. If we could reduce our trash by half or even a third, it would have a significant impact on the environment and, I suppose, our wallets.
Deforestation
Deforestation is the leading cause of animals losing their habitats, eventually leading to extinction. Forests are home to millions of different types of vegetation and wildlife all over the planet. However, the advantages of forests go well beyond the species that live in them. They provide substantial contributions to the global carbon cycle by balancing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and mitigating climate change. However, when more of our forests are destroyed to make way for agriculture and industry, the entire world suffers. Every year, deforestation endangers our ecosystem, has an impact on human existence and kills millions of animals.
How can we reverse these effects and help the planet?
• When buying items, check that they don’t support slave work
• Look for eco-friendly options
• Reducing, reusing, and recycling. Reduce the amount of waste you generate. Conserve natural resources and landfill space by following the three "R's."
• Help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.
• Conserve water
• Choose wisely
• Walk or travel on the bus instead of traveling by car
Think about how you can do something differently the next time you do anything so that we can maintain the environment for future generations. Changes we make today can help future generations avoid the challenges we experience.
We can make the changes to ensure that our children have the right to live in a safe and clean environment.