Imagine a forest
area, full of trees, organisms --- big and small, fresh air, and gushing water.
Imagine cutting down these trees for paper production. This will be
non-renewable. Irreplaceable. The number of reduced trees would mean lesser
plants to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, thus would increase carbon dioxide
resulting to warming of the earth. Destruction of trees also means a habitat
lost for organisms, frequent landslides, or can even displace certain
communities depended in such areas. Even the mere process of paper would entail
hazardous chemicals that can further harm the environment. Papers produced in
large quantity taking different sizes and forms after use will only add to
landfills, thus creating more “garbage”. With this, I was made to think, what
can I do, what should I do, what should I think? Are resources absolutely
non-renewable?
As I gleaned from my answers in Activity 2-1, it shows that
I feel resources are non-renewable in the sense that resources run out. This
was confirmed after I read the modules.
Resources are of different forms and if such are utilized, it
essentially changes its form, matter or composition. I would like to simplify
what I think by comparing this process with a paper. Papers come from trees. A
tree changes its form and characteristics in order to be a paper. Such paper
cannot be renewed to be a tree again. Once trees are used up for paper
production, essentially there is reduction of resources especially that what
are used are fibers of old trees from virgin forests. This would disturb the
delicate balance of nature. Although in the case of papers, some of these
papers may be recycled or reused, but not all papers are recyclable. Therefore,
we cannot truly renew resources, but at least we can reduce its harmful effects
or preserve what is left.
As for activity 3-1, I included these statements: I believe
that environment is vital as life. Without environment life can be impossible.
Our environment provides us with our needs. As seen and felt around us, the environment
requires our attention. It is my belief that for the longest time our
environment has been neglected, and now we must make sure we do right.
Environment needs our care as we continue to rely on it. As more of us depend
on it, the environment may not be able to sustain all our needs. Since
presented above that resources are non-renewable, I believe it must be in the
best interest for everyone that we maximize the use of our resources. We should
then reduce, reuse, and recycle. Further, to add to my own statement of belief, this is my
list;
1. Everyone, no matter who, or in how seemingly insignificant
way, must help in the awareness and advocacy of environmentalism;
2. Activities and programs must be promoted so that it would help
spread awareness and accountability towards environment conservation;
3. Learn more to do more. People must be informed to be able to
do their share in environment preservation;
4.
It
is necessary to abide by the environmental laws like Republic Act No. 9003
of 2000 for Ecological and Solid Management, Republic Act No. 7586 on Management of National Integrated Protected
Areas System, Republic Act No. 9147 of
2001 on Conservation and
Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitants, among others; and adhering to principles
of equity, fairness, and
accountability.
In addition, as for my statement of intention I shall work
hard to be resourceful and to conserve materials like paper. I shall help
recycle papers by putting up designated large bins for that purpose in my
college. I will also try to advocate to my students and co-workers minimizing
the use of papers. Other ways of conservation would be reducing the use of
aircondition units, and conserving water by making sure there are no dripping
faucets. Personally I will not stress myself, to avoid exhaling more carbon
dioxide. J
Further, I commit myself to learn more about environmental
conservation, to work harder to protect it because it is my gift to my
offspring and my responsibility towards my creator. Environment is a gift from
God, as a gift it must be cherished.
To sum up, after comparing the two activity journals, there
were changes in my beliefs and commitments. Although I was really concerned
with environment even before, but now I’m reinforced with my belief to do
something, and contribute my share of its protection. These changes were partly
due to the courses I’m currently taking, the readings I’ve had and realization
afterwards.
In conclusion, life changes for human beings and necessarily
so with his needs. From wood to coal, from coal to oil. Whatever it may be, it
means the same thing, it is environment that shoulders it. Even papers have
taken different forms. E-books are now a trend. While it may reduce the use of
paper, it may mean using other finite resources. It would therefore be
impossible to stop totally relying on environment for human needs. What is
realizable is that whatever we may choose to use, we should use it wisely
because if we "ignore
the environment, it will certainly go away." J
No comments:
Post a Comment