Breathing in clean air, sipping on pure water, and living in a pollution-free environment – doesn’t that sound like a dream come true? But, with the world we live in today, pollution is an undeniable reality. The good news is pollution controls are in place to keep our planet healthy and livable. So, are you ready to take charge and learn about the pollution controls you should be aware of?

Present Scenario

Industrialization, urbanization, agriculture, transportation, forest fires, usage of nitrogen-based fertilizers and pesticides, plastic pollution, ineffective waste management, and more lead to severe environmental health risks and pollution. Today, almost all human actions result in some kind of air and water pollution. 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage water and industrial waste are dumped into US water bodies each year. 9 out of 10 people globally live in areas where air quality exceeds WHO guideline limits. Every person must become aware of such an issue and ask the question: What pollution controls should I be aware of?

Global or individual actions can help control pollution if proper steps are taken to prevent it. Pollution control or prevention is a practice that removes, reduces, or prevents pollution at its source before it is produced. Pollution control right from its origin is much more effective than other measures such as proper waste disposal, reusing, and recycling. It is also more cost-effective to control pollution from being produced at its source than to pay the price for the disposal, control, and treatment of waste products. There are fewer effects on human and planetary health with less pollution generated.

Source

Pollution Controls

It is possible to apply pollution controls to both potential and actual pollution-generating activities. They include those activities found in agriculture, food, energy, federal, industrial, and consumer sectors. Control measures are important for conserving ecosystems, water sources, and other essential environments- regions we particularly want to stop polluting before it begins.

So let us discover the importance of pollution controls in different sectors and learn about the various measures in place to combat environmental pollution. Stay informed and take action to protect our planet for future generations.

Energy Sector:

• Reduction in ecological damages from the extraction, processing, transport, and combustion of fuels.
• Increasing efficient energy use
• Usage of sustainable and renewable energy and fuel sources

Agricultural Sector:

• Limiting the use of chemical and water inputs
• Usage of eco-friendly and chemical-free pesticides and fertilizers, such as manure
• Protection of ecologically sensitive areas

 Industrial Sector:

• Altering production systems to generate less water
• Usage of eco-friendly, sustainable, and chemical-free cleaners, degreasers, and other maintenance chemicals
• Adopting water and energy conservation practices
• Reusing and recycling items such as pallets and drums instead of throwing them away

Homes, Schools, and Public Spaces:

• Usage of reusable water bottles instead of plastic single-use ones
• Automatically switching off lights when not needed
• Fixing leaky pipes, hoses, and faucets
• Shifting to green and sustainable cleaners

Controlling pollution and prevention reduces both environmental costs (health issues and ecological damage) and financial costs (clean-up and waste management system). It protects the environment by preserving and conserving natural resources. It also strengthens economic growth through efficient production in industries and less need for households, communities, and businesses to handle the waste.

The above are basic and straightforward control measures that every person should know. Adopting and applying these measures in various sectors can significantly reduce air and water pollution and, thus, protect the environment and humankind.