By Anthony Oligbo
“Little drops of water” they say, “make the mighty ocean”. This brings to the fore the saliency of taking little steps in the right direction, before long, one would have travelled miles and covered good grounds. This is the case of any individual or community that decides to toe the line of environmental sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability, according to the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) is defined as “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Herman Daly (1996) sees it as “A condition where human activity does not exceed the carrying capacity of the environment, and where the natural resource base is not degraded.”
These definitions raise the consciousness of the fact that we need to pay attention to Mother Earth and everything nature has provided.
Our activities to earn a living, satisfy our desires, and enjoy comfort or leisure must be channelled towards intergenerational equity, maintaining the health and resilience of the ecosystem, managing natural resources in a way that is sustainable and equitable – and subsequently, ensuring that our needs are met in a way that is consistent with environmental sustainability.
Environmental sustainability is a global discussion that permeates nations of the world. Nations are adopting best practices to ensure that the earth is a safe haven, not just for us, but for generations yet unborn.
In Africa for example, we see efforts ranging from the Maasai and Wildlife Conservation in Kenya and Tanzania, where the Maasai people have actively engaged in wildlife conservation and sustainable land management, to the Great Green Wall of the Sahel Region of Senegal which seeks to combat desertification and climate change by restoring 100 million hectares of land in the Sahel region, stretching from Senegal to Djibouti. To the EcoVillage Project in Ghana, which promotes sustainable living through community-driven practices. This has aided villages to adopt eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, renewable energy sources, and water conservation techniques, thus, enhancing resilience to climate change.
In Nigeria, we are witnessing the promulgation of state environmental policies. For example, Lagos State has implemented the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) regulations to manage waste, pollution, and environmental health.
Waste Management Initiatives are being implemented in states like Rivers and Ogun. They have launched programs to improve waste management and promote recycling. This includes the establishment of waste collection systems and public awareness campaigns to reduce plastic use and promote composting.
Corporate organisations are not left out in the drive of ensuring a sustainable environment. While they profit, they must ensure they carry out sustainable practices and include them in their annual reports for the awareness of stakeholders and the general public at large, thereby ensuring that they are held accountable.
On an individual level, we are to take little steps towards ensuring an eco-friendly milieu. It begins with adopting the 3 R’s; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Energy Conservation
We should conserve energy by simple little practices, like turning off lights and unplugging devices when they are not in use, thus, using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs (LED Bulbs).
Engage in Sustainable Transportation
We can walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. We can also choose fuel-efficient or electric vehicles to decrease our carbon footprint. The Compressed Natural Gas (CNGs) are here; lets take full advantage of its emergence in Nigeria by adopting it in transportation plans. We can plan trips and errands to minimise driving distance.
Support Local and Sustainable Products
Another way to go is by supporting local and sustainable products. We should purchase products from local farmers and businesses to reduce transportation emissions. We can choose organic and sustainably-produced items that are less harmful to the environment.
Water Conservation
We need to get involved in water conservation by fixing leaks and installing water-saving fixtures. Limit water usage by taking shorter showers and turning off taps when not in use, while farmers should use drought-resistant plants in landscaping.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Reduction in meat consumption by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet to lower the environmental impact of agriculture via the release of harmful substances like methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide and so on. Mushroom for example, has been seen as a viable source of protein, substituting for meat.
There is a need for incessant and continuous education of oneself and others by staying informed about environmental issues and potential solutions. Such knowledge should be shared with friends and family to encourage eco-friendly practices.
As individuals, we are to participate in community initiatives and get involved in local environmental groups or community clean-up events like planting trees or maintaining community gardens to promote biodiversity.
Ultimately, you can advocate for policies by supporting environmental policies and legislation at local, national, and global levels, as even a small effort from you can help save Mother Earth.
Anthony Oligbo is a lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), where he lectures Environmental Reporting. He is the founding lecturer of Ecozone, a lecturer/student club on environmental sustainability. He holds a Youth Environment and Climate Leadership Certificate from the World Resource Institute, Washington DC, USA in conjunction with Green Hub Africa.
