Environmental sanitation plays a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment. It is a process of keeping the environment clean, safe, and healthy. It involves the removal of waste, including garbage, sewage, and other pollutants, from an area to prevent contamination and the spread of disease. Environmental sanitation involves the protection of natural resources, such as water and soil, from pollutants. With proper waste management, water pollution control, and safe disposal we can improve our sanitation practices.
Environmental sanitation involves a range of activities, from small-scale projects to large-scale projects, including waste disposal, waste recycling, water purification and conservation, and pollution control. The ultimate goal of environmental sanitation is to create clean and healthy environments and to reduce the risk of disease and environmental hazards. Practice environmental sanitation by disposing of waste properly, conserving water, and using biodegradable products.
Did you know?
It is estimated that 24 deaths per 1000 live births are caused by inadequate health facilities in India.
Why is it important to keep our environment tidy?
Unclean environments can lead to spread of dangerous bacteria and illness. Risk of getting sick reduces with tidy environment. Environmental sanitation reduces the chances of pests such as roaches, rats, mosquitos etc. With regular cleaning practices, dirt does not build up.
Subsets of environmental sanitation include:
Water Management: This subset focuses on the proper management and treatment of water for human consumption, industrial use, and recreational activities.
Air Pollution Control: This subset focuses on the reduction and control of air pollutants, such as emissions from factories, vehicles, and other sources.
Noise Pollution Control: This subset focuses on the reduction and control of noise pollution, such as from industrial, transportation, and other sources.
Vector Control: This subset focuses on the control of vectors, such as mosquitoes and other insects that can spread diseases.
Land Use Planning: This subset focuses on the proper zoning and development of land to ensure that it is used in a way that is beneficial to the community.
Did you know?
Over 1.7 billion people still do not have basic sanitation services, such as private toilets or latrines.
What can you do to protect our environment?
- Establish good hygiene practices: Make sure everyone in the family washes their hands before and after meals, after using the bathroom, and after touching pets or other animals.
- Maintain good sanitation in the kitchen: Make sure all kitchen surfaces, dishes, and utensils are washed regularly, and store food correctly.
- Dispose of waste properly: Separate solid and liquid waste, and put them in designated containers. Make sure to dispose of hazardous materials, such as used batteries and chemicals, in designated areas.
- Keep the outside environment clean: Sweep sidewalks and remove debris and trash from the yard regularly.
- Reduce water pollution: It includes reducing water waste when washing dishes and doing laundry.
- Reduce air pollution: This includes using energy-efficient appliances, avoiding burning wood or trash, and avoiding the use of aerosol products.
- Reduce soil contamination: Educate yourself and your family about the sources of soil contamination, such as hazardous waste, proper disposal of chemicals, avoiding the use of pesticides etc.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly can help to reduce the spread of germs and other pathogens.
- Keeping food at the correct temperature, washing items before preparing them, and helps in avoiding cross-contamination between different food items.
- Using protective clothing, such as gloves and masks, can help to reduce the risk of infection when handling potentially contaminated material.
“Sanitation is an investment in the health of future generations.” – Kofi Annan
Initiatives by Indian government for environmental sanitation
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission): Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign that aims to make India clean and open defecation free.
- Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): Launched in 2018, Atal Bhujal Yojana is a groundwater management scheme that is focused on conserving and restoring the groundwater resources of India.
- Plastic Waste Management Rules: In 2018, the Government of India introduced the Plastic Waste Management Rules to regulate the disposal and management of plastic waste. The rules mandate the responsible disposal of plastic waste and encourage the use of recycled plastic.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, the NCAP is a comprehensive air pollution control programme aimed at reducing air pollution across the country.
- National Green Tribunal: Established in 2010, the National Green Tribunal is an independent body that deals with legal matters related to environmental protection and conservation. The tribunal hears cases related to water pollution, air pollution, and other related matters.
Did you know?
An estimated 446,000 children younger than 5 years die from diarrhea, mostly in low and middle-income countries.
Initiatives by UNICEF
- Supporting local governments to develop and implement sanitation policies, practices and regulations: Helping communities to develop community-led strategies and solutions to improve access to safe water and sanitation services.
- Enhancing access to safe sanitation facilities: Helping communities to identify and access funding sources to build and maintain these facilities.
- Improving sanitation and hygiene education: Providing the required technical support to develop education curriculum and resources, as well as engaging with local media to promote the importance of environmental sanitation.
- Building capacity for environmental sanitation: Training and capacity building for local government officials, as well as providing technical support to develop and implement water and sanitation projects.
Did you know?
26th September every year is celebrated as environmental health day.
“Sanitation is a development issue and a matter of human rights.” – Ban Ki-moon
Sanitation is essential for economic growth, economic development, preserving biodiversity, and preserving cultural heritage. It is a major factor that helps in achieving sustainable development goals. The benefits of environmental sanitation are far-reaching. Not only does it help to protect public health, but it also improves the quality of life for those living in the community. Cleaner air, water, and soil improve air and water quality, reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, and create a healthier environment for everyone.