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5.3.4 Reducing Waste and Pollution
Rather than merely thinking about ways to recycle and
repurpose waste, we should seek solutions to reduce
the amount of waste produced. This will help with waste
management.
In manufacturing plants and factories, managers try to find
various ways to reduce the amount of waste produced at
every step of the process. Here are some of the ways.
Ð ÐReusing scrap material: For example, in paper mills,
damaged rolls are sent back to the beginning of the production line, i.e., they are added as raw material. In the
manufacture of plastic items, off-cuts and scraps are incorporated into new products.
Ð ÐEnsuring quality control: If the quality of products is maintained, there will be a decrease in rejected products, thus
reducing waste. Automated monitoring equipment is now being used, which can help identify production problems
at an early stage.
Ð ÐWaste exchange: This is where the waste product of one process becomes the raw material for another. It represents
one way of reducing waste disposal through re-use.
Ð ÐManaging e-waste: With advanced technology, we have also encountered problems in managing e-waste like old
mobile phones, laptops, and television sets. It is important to have sustainable development and to plan judiciously
for the recycling of e-waste.
Ð ÐUse of eco-friendly materials: Scientists have discovered various materials that are eco-friendly, for example,
banana leaves and paper plates that are easily disposable, etc. These must be made easily available and their usage
needs to be encouraged.
5.3.5 Protecting and Restoring the Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a group of living and non-living things that coexist,
interact, and support one another. Every species can thrive because
of the ideal equilibrium. Human activities, such as excessive tree
cutting, can damage the ecosystem, resulting in climate change
and natural disasters that make it difficult for life to survive.
People are currently attempting to preserve the existing ecosystems
and restore the damaged ones with natural remedies. Forests as
well as other vegetation stabilise slopes, reducing the possibility
of landslides. Wetlands can help control floods. The emission of
greenhouse gases can be reduced by avoiding forest clear-cutting, growing more trees, and making investments in
healthy soil and soil restoration.
5.3.6 Adapting to the Effects of Climate Change
Based on the harm that has already been done, climate change will occur. Despite efforts to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, global warming will still occur as a result of the harm caused by the removal of trees and the use of land
for agriculture, among other things. We must, therefore, adjust to these changes. This means that we must devise
strategies for surviving in the altered climate. For instance, farmers will need to cultivate crops that can survive in
drought conditions if there is a forecast for less rain.
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