This refers to the ability of the soil to supply essential plant nutrients and soil water in adequate amounts

and proportions for plant growth and reproduction in the

absence of toxic substances which may inhibit plant growth
Proper Disposal
Planting Trees
Pollution Control
Recycling
An ecosystem is a living system that includes the sun as an energy source, soil, rocks, water, air, plant life and living bei ngs. We humans are only one part of any
ecosystem, but many people believe that we have a disproportionate effect. Our actions tend to affect not just our surroundings, but the world at large. To live
more responsibly on the Earth, we must understand how the things we do can have lasting effects.
Food. While people who live in towns and cities may not ever see the farms that support them, we are all dependent on agriculture. That agriculture has a huge
effect on our ecosystems: pesticides and other toxic chemicals used in food production can wash downstream, killing many types of animals, polluting our
waterways and even making humans ill. Fertilizers can wash downstream, causing "blooms" or large populations of algae and bacteria, which can harm fish
populations. In addition, GreenFacts states that we are depleting fish populations in the oceans and seas, causing us to fish further offshore and deeper underwater
as more and more fish disappear.
Water. Throughout the world, 2.6 billion people lack proper sanitation, which means that drinking water around the world is contaminated with waste and disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that this has resulted in 1.8 million human deaths. Open water is often contami nated by agricultural chemicals,
fuel from passing boats and even trash and litter. Both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans contain large "islands" of plastic trash, which National Geographic
suggests came from litterbugs and open landfills around the world.
Fuel. We use natural resources to produce power, but according to the WHO, our current methods are harmful to ecosystems. Burning fuels such as wood and coal
creates pollution, and is depleting our forests. The WHO claims that wood harvesting in rural areas is not only bad for human health, but is creating a "wood fuel
scarcity." Worse, coal plants produce enough pollution that it is collecting in our atmosphere, causing breathing hazards and affecting the weather. Burning gasoline
in our cars creates smog in and around cities.
Biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variation between types of plants and animals. Every living thing plays a part in an ecosystem, and when a specific type of being
becomes extinct or is removed from an area, its ecosystem suffers. When humans convert an area to farmland, we make it inhospitable to many types of plants and
animals, and begin growing only the species we like best. Large-scale fishing, land development and many other practices drive out native species, changing the
local ecosystem permanently.
Climate Change. The Earth's natural climate is always changing, but in years recent to 2010 we have observed dramatic changes that are likely due to
humans. In fact, the United Nations Convention on Climate Change defines climate change as "change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human
activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere." Our industry, agriculture and pollution all have real effects on the Earth's natural systems.
Pollution and greenhouse gases in particular are accumulating in our atmosphere, causing the planet's overall temperature to rise. This results in weather
changes, which affect all ecosystems.
Ten Easy Things You Can Do To Stop Pollution
Recycle your used motor oil. Wal-Mart Tire and Lube Express, AutoZone and other service stations accept used oil. Never pour oil or automotive fluids on the
ground or in creeks, ditches, or rivers.
Reduce auto emissions through regular auto maintenance, car pooling, and use of public transportation. Fix oil, transmission, and radiator leaks in your car. Leaking
fluids can wash off roads, driveways, and parking lots into waterways during rain showers.
Use garbage cans for your trash. Recycle reusable materials like cardboard, paper, plastic, and aluminum. Dont throw trash and litter in the streets and ditches; it
will wash into creeks and rivers.
Sweep the dirt from your sidewalk and driveway back into your yard with a broom. Pick up pet wastes and dispose of it in the toilet or trash. Hosing dirt and pet
wastes away flushes it directly into roadways and eventually into creeks, ditches, and rivers.
Dispose of any hazardous household chemicals at approved household hazardous waste collection sites. Purchase natural products available for your home and
garden.
Select water-based paints such as latex. Wash brushes in your sink with water. If using paint thinner, reuse and recycle it. Dont pour any paint or toxic material on
the ground or in ditches.
Use pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other lawn chemicals sparingly. Never double the dose. Follow the directions and do not apply if rain is forecasted.
Go to a car wash or wash your car in the grass. Dont wash grimy road dirt and soap down the driveway; it will end up in the creeks, ditches, and rivers. Reproduced
on recycled paper by the ADEQ Public Outreach & Assistance Division, November 2006.
Collect grass clippings and leaves and start a compost pile. Compost makes excellent soil conditioner for flower beds and gardens and is a beneficial way to dispose
of yard waste. Never use creeks, ditches, or streams to dispose of yard wastes.
Maintain your septic system. Have it pumped out every three years to remove sludge and scum.
Practice water conservation to prevent overworking your system. Repair or replace malfunctioning or outdated septic systems.