The Environment can be categorised into two (2) main components: Living and Non-living. The non-living, or abiotic, component of the environment includes air, water, light, temperature and soil, while the living, or biotic, component of the environment includes humans, animals and plants.

The particular conditions of one environment can vary significantly from another. This allows for a wide diversity of animals and plants on our planet that have adapted to live in the specific conditions of their environment.

Man and the Environment
As technologically advanced as Man may get, we will forever remain greatly dependent on the Environment, which provides us with shelter, food, clothing, energy, recreation and even inspiration. In fact, many inventions have been inspired by natural processes in the environment.

Nevertheless, even though we are well aware of the importance of the environment to our daily lives, both in the past and the present, we continue to cause significant destruction to our environment.

Changing for a Better Environment
The reality of the world’s environmental problems have been recognised, but many are still choosing to ignore pleas to protect the environment. We must all work together and take positive action to ensure that the environment remains in a healthy state for generations to come.

We can all get involved in the global effort of protecting the environment through the promotion of good environmental practices, such as:

• Reforestation – the planting trees in yards, schools and areas from which trees have been removed in the past.

• Dispose Waste Properly – Littering is still a big problem in many communities; composting is a great way to reuse/reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills.

• Use less chemicals and pesticides

• Set up and observe Protected Areas

• Conserve resources such as water, food, forests, energy and soil

Remember, a Safe and Healthy Environment starts with you!

Reference:
http://scienceray.com/technology/information/10-product-designs-that-are-inspired-by-nature/

You can also share your ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division. The Environmental Protection Agency, 7 Broad and Charles Streets, Charlestown, GEORGETOWN. Or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com with your questions and comments.