[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This June, World Environment Day falls on the 5th and this day is celebrated in order to raise global awareness and encourage people to take positive action that will protect nature. If we do not preserve or even make planet Earth better, what will we leave for the next generation?
According to the National Environmental Health Action Plan (2010) from the Ministry of Health (Malaysia), areas of concern include:
- Indoor and outdoor air pollution
- Solid waste management
- Soil contamination
- Urban sanitation
- Hazardous waste management
- Rural water supply and sanitation
- Safe drinking water
According to the Malaysia Environmental Quality Report 2015, 33 rivers nationwide are polluted and the main contributors of river pollution are inadequate sewage treatment, animal farming and domestic sewage and improper earthworks and land clearing activities.
Environmental problems shared by the Southeast Asian region are endangered species conservation, air pollution, destruction of coral reefs, deforestation, water safety, and increased urbanisation.
Ways to tackle environmental issues include:
- Reducing your carbon footprint by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Commute by cycling, walking or take public transportation when possible. If you need to own a vehicle, do consider going electric or hybrid.
- Support organisations that help fight deforestation and limit your use of paper by using washable cloths, washable sanitary pads or menstrual cups and cloth shopping bags.
- Protect biodiversity by not purchasing products that harm the environment such as pesticides and plastics.
- Additionally, reusing, recycling and composting are also ways that can help our biodiversity.
The responsibility of protecting our environment shouldn’t be thrusted solely on governing bodies and international entities. It begins at home and every little bit counts!
References: Inhabitat.com; Jakarta Globe; Ministry of Health (Malaysia).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
