The environment is a complex of natural and human-dependent factors and components that are in a state of interdependence and affect the ecological balance and quality of life, human health, cultural and historical heritage. It encompasses all conditions in which people, animals and plants exist or function.

Human health and well-being depend on the state of the environment. If it is of good quality, it can provide basic needs such as clean air and water, fertile land for food production, energy and material resources for production.

Businesses impact the environment through the use of natural resourceswhich, after processing, are transformed into goods and products. This process releases pollutants and waste which can reduce the quality of the environment. Consumers, on the other hand, once they no longer need the material goods they have purchased (e.g. clothes, appliances, food, etc.), dispose of them as household waste, which also has a direct and often negative impact on the various environmental components.

Therefore, both companies and citizens must make a concerted effort to protect the environment, namely - to implement a set of activities aimed at preventing environmental degradation, its restoration, preservation and improvement.

Renewable resources are those that are naturally recovering, or can be fully or partially recovered through special activities, and are considered to be proven to be recovering at rates comparable to their exploitation rates. All other resources are non-renewable.

Environmental pollution is the change in the quality of the environment resulting from the occurrence and introduction of physical, chemical or biological factors from a natural or anthropogenic source within or outside the country, whether or not the standards in force in the country are exceeded.

Environmental degradation is such an alteration of one or more of its constituent components that results in a deterioration in the quality of life of people, an impoverishment of the biodiversity or make it difficult to restore natural ecosystems.

There are various environmental management systemsthat help organisations achieve a balance between their activities and nature, and contribute to preserving its essential features. This is crucial for the sustainable development of future generations.