Agriculture is the art and science of cultivating the soil, growing crops and raising livestock (National Geographic Society). It is one of the earliest occupations known to man and is till today, the most common occupation throughout the world. The importance of agriculture led early man to form permanent settlements and he was able to thus provide surplus food and livestock which soon became a prime mode of trade and transaction. The field of agriculture is a very vast one. It caters to food requirements of the entire world population. Innovative technology and development in the field of biotechnology have profited agriculturists greatly. There is a big boost in agricultural production, especially in animal agriculture which has increased two-fold since the past ten years. This is due to the high demand of meat, milk and eggs.
Animal agriculture is seeing an all-time high due to advanced breeding and rearing techniques which have benefited agriculturists economically. According to the RSPCA, more than 900 million farm animals are reared every year in the U.K. alone. Since animal agriculture is such a large establishment, welfare of animals and the effect of animal agriculture on our environment are key points to be considered. Large-scale animal farming has led to more mechanized techniques of farming. These techniques are confined to smaller spaces and hundreds of animals are crammed together to increase productivity. Today, in the U.S., 1000 or more of capacity comprise less than 5 per cent of total feedlots but market 80-90% of feed cattle (Grace Communications Foundation). It is an example of intensive of animal agriculture.
All living organisms emit greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gas emissions by livestock are a major concern to environmentalists. Around 18% of greenhouse gas emissions come from animal agriculture compared to only 13% from transportation (EPA). Livestock also affect water quality. Water contamination of natural water bodies due to animals drinking water from it, animal wastes and sewage bacteria present in animals can all affect the quality of water negatively, causing great harm to its potential consumers. Odor arising from animal farms is also a source of environmental pollution. Thus it can be seen that the impact of rearing animals on our environment is a strong one. Environmentalists are on the constant look out for new and adoptive measures to control and curb such kinds of pollution. ‘Green Chemistry’ is one such effort towards a greener tomorrow. It suggests measures for efficient management of agricultural systems through waste management and efficient designs to increase efficiency and competitiveness for the growth of our economy. There are 12 principles of ‘Green Chemistry’ which govern efficient management of agricultural establishments. These principles encourage prevention of wastes, renewal of feedstock, use of safe chemicals and solvents, and their degradation, analysis of pollution control etc.
PREVENTION OF ANIMAL WASTES
Livestock wastes are a major source of environmental pollution. Protecting water bodies from contamination due to animal wastes, reduces entry of nitrogen and phosphorus into the water and restores stream banks (EPA).Animal wastes can be greatly reduced by converting them into valuable manure to be used as nutrient sources for sustainable agriculture systems. Storage pits, uncovered anaerobic lagoon, digesters and drylots are some of the ways to treat livestock manure effectively. Establishment of an effective waste management facility and educating agriculturists and farm workers on the harmful effects of animal wastes can enhance effectiveness of the program.
ORGANIC FARMING
Sustainable agriculture is one which contains plants and animals which are grown and reared using organic nutrients, made within the farm. Such organic farming techniques eliminate use of toxic chemicals, antibiotics and growth stimulators, thus making the agricultural process really natural. Elimination of toxic chemicals also reduces human exposure to it. Environmental pollution is greatly reduced and animals can be reared free of antibiotics and pathogenic disease-resisting bacteria.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
It is ironical that animal agriculture produces food yielding high energy, yet it consumes energy at a level which can be harmful to our environment. Fossil fuel energy is used widely in agricultural establishments to run machinery and heavy duty equipment required for large-scale agricultural production. Fossil fuel energy is widely used in intensive agriculture to increase productivity. High productivity has a direct influence on energy consumption. Thus animal agriculture affects economical use of natural resources. ‘Green Chemistry’ aims to work on reducing energy consumption by encouraging energy efficient equipment. Transport of food from the sites of agricultural establishment to their places of trade is also a key point which contributes to energy consumption. Use of locally available foods, reduced use of convenience foods and meat can lead to a decline in energy consumption. The general public must be encouraged to grow organic foods in their backyard. This would certainly decrease their dependence on the agricultural market.
‘Green Chemistry’ represents positive attitude toward sustainable agriculture. It encourages natural methods of agriculture. It is a novel step taken to sustain our limited resources. Sustainable growth of resources is the wealth of every nation. Each one of us is responsible to initiate a change in our environment, for the betterment of the human race.
Works Cited
“Animal Agriculture Waste Management.” AVMA. 2016. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.
“Agriculture.” National Geographic Society. 2016. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.
Animal Welfare.” Grace Communications Foundation. 2016. Web. 29 Apr. 2016.
“Farm Animals.” RSPCA. 2016. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.
“The Sources and Solutions: Agriculture.” EPA. 2016. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.
“What is the Impact of Animal Production on the Environment?” Animal Smart. 2016. Web. 29
Apr. 2016.
