3. Management of resources

The depletion of resources by human activities has created a need for resource management. The resource management can include the following approaches:

• Reducing fossil fuel usage

We can conserve fossil fuels by using less gasoline and electricity in our day to day activities. Driving less and saying yes to carpooling are simple ways to conserve gasoline. Buying a vehicle with high fuel mileage and purchasing Energy Star rated electrical appliances can also contribute to conservation of fossil fuels.^[6]

• Responsible use of water :

Water may seem like a never-ending resource which is found everywhere, but due to population growth, the access to clean water for large population has decreased. Water can be saved by taking small steps in and around your home. Some of these include checking for water leaks and replacing or fixing leaky faucets.

• Preservation of trees and forests:

To satisfy the world’s need for paper alone, approximately 4 billion trees are being cut down per year.

One can greatly contribute in this context by using less paper, using more cloth towels and not paper ones or by switching to an online-only subscription of your favorite newspaper. Planting trees can be another way to reduce the impact created by deforestation.

• Protection of coastal ecosystems:

Coastal ecosystems are very important for maintaining biodiversity, but they are also extremely valuable for industries like fishing and tourism industries. Seafood consumers should keep in mind how their purchasing decisions can affect the environment. Reefs are extremely sensitive to disturbances. Hence, diving or snorkeling around a reef should be done while treating the reefs with care and respect.