Causes Of Land Pollution
What Causes Land Pollution?
Our ancestors would likely be aghast at the condition of the world today, yet they probably set the stage for the current causes of land pollution. All in the name of progress, practically every step taken to advance our world in a technical, economic and manufacturing sense has resulted in a polluted world.
The degrading of the surface of the earth caused by human interaction is an apt definition of land pollution. A period of time in our history that saw major changes in life responsible for much of the residual damage we now endure was the Industrial Revolution. So labeled because it effectively eliminated the former manner of doing things in everyday life, this time period put into motion much of the technological advances we now enjoy. Agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and socialization have all seen great strides of improvements due to the need arising from the increased population.
Throughout this period of change, many experimental methods were developed in all forms of industry as newer and better techniques were explored. In addition, greater demands for products created the need for the construction of manufacturing plants, mills and housing; all of which diminished natural habitats and resources. Trees were uprooted and vast forests removed, allowing land erosion and deterioration to occur. Eliminating habitats invariably results in the elimination of certain species of animals and insects that were invaluable to balance the ecology, allowing other types of more resistant and adaptable species to become abundant. Bacteria that are vital to everyday life for decomposition and revitalization of soil were destroyed. Soon, waterways were similarly compromised. Many types of herbicides were created to control undergrowth and weeds in areas designated for communities, and toxins developed to control damaging and overrun populations of different species.
As the population of humans increased on earth, so did our needs for food, clothing and accessories. Food which previously was either grown or raised is now offered in stores, packaged in plastic, paper, cardboard and other materials. Waste products accelerated in numbers; building up in landfills as people discard used items in their desire for new. The need for travel has brought vehicles to transport us for work or pleasure; vehicles which run on fuel that sends emissions into the atmosphere that settle to the ground. Roadways of pavement and asphalt using various types of petroleums were developed to handle the mounting number of vehicles, enabling a leaching of the materials to occur into the soil.
Simple convenience can also be one of the major causes of land pollution. Gardening, for example, should be as simple as sowing seeds into the ground and enjoying the outcome. Because it is easier and more convenient to do so, we apply weed killers to the planting area instead of laboriously pulling the weeds. To enhance the growth of our plants, we often add manufactured fertilization products. To control insects, we apply pesticides. At the end of the season, another application of weed killer and another dose of fertilizer will get the garden in condition for the next season.
Many people choose to overlook the growing concern of pollution because noticing it means that sacrifices will need to be made. However, there are medical repercussions when pollution is allowed to continue. Breathing in dust or air particles, skin eruptions and disorders, birth defects and allergies can all be attributed to different forms of pollution. In addition to these effects on human life, it has even more severe effects on wildlife, which is disappearing because of the many causes of land pollution.
Yes, land pollution has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. While our ancestors may have been to blame then, it is we who are to blame today if it is allowed to continue. The condition of the world we leave to our descendants tomorrow will depend on how we treat it today.