What is the environment?

The environment is everything around us. It includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we live on and all living things such as plants, animals and humans.

The environment is made up of both natural and human-made parts.

Natural environments are places that are mostly formed by nature, such as:

• Forests
• Oceans
• Rivers
• Mountains
• Grasslands

Human-made environments are places built by people, such as:

• Cities
• Roads
• Houses
• Farms
• Bridges

Even though humans build towns and cities, we are still part of the environment. The choices we make affect the world around us. When we pollute air or water, it does not just affect nature — it affects us too.

Everything in the environment is connected. For example, plants need clean water and sunlight to grow. Animals depend on plants and other animals for food. Humans depend on all of these systems to survive.

Renewable and non-renewable energy

Energy powers our world. It gives us electricity for lights and computers, heat for our homes and fuel for transport.

There are two main types of energy sources: non-renewable and renewable.

Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy comes from fuels that take millions of years to form. These are called fossil fuels and include:

• Coal
• Oil
• Natural gas

Fossil fuels were formed from ancient plants and animals buried underground. Because they take so long to form, they will eventually run out.

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a gas that contributes to climate change and air pollution.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that will not run out because they are naturally replaced.

Examples include:

• Solar energy (from the Sun)
• Wind energy
• Hydroelectric energy (moving water)

Renewable energy usually produces less pollution and is better for the environment. Many countries are increasing their use of renewable energy to reduce damage to the planet.

Waste and landfill

Every day, we produce waste. If it is not recycled, much of it is sent to landfill.

Landfill is where rubbish is buried in the ground and covered with soil. As more waste is added, the landfill site grows larger.

Problems with landfill include:

• It takes up valuable land space
• It can cause soil and water pollution
• It releases harmful gases such as methane
• Some materials take hundreds of years to break down

As rubbish slowly rots, it can produce gases that contribute to climate change. Plastics may not fully decompose at all.

The best way to reduce landfill is to:

• Reduce what we use
• Reuse items
• Recycle materials

By creating less waste, we protect land, wildlife and natural resources.

Composting

Composting is a natural process that turns food scraps and garden waste into rich, healthy soil called compost.

When fruit and vegetable waste breaks down, tiny living organisms such as bacteria, fungi and worms help to decompose it. Over time, the waste changes into dark, crumbly compost that can be used to help plants grow.

You can compost:

• Fruit peels
• Vegetable scraps
• Leaves
• Grass cuttings
• Tea bags (without plastic)

Composting is helpful because it:

• Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill
• Returns nutrients to the soil
• Helps plants grow naturally

It is a great example of how nature recycles materials.

Plastic and the environment

Plastic is a very useful material. It is strong, light and waterproof. However, most plastics do not break down easily.

If litter is not cleared up, it can damage the environment. Broken glass can injure people and animals. Plastic can be a choking hazard or trap wildlife. Litter left in natural habitats can pollute the land and wash into rivers and seas.

Many materials can be recycled instead of thrown away, including:

• Plastic
• Paper
• Glass
• Metal
• Food and garden waste

Recycling helps reduce the amount of rubbish buried in landfill sites. Waste in landfill can take a very long time to rot.

For example:

• A plastic bag can take 10–20 years to break down.
• Disposable nappies can take around 450 years.
• A glass bottle can take up to 1 million years.

That means some rubbish lasts far longer than a human lifetime.

Plastic in the ocean

When plastic reaches rivers and oceans, it can cause serious harm.

Plastic in oceans can:

• Injure or kill marine animals
• Be eaten by fish, birds and turtles
• Break into tiny pieces called microplastics

Microplastics are very small plastic pieces that can enter the food chain.

How pollution affects living things

Pollution happens when harmful substances enter the environment.

Pollution can affect:

• Air
• Water
• Land

Air pollution from cars and factories can make it harder to breathe and may cause health problems. Water pollution can make rivers and seas unsafe for animals and humans. Land pollution can damage soil and stop plants from growing properly.

When habitats are polluted, plants and animals may struggle to survive.

The good news is that even small actions can reduce pollution. We can:

• Walk or cycle instead of using a car when possible
• Recycle and reduce waste
• Avoid littering
• Save energy

Looking after the environment helps protect all living things, including us.