In the context of conservation of natural resources, explain the terms reduce, recycle and reuse. From among the materials that we use in daily life, identify two materials for each category.
Reduce: To use a material or commodity in lesser quantity so that consumption of natural resources is minimised. Examples include reducing the use of electricity and water.
Recycle: A material that is used once is collected and sent back to a manufacturer so that they can make some other useful material from it. Examples include plastic cups, buckets, glass tumblers, paper and metal objects.
Reuse: Using a thing over and over again instead of throwing it away. It does not involve the process of recycling either in small or large scale. Examples include used envelopes, plastic carry bags and bottles of jam.
Prepare a list of five activities that you perform daily in which natural resources can be conserved or energy utilisation can be minimised.
(a) Unused water in the water bottle may be used for watering plants.
(b) Close all the taps before you go to sleep.
(c) Avoid using a hose pipe for watering plants.
(d) Wash vehicles only when they are dirty.
(e) Use fan and light only when required.
(f) Use solar water heating devices.
(g) Use CFL in place of conventional bulbs or tubes.
Is water conservation necessary? Give reasons.
The total amount of fresh water on Earth is more than enough to meet the needs of human beings. However, due to uneven distribution, seasonal variation and fluctuation in rainfall, many regions face shortages of water. Wasteage of water further adds to this shortage. Therefore, water conservation is necessary to ensure availability of water throughout the year and prevent chronic shortages in many parts of the world.
Suggest a few useful ways of utilising waste water.
(a) Recharging the ground water.
(b) Using it for irrigation.
(c) Treated municipal water can be used for washing cars and watering gardens.
(d) Certain pollutants in sewage water can become fertiliser for various crops.
What is the importance of forest as a resource?
Forests are renewable resources that provide:
(a) Habitat, food and protection to wildlife.
(b) Help in balancing CO2 and O2 levels in the atmosphere.
(c) Improvement of water holding capacity of soil.
(d) Regulation of the water cycle.
(e) Essential commodities such as fuel wood, timber, pulp and paper.
(f) Useful products like fruits, resins, gums, essential oils and bidi wrapper leaves.
Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?
The forest department developed a strategy in which villagers were involved in the protection of the forest. In return for their labour, the villagers were paid and also received benefits during harvesting operations. They were allowed to collect wood and fodder on payment of a nominal fee. With the active and willing participation of local people, the sal forests of Arabari were successfully conserved.