Solutions to environmental problems

Addressing environmental problems

• Recycling – converting waste into something that is reusable
• Conservation – to keep something safe / protected; preventing damage or injury
• Biodegradable – packaging or a product that decay (break down) naturally and harmlessly, therefore avoiding pollution
• Preservation – this is similar to conservation. The main difference is that conservation does allow changes that are not dangerous – preservation aims to maintain the present condition without changes.
• Sustainable development – economic development where natural resources are used in a limited way and can therefore continue (e.g. planting new trees after cutting down existing trees)

The people involved

• Activists – people who campaign for the environment / environmental protection (Greenpeace, for example)
• Conservationists – people who acts to protect the environment. NOTE: we do not use the word ‘preservationist’