Individual Action vs Government & Corporates in Environmental Protection

There is a general belief that a single person can contribute little for the betterment of the environment and only government and corporates are capable of stopping the harmful effects. I agree only to a small extent because governments can enforce laws and create awareness. Big companies can provide money and organize environment protection programs. Ultimately, it is up to each and every individual to do their bit to stop the destruction of the environment.

To initiate, many governments in different countries have imposed laws like banning the use of plastic, or giving incentives to the public for using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, in an attempt to rectify environmental degradation. Big companies or corporates also contribute by organizing tree planting events on "World Environment Day" or setting up plastic, paper, and glass recycling plants or initiating drives to collect recyclable materials. These efforts do contribute in spreading the awareness for the need to protect and improve the environment.

On the other hand, the public may be aware of government laws against cutting down trees or banning the use of plastic, but unless they start implementing this, nothing can be done to prevent pollution or deforestation, factors that contribute to ruining the environment. It is the common man who must stop driving cars unnecessarily or using fossil fuel or reducing the use of air-conditioners to eventually make a greater impact towards government-initiated steps for the protection of the environment. For example, the UP government has sanctioned hundreds of crores of rupees to clean up the river Ganga, but unless the people living near the banks of the river stop polluting it, nothing can be done to sustain the cleanliness.

To conclude, we need governments and big companies to guide us towards improving our environment, but unless each and every individual contributes, nothing much can be done.