“At its core, the issue of a clean environment is a matter of public health,” says the EPA’s Gina McCarthy, very much hitting the nail on the head when it comes to capturing the full gamut of eco-friendly living. However, human beings are just one of the many species put at risk by the irresponsible use and abuse of the planet’s resources. As stated by folk singer, Pete Seeger, “If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed or removed from production.”
Table of Contents
Environmental Responsibility vs Poverty
Environmental responsibility is a powerful weapon against poverty since economic activities flourish in societies with positive environmental climates. For instance, companies that embrace green processes have a bigger chance of long-term survival and this guarantees continued employment for staff. Adopting sound waste and recycling procedures, meanwhile, keeps the environment in a good state, which boosts community health. Everyone needs food, water, and air to breathe and all people need to spend time in nature to reap a host of health benefits. Communities without trees, clean air or pure water experience a host of health consequences—including a higher chance of chronic disease and a reduced life expectancy.
Sustainability Includes People
Sustainable companies not only have the environment in mind but also the benefit of people (local communities and beyond). Green companies adopt social responsibility measures that range from donating to charity to sourcing ethical products and ingredients. They also offer services. For instance, sustainable commercial cleaning companies use green products and powerful machinery to keep premises sparkling clean, without using environmentally harmful products like bleach or ammonia. Through steam cleaning, for instance, companies can reduce the need for abrasive or harsh cleaning chemicals to nil. Natural products preserve human health while reducing the risk of corrosion or damage to floors, walls, and other surfaces.
The Earth’s Creatures and Ecosystems Are Inexorably Linked
One of the Earth’s most pressing problems is the dwindling of bee populations owing to factors like intensive farming practices, chemical use, mono-cropping, and global warming. Bees, like many other insects and animals, are key to the livelihood of countless communities, as they ensure the pollination and reproduction of many cultivated and wild plants. These plants, in turn, are key for food production. Around two-thirds of crops that feed people rely on pollination to produce fruits and seeds. Pollination not only leads to the production of more food but also ensures greater variety and more optimal quality.
Environmental responsibility involves protecting human lives as much as it is centered on saving plants and animals. People living in healthy environments that are free of pollution enjoy better health. Eco-friendliness also ensures that bees and other insects continue to pollinate plants, so we can continue to enjoy a wide variety of quality foods.