Ways To Reduce Land Pollution

Pollution comes in many forms and impacts our global health, climate, food sources, drinking water and more. Researchers refer to the deterioration and degradation of the earth's landmasses and soil as ​land pollution​. The activities that cause land pollution can also result in other forms of pollution as well, which is why researchers study ways to solve land pollution and decrease waste.

Many different forms of land pollution exist today. Solid waste is one of the most visible and polarizing forms of land pollution, usually in the form of garbage or litter. Agricultural endeavors also result in significant land, water and air pollution. Additionally, deforestation contributes to soil degradation and chemical land pollution. Finally, mining for various non-renewable resources also contributes to land pollution.

One of the foremost ways to solve land pollution is to reduce waste. The phrase 'reduce, reuse, recycle' still holds true! Both managed waste (such as properly disposed of garbage) and unmanaged waste (litter) can result in pollution. As waste products break down they can release chemicals into the soil, and additionally into the air and water.

You can help reduce the impacts of garbage and littering by recycling as much as possible and by using reusable objects like shopping bags, straws and water bottles. Participating in clean-ups at beaches and parks can also help by removing litter from our ecosystems.

Other ways to help include pressuring large companies to reduce their waste, as industrial waste contributes a large portion of the garbage created every year.

Agriculture is an absolutely necessary component of our day-to-day lives, but it also contributes to a huge amount of pollution. Researchers estimate that about half of the land in the United States is used for farming. The byproducts from the process of growing produce or raising livestock can impact the soil as well as the waterways and the air.

Methods for solving the problem of land pollution from agricultural production vary. Companies can dedicate time and money to reducing their environmental impact by using safer pesticides and fertilizers and by reducing soil erosion and runoff by using smarter, more sustainable practices.

You can help reduce agricultural pollution by supporting more small-scale local farmers – ensuring they use environmentally friendly practices first, of course!

Deforestation has devastating impacts on our environment, both on a local scale and a global scale. Much of our global deforestation occurs to make room for agricultural production, though urban growth does factor into the equation. When farmers or companies remove the trees from an area, it leaves the soil exposed and removes all of the roots and vegetation that were previously holding it in place, leading to erosion.

Supporting more sustainable farming practices can help reduce deforestation. Reforestation is also a great option for reducing the impacts of deforestation. Re-planting trees can mitigate soil erosion and replace lost ecosystems in the process.

You can also help by reducing your use of paper products and using wood products from companies with sustainable practices (see Resources section).

Mining for various non-renewable resources, such as oil and minerals, also results in land pollution. The actual physical process of mining damages the soil and surrounding area. It also often results in chemical pollution of the soil and groundwater in the area.

The best way to reduce mining pollution, while also contributing to one of the best ways to solve land pollution, is to support renewable resources. Companies and governments can increase investments in renewable resources like solar and wind power while decreasing mining activities. These practices not only help the environment and reduce pollution, but they also create new jobs as well.

As an individual, you can personally utilize more renewable resources, such as solar power and electric or hybrid vehicles.