Our planet earth is one big biological System; and like all big things, this huge system is composed of smaller building blocks called ecosystems. To understand the working of an ecosystem you do not have to go far. Sit down and make a list of your interactions with others and nature.

　The term 'Ecosystem' is short form for 'Ecological System'. It is basically a term that denotes the organisms and their environment. A group of living organisms lives in an environments which fulfills all its basic needs and energy requirements. The organisms along with the physical environment around them comprise an ecosystem, for example - grasslands, forests, ponds, islands, etc. An ecosystem can be as small as an aquarium or as huge as the ocean or rainforests.

　Human beings in order to satisfy their immediate needs have overused the natural resources without thinking of its impact on their own life over a period of time. But it is never too late. Even now if these resources are widely used, they can continue to contribute to human welfare for all times to come. Natural resources are getting depleted at a faster rate due to overpopulation and selfish attitude of human beings, with a short-sighted approach to life. Some factors on which we need to conserve are :-

　Soil - In many places, rich top soil is lost or is carried away either by wind or water. This process is called soil erosion. We can conserve soil by step farming. In hilly areas, steps are cut in slopes for farming. This reduces the speed of flow of water and thus prevents soil erosion. Soil can also be conserved by planting bare areas of land with trees, which is known as afforestation. Addition of manure prepared from dead organic matter restores the fertility of soil, as it is rich in humus.

　Water is another important renewable resource. Most of the water of the earth is salt water. Only 3% of the earth's water is fresh water. Though water is a renewable resource, it is limited and must be conserved. We can conserve water by using water judiciously and avoid wastage at home. Use drip irrigation method in which water is supplied to the roots drop by instead of filling the field with water. prevent deforestation and encourage afforestation as it helps in restoring ground water.

　Air is a natural resource required for survival of all living beings. It is like an envelope that surrounds the earth. It is a mixture of gases. Nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide are the three main gases in the air. Air pollution is mainly caused by burning of fossil fuels in power houses, industries and vehicles. This gives off gases, Such as carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Some steps to conserve air pollution are-pollution check certificate to be obtained after every 3 months by the owners of cars, scooters, etc, Use of CNG as fuel for buses instead of diesel in all the States, Use of unleaded petrol, Use of car pools by office goers and school children, Use of bicycle for short distance travelling within the colony,  shifting of industrial units from residential areas to industrial areas which are for away from the cities and industries to treat the gases released from the chimney.

　These are only some simple steps that anyone can follow easily. It does not matter whether you are rich or poor, young or old, the basic necessities are same for everyone.

　So save the environment if you want to save yourself.