请根据以下内容写一篇关于环保的论文：
橡皮垫和塑料瓶会被永久保存，因为它们需要很长时间才能分解。每年，全球范围内约有8.8百万吨塑料倾倒进海洋中，对环境和野生动物造成了极大的危害。为了保护环境，我们可以采取如下举措：减少使用一次性塑料产品、使用可再生能源、降低用电量、鼓励回收和再利用等措施。
Title: Protecting the Environment through Sustainable Practices

Introduction:
The growing problem of environmental pollution caused by non-biodegradable waste has become a matter of serious concern in recent years. The plastic bottles and rubber mats that are commonly used today take a very long time to decompose and therefore, cause severe damage to the environment and wildlife.

Body:
The global dumping of about 8.8 million tons of plastic into the ocean every year has caused a grave threat to marine life and the environment. The need of the hour is to adopt sustainable practices to conserve the fragile ecosystem of our planet earth.

To achieve this, we can take the following measures on an individual and collective level:

1. Reduce the use of disposable plastic products - by consciously adopting eco-friendly products like cloth bags, bamboo straw, steel water bottles, etc.

2. Use renewable energy- by opting for energy-efficient appliances, solar water heaters, rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heating and cooling systems.

3. Lower electricity consumption - by turning off appliances when not in use, using LED lights, adjusting the thermostat, and reducing water wastage.

4. Encourage recycling and reuse - by segregating waste at source, composting organic waste, and setting up recycling facilities in communities and workplaces.

Conclusion:
Protecting the environment is a collective responsibility of society. We cannot ignore the hazardous consequences of our irrational consumption and disposal patterns. Adopting sustainable practices can go a long way in mitigating the environmental hazards and preserve the planet for future generations. It's time to act now before it's too late!