World Environment Day
World Environment Day, held annually on 5 June, brings together millions of people from across the globe, engaging them in the effort to protect and restore the Earth. This year’s theme will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. To support the campaign we have created a blog all about plastic pollution how you can help beat it.
What is Plastic Pollution?
The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. An estimated 19-23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills, leaches into the ocean and is combusted into toxic smoke, making it one of the gravest threats to the planet. Not only that, what is less known is that microplastics find their way into the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. Many plastic products contain hazardous additives, which may pose a threat to our health.
What can you do?
There are many changes that need to be made on a business, government and global level. But you can personally make changes to help reduce plastic pollution too.
• Don’t buy water
Billions of plastic water bottles are used once and thrown away each year. Reduce your waste by carrying a refillable water bottle and drink tap water at home.
• Bring your own reusable bags when shopping
Using reusable shopping bags reduces a huge number of single use shopping bags which are easily damaged and thrown away.
• Reduce your use of single use plastics
Similar to the previous points, reducing your use of all single use plastics would be a massive step, but it can be very difficult when the items you need come in plastic packaging. Try to avoid plastic straws, cups and utensils.
• Participate in a clean-up
If the issue is something you feel particularly strong about and you have some free time, why not help clean up your local community and beaches. You can join a clean-up or just do it on your own.
• Support organisations address plastic pollution
This can be done in many ways, from signing a petition to donating money or time. If you believe in the cause then why not support the people championing change.
You can find out more about World Environment Day on the website.
Looking for a way to explore the subject further with your class? We have a range of Environment themed workshops which are sure to be perfect for your class!
