Every year on 2nd December we celebrate National Pollution Control Day to honor and remember those people who lost their lives in the tragic event of Bhopal Gas Calamity.
This tragedy happened on the night of 2nd and 3rd December in the year 1984 as a poisonous chemical gas known as methyl isocyanate (MIC) was discharged from the Union Carbide Chemical Plant positioned in the city.
By 2025, half of the world's population will be living in water-stressed areas.
In the least developed countries, 22% of healthcare facilities have no water service, 21% have no sanitation service, and 22% have no waste management service.
But what measures are we taking on an individual level to control water pollution? One thing is clear to all that clean water is vital for a living still we do many things sub-consciously that may contribute to water pollution in various ways.
On this occasion of National Pollution Control Day, we are going to share a few easy and inexpensive methods to protect water pollution at the individual level.
Always keep water pollution in mind while shopping
You can prevent this issue by not buying chemicals that are used in households like pesticides as they have persistent and dangerous chemicals.
Many non-toxic and biodegradable cleaners are now available in the market. So it is a humble request to everyone to use these products, it might cost you a little extra but it can reduce water pollution to a great extent.
Don'tdump grease and fats in the drain
You should never dispose of fats, grease, and other cooking oils in the drains as it might block them. Always dump them in a trash can or ajar and you can also dispose of them with other solid wastes.
If you dump them in the drain they might clog and back up in your yards and basements. It also affects the quality of local water bodies.
Dispose of Medical Waste Properly
One big mistake that is made by most households is that they flush their medicines into the toilets or throw them into any waterbody near them.
These drugs mix with water and then in the bodies of water and wild animals. These chemicals cause various problems in anyone who drink that contaminated water.
Eat Organic food items
Well, even in organic food, there is a little hint of chemicals as they are produced with few synthetic chemicals. The type of food you consume will largely impact the amount of chemicals that will go into the water. There is a huge impact on the environment through the food we choose to eat.
Report those who pollute water bodies
One of the major steps that every citizen of India should take is to report people who pollute water bodies like those who pour oil in storm drains, toss bags of trash in a stream, and many more. There are several cases of illegal disposal of waste which are never been reported and often aren't cleaned up.
Support Environmental Charities
There are several organizations and charities in every city that works to protect water bodies across the region. So, no matter where you live, there is an organization in your area. All you have to do is to do a Google search that "Environmental Charities near me" and you will have their contact details.
Even if you don't want to associate with a charity, you can make a habit to clean water bodies in your area along with your friends.
Try not to use plastic items or containers
Plastic has been an environmental killer for decades now. Items like poly bags, containers, and plastic bottles are causing enormous harm to the other Nature.
A plastic bottle can take up to 50-70 years to decompose and there is an innumerable amount of plastic in the sea. It is better to use reusable bags instead of single-use plastic items. Use reusable, insulated containers to hold drinks and make your filtered water at home.
Keep Your Vehicles from Leaking
This might seem a small issue but it can have a huge impact on the environment. Fluids that leak from any motor vehicle end up in the local water streams.
It can be solved easily, all you have to do is to maintain or repair your vehicles. It will also damage the life of your car or bike so anyway, it has to be repaired.
Plant more and more trees
This is an obvious point as trees help to reduce any kind of pollution be it air pollution or water pollution. Everyone should plant at least one tree every month by taking permission from their local authorities or if you have your land, you can also plant trees there.