Protect Our Land: Stop Polluting, Start Preserving

The phrase do not pollute the land appears in the Bible, in Numbers 35:33, and is part of a verse that warns against murder, which is described as a sin that defiles the land and can only be expiated by the blood of the murderer. The verse highlights the importance of upholding justice and preventing further bloodshed. The idea of not polluting the land is also mentioned in other verses that discuss idolatry, adultery, and breaking God's laws, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to care for and respect the land they inhabit.

Avoid dumping waste illegally in forests, fields, ditches, etc

Illegal dumping is any unauthorized disposal of waste on public or private property. It is a growing concern around the world and has severe negative effects on the environment. For instance, toxic substances and chemicals can contaminate the soil and nearby waterways, plastic products can pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans, and harm wildlife, and piles of trash and discarded chemicals can cause fires.

To avoid dumping waste illegally in forests, fields, ditches, and similar areas, it is important to understand the proper disposal procedures for various types of waste. Many local governments and waste management companies provide clear guidance on how to dispose of trash, debris, hazardous materials, and electronic waste. For example, some waste management companies offer bulky-item pick-up services, and local governments may host events where residents can dispose of hazardous or electronic waste.

It is also crucial to report illegal dumping when it is observed. This can be done by noting the time, location, vehicle description, license plate, and perpetrator description, and then reporting this information to the relevant authorities. Additionally, individuals can organize or participate in volunteer cleanups to help keep their communities clean and less attractive to illegal dumpers.

Another way to prevent illegal dumping is to increase awareness and promote proper disposal options within the community. This can be achieved through community-centered events, such as dumpster roll-offs, and by providing clear guidance on trash and recycle bins, online, and through regular mailings.

By following proper waste disposal procedures, reporting illegal dumping, participating in community cleanups, and promoting awareness, individuals can play a crucial role in preventing illegal dumping in forests, fields, ditches, and other natural areas.

Reduce trash, reuse items, and recycle plastic, glass, and paper

Reducing trash, reusing items, and recycling plastic, glass, and paper are essential steps to prevent land pollution and protect the environment. Here are some ways to implement these practices in your daily life:

Reduce Trash

Reducing trash involves cutting down on single-use products and opting for reusable alternatives whenever possible. This can include using reusable cloth diapers instead of disposable ones, choosing reusable utensils, plates, and glass jars over disposable options, and reducing paper consumption by considering whether printing is necessary.

Reuse Items

Reusing items is an effective way to extend their lifespan and reduce waste. Common household items that can be reused include gift bags, boxes, and tissue paper, and gently worn clothes and shoes, which can be donated to charities or retail stores that recycle or accept such items.

Recycle Plastic, Glass, and Paper

Recycling is a crucial process that prevents pollution and reduces the need for new resources. Plastic, glass, and paper are among the most common materials that can be recycled. However, it is important to check with your local recycling program, as accepted materials may vary. For example, some types of plastic may not be accepted in community recycling programs, and certain items like batteries and electronics should be recycled at specific collection points rather than placed in household recycling bins.

When it comes to plastic, it is worth noting that plastic straws can take up to 200 years to decompose, and during this process, they may leach toxic chemicals into the ground. Therefore, it is essential to recycle plastic whenever possible, and to look for products made from recycled plastic materials.

Paper, which makes up a significant portion of municipal solid waste, can also be recycled through most community or office recycling programs. Like plastic, it is beneficial to purchase products made from recycled paper and to support companies that utilize recycled materials.

By implementing these practices, we can all play a part in reducing trash, reusing items, and recycling plastic, glass, and paper, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

Don't use single-use plastics like plastic bottles, straws, and cups

The world generated about 139 million metric tonnes of single-use plastic waste in 2021, according to the Plastic Waste Makers Index. This presents a severe threat to the environment, ecosystems, and human health. Single-use plastics such as plastic bottles, straws, and cups are major contributors to this waste. Here are some ways to avoid using them:

Avoid disposable bottles

Instead of buying bottled water, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water. If you don't like the taste of tap water, you can buy a filter jug and fill your bottle from that.

Say no to plastic straws

Plastic straws are unnecessary for most people and contribute to plastic pollution. If you require a straw due to a disability or other reason, consider switching to a reusable metal or glass straw.

Bring your own cup

Coffee shops often offer discounts if you bring your own reusable cup. If you forget to bring one, some coffee shops allow you to borrow a cup and return it later, or you can ask for your drink in a ceramic mug to drink in-house.

Reduce plastic packaging

When shopping, bring your own reusable bags, including small bags for produce. Shop in the bulk bins for items like dried fruit, nuts, grains, and coffee, and avoid pre-packaged foods in plastic containers.

Cook from scratch

Cooking from scratch instead of ordering takeout or buying prepared meals will reduce the amount of disposable plastic packaging you use. It will also save you money and reduce your exposure to harmful "forever chemicals."

Making these simple changes will help reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in landfills and the ocean, contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Don't litter or dump waste in water bodies, as it can harm wildlife

Water bodies are often polluted by trash and waste that come from land-based activities. Garbage that is not properly disposed of or securely contained can easily be carried into water bodies by rain and wind. This type of pollution is referred to as "aquatic trash" by the EPA's Trash Free Waters (TFW) program.

Aquatic trash affects water quality, endangers plants and animals, and pollutes outdoor spaces used for tourism and recreation. All types of aquatic trash can have harmful impacts, but plastic waste is particularly concerning due to its persistence in the environment and widespread production, use, and disposal.

Littering and illegal dumping contribute to water pollution. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) littering roadways and waterways, with an estimated 207 million PPE gloves and masks contributing to this form of pollution.

To prevent littering and dumping waste in water bodies, it is important to increase the number of available trash receptacles and ensure they are regularly cleaned. Communities can also reach out to local businesses to encourage them to provide extra waste receptacles.

By properly disposing of waste and refusing/reusing plastics and styrofoam, we can help keep water bodies clean and reduce the harm caused to wildlife. Wildlife are not accustomed to garbage in their environments and may mistake it for food or play with it. This can lead to ingestion, which may block their airways or fill their stomachs, causing choking or starvation.

Avoid using harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilisers near water sources

Pesticides and fertilisers are harmful chemicals that can cause serious damage to the land and water sources. They are toxic materials that pose a risk to the environment and human health. Pesticides are designed to kill or control pests, and they can be made from natural ingredients or synthetic chemicals. They are often soluble in water, which means they can easily contaminate water sources.

Fertilisers can also be toxic and change the quality of water, making it unsafe for recreation and drinking. When fertilisers enter waterways, they can create "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive. Therefore, it is essential to avoid using pesticides and fertilisers near water sources.

There are several ways in which pesticides and fertilisers can enter and pollute water sources. Firstly, spraying pesticides near water is a direct way to cause pollution. Secondly, agricultural runoff due to rain, irrigation, or melted snow/ice can carry pesticides and fertilisers into nearby water bodies. Thirdly, the overflow of irrigation return flows can also lead to contamination.

Additionally, the quality of the soil plays a role in reducing the risk of floods and pollutant-filled runoff. When soil is compacted by heavy machinery, water cannot soak into the soil easily, increasing the likelihood of floods. Pesticides and fertilisers can then be washed away by floodwaters and enter ponds, lakes, rivers, and eventually the ocean.

To minimise the impact of pesticides and fertilisers on water sources, it is essential to reduce their use. At home, avoiding pesticides altogether is recommended, as the risks often outweigh the benefits. Introducing beneficial insects and complementary plants is a natural alternative to pesticides. On agricultural farms, practices such as crop rotation and sowing resistant crop varieties are effective ways to reduce the reliance on pesticides and fertilisers.

Frequently asked questions