Increase in population leads to an increase in human activity – especially where it didn’t exist before.

More human activity means more production and consumption…

More production and consumption means more waste…

More waste means more pollution.

POLLUTION

Pollution not only leaves our environment worse than  before.

It destroys biodiversity…

It renders water not drinkable…

It makes out air un-breath-able…

It makes life much harder than we think.

Often times are we veiled by the mirage of success…

And the way we define success is through increased availability of consumer goods…

Increased industrial activity that churns out the products we use on a daily basis.

The more we seem to enjoy life, the less safe our environment seems to become.

The more convenient our lives turn out, the riskier the waste products resulting from enjoying the convenience.

Just picture that plastic manufacturing industry…

It churns out just the products we need…

The plastic pipes which host our electrical cables allowing us to enjoy electricity…

The plastic utensils we often use at home…

The plastic bottles that we use to carry water…

The plastic containers which we use to carry food…

There’s no shortage of plastic use around us simply because it’s convenient.

But what about its production process?

Some of the raw materials used in plastic manufacture are known to leave lasting health effects in people’s lives.

Take for instance dichloroethane which is used to manufacture PVC pipes used in construction.

It’s a chemical known to last for ages in the environment especially when in water.

This makes it a notorious groundwater pollutant.

And since our water treatment plants just don’t have a way of capturing and removing such contaminants, many are exposed.

Yet this is just one example among many which hold such a tag.

But our water is not the only source of concern when it comes to human activity.

Our air is also under siege.

What happens when we burn rubbish in our backyards…

Or when we are exposed to diesel exhaust while on the streets….

Air pollutants don’t leave our air the same.

But what’s the whole point of this discussion?

The point is that pollution is a problem.

And every problem presents us an opportunity to create solutions.

A good example of a solution to the pollution problem is remediation

POLLUTION REMEDIATION

Pollution remediation is all about stopping and reversing the damage pollution is causing.

And like any solution, remediation solutions could be monetized and used to create employment opportunities.

For example how can an innovator come up with profitable solutions to tackle toxic industrial effluents?

First, remember that these industries are churning out dollars – if they weren’t, they’d not be in existence.

Second there are environmental standards that must be met by these industries where effluents are concerned.

A number of them struggle to meet these standards forcing them to compromise on our environment. 

Now imagine an innovator who has researched and tested a method of removing pollutants from industrial effluent.

Imagine a technology capable of recycling this contaminated water such that it can be reused again and again and again.

Now imagine this same innovator floating this idea across the table in the company’s management board meeting.

Might not be as easy as it sounds but persistence and patience pays.

Now imagine the board discussing this model which will help them save on their water costs and put them in good books with the environmental bodies.

Solving an environmental problem is bound to generate an income in the long run.

All it takes is for one to find a way to monetize the solution and targeting industries is one sure way.

But besides industries, other solutions could target the middle class who have the ability to pay.

Take for instance water filters capable of removing pollutants such as fluoride and toxic metals…

Or water softeners capable of removing water hardness.

Even our air need not be left behind.

Imagine the many neighborhoods grappling with an air pollution challenge…

Houses built near quarries or highways which take in the fumes and dust on a daily basis.

Some of these home owners might definitely be interested in air quality monitors in their living rooms for example.

And not to mention industries which require regular monitoring of toxic gases – an occupational health requirement.

IN CONCLUSION

The pollution problem presents us with unique opportunities for innovating.

Innovation in water treatment and air quality technologies allows us to partner with industries and other consumers which may lead to monetization of the ventures.

These are opportunities waiting to smile on the aspiring entrepreneur who wishes to innovate in order to solve environmental problems.