Ecology and environmental protection - are they the same thing?

The topic of ecology and the protection of nature around us is becoming increasingly popular due to the state of environmental degradation in Poland and worldwide. The term ecology is often used when talking about recycling or renewable energy sources. But are ecology and environmental protection the same thing? We explain.

Ecology and environmental protection - definitions

The terms ecology and environmental protection are used interchangeably, even though there are differences between them. Ecology and environmental protection, how do you make the distinction? In the simplest terms, ecology is the science that studies the nature around us, the interaction of organisms and their environment and the phenomena and processes concerning them. Environmental protection is all the activities aimed at keeping it in its natural form and repairing the damage it has already suffered. Examples of environmental protection include anti-pollution or recycling.

Although ecology and environmental protection are different, if only in terms of definition, the prefix 'eco' clings to all activities within the scope of the latter. When we say that we lead an ecological lifestyle, we do not mean that we study the nature around us, but that we limit its degradation and thus protect it, for example by responsibly managing the Earth's natural resources. For this reason, despite the differences between ecology and environmental protection, also in this article the concept of ecology will be linked to care for the nature around us and the restoration of the natural balance.

Ecology in daily life and its challenges

A green lifestyle does not necessarily have to involve radical changes and a lot of sacrifices. You only need to take a few steps to make a small contribution to improving the environment. Separating waste, using energy-saving light bulbs and giving up plastic bags are just a few examples of green habits in everyday life. When it is getting warmer outside, it is worth swapping the car for a bicycle. Such a journey to work will not only help reduce air pollution levels, but will also contribute to your well-being.

Water is an extremely precious resource, so it is worth taking care to limit its consumption, for example through small habits such as only setting the washing machine on full or collecting rainwater for watering plants. It is also a good idea to buy a jug with a filter, which will not only help to reduce the production of plastic, but also the water that is used in the process. Another way to protect the environment in your everyday life is to plan your purchases prudently - this habit will help you avoid wasting food and save a lot. Photovoltaic panels, the construction of a domestic sewage treatment plant or an electric car are investments that require a financial contribution that will later translate into considerable savings and environmental protection.

Environmental protection - state of the environment in Poland

Over recent decades, despite many problems, Poland has seen a slow improvement in the state of the environment, the degradation of which is linked, among other things, to the development of heavy industry and the heating of homes with coal. Despite the dissemination of technologies enabling the reduction of pollutant emissions, the state of the environment in the country is still not satisfactory.

One of the main environmental problems in Poland is poor air quality. Although the situation has improved slightly in comparison to previous years, the concentration of harmful substances in the air still exceeds standards, and according to reports from 2022, as many as 33 of the 55 cities with the worst air quality in Europe occupy Polish territory. There is also much to be desired in terms of water quality, with years of industrial effluents and improperly exploited, artificially fertilised and waste-contaminated soils.

What is the environmental awareness of Poles?

Reports on environmental education agree - Poles understand the importance of taking care of nature. The spread of environmental science, weather anomalies that can be observed with the naked eye and the alarming opinions of environmentalists have contributed to this. People are increasingly aware of the poor air quality in the country and how important it is to take care of its improvement, which is why there has been a gradual shift away from coal cookers in recent years. Out of concern for future generations and the health of the population, more and more Poles are segregating waste, reducing water and electricity consumption. Other common ways of protecting the environment in the country are the use of reusable bags and investing in renewable energy sources and ecological wastewater treatment.

Major environmental hazards and how to deal with them - dirty air, litter

One of the biggest environmental threats is global warming, i.e. rising temperatures due to greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere. It is linked to the burning of fossil fuels, which are also the cause of high air pollution. Environmental protection measures, such as limiting car transport and exercising caution in daily shopping, can help to prevent this threat. Ubiquitous rubbish is also a problem, leading in particular to soil, water and air pollution. This is why it is so important to separate waste and reduce the use of environmentally harmful plastics.

To combat environmental threats, EU countries are trying to develop the organic farming sector. What is the relationship between organic farming and environmental protection? First of all, it implies the use of renewable energy sources and the production of products without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides, which endanger not only human health, but also the health of animals, plants, fungi and insects.

Green habits will not only save you money, but above all contribute to a better environment, which is why it is so important to build environmental awareness.