Oftentimes, environmental problems are caused by our carelessness, disregard for the laws of nature and misinformation as to the cause effect of interaction of living things on earth.

In this regard, how can we develop further our people's awareness of ecological problems? How can we enhance our so-called "Environmental Cognition"?

Ecology

Ecology is the study of the interrelationship of living things with their environment.This branch of knowledge also includes the study of nonliving things. In recent years, ecology has become a source of great interest to many people especially those who live near the Pacific Ocean.

Some of the environmental problems are caused by industry: wastes pollute the waters, gases and fumes poison the air. When the air and water are polluted, then fish, birds and other living creatures die. Human life is also affected by industrial neglect. People become poisoned in many ways while working in and around unsafe plants and factories. Nuclear power plants have caused great controversy.

People also cause some of the problems. Cars that people drive release fumes into the air we breathe. Garbage is sometimes dumped into streams that supply drinking water. Forest fires are often caused by careless campers. Beaches and city streets are littered with debris.

One effective way to use materials and help solve environmental pollution is recycling. We can save and use our discarded materials again.

Recycling

Recycling is the term used to refer to the ways of reusing existing materials. It refers to the ways in which materials can be saved and preserved after they have been used so that they can be of value again to people.

Recycle and Reuse

People today make use of large quantities of junk materials such as paper, glass, steel and aluminum to make books, packages, newspaper, bottles, jars, vehicles, can, toys and many more.

Recycling enable us to use smaller amounts of those resources and materials which do not renew themselves naturally.

The Nature of Pollution

As soon as the product comes to the end of its useful life, it is often thrown away, creating two main problems.

First, large amounts of long-lasting rubbish and garbage need to be disposed of safely.

Second, there is a continuous and growing demand for the raw materials of which these products are made.

The Earth does not have an everlasting supply of materials and if a change in use does not take place, many resources will disappear.

Solving the Problem: How We Can Solve the Problem

Today, some governments and organizations arrange the collection of waste paper so that it can be treated and made into other products. Many newspaper use between 25 percent and 50 percent of recycled paper.

Many people can now recycle their glass and cans. In the packaging industries, nearly 80 percent of all cardboard boxes are recycled. The metal with the best record is the aluminum from soft drink cans and beer cans, nearly half of which are recycled.

In the future, it seems likely that more products will be recycled.

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