Beat Plastic Pollution

As a matter of fact, Beating plastic pollution is a crucial environmental challenge that requires collective effort. World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th to raise awareness and take action on pressing environmental issues. There is a different theme and host country every year for World Environment Day celebrations. In the year 2021, the theme was – ‘Ecosystem Restoration‘ and in the year 2022, the theme was – ‘Only One Earth’. This year the focus of World Environment Day theme 2023 is “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”, with the hashtag – #BeatPlasticPollution.

Every year, World Environment Day sees participation from 143 countries worldwide. This day is observed to acknowledge environmental damage and finding out ways of reversing it. Everyone including governments, non-governmental organizations, environmentalists, etc. participates in Environment Day celebrations annually.

World Environment Day 2023

That being said, World Environment Day 2023 is hosted by Côte d’Ivoire – Ivory Coast (West Africa) in partnership with the Netherlands. Côte d’Ivoire is showing leadership in the campaign against plastic pollution. Since 2014, it has banned the use of plastic bags, supporting a shift to reusable packaging.

Under the theme Solutions to plastic pollution, World Environment Day 2023 will be observed highlighting the need to solve the growing plastic pollution crisis by scaling up and speedy actions of governments, companies, and other stakeholders. Reducing plastic pollution is a collective effort that requires individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take action.

Here are some actions you can take to contribute to reducing plastic pollution:

1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Avoid using disposable plastic items such as bags, straws, bottles, and utensils. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like cloth bags, stainless steel bottles, and bamboo utensils.
2. Recycle and Proper Waste Disposal: Ensure that you separate your plastic waste for recycling. Familiarize yourself with local recycling programs and guidelines. If recycling facilities are not available in your area, find ways to properly dispose of plastic waste to prevent it from ending up in oceans or landfills.
3. Choose Sustainable Alternatives: Look for products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Choose eco-friendly alternatives made from biodegradable or recyclable materials.
4. Spread Awareness: Yet still, Educate others about the negative impacts of plastic pollution. Share information through social media, community events, or discussions with friends and family. Encourage others to join the movement against plastic pollution.
5. Support Legislation and Policies: Advocate for stricter regulations on plastic production, usage, and disposal. Write to your local representatives or sign petitions supporting initiatives to reduce plastic pollution.
6. Participate in Cleanup Efforts: Volunteer for beach or community cleanups to help remove plastic waste from the environment. Join local organizations or initiatives working towards cleaning up and preserving natural habitats.
7. Support Businesses and Brands Committed to Sustainability: Choose products from companies that prioritize environmentally friendly practices and packaging. Encourage businesses to adopt sustainable packaging and production methods.
8. Microplastics Awareness: Be mindful of products that contain microplastics, such as personal care items and cleaning products. Opt for natural alternatives and check product labels for microplastic-free options.
9. Support Innovative Solutions: Stay informed about advancements in technology and materials that offer alternatives to plastic. Support and invest in companies developing sustainable packaging and plastic alternatives.
10. Be a Role Model: Lead by example and make sustainable choices in your daily life. Encourage and inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Remember, individual actions, when combined, can make a significant impact on reducing plastic pollution. By raising awareness and actively participating in efforts to beat plastic pollution, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.

Beat Plastic pollution with me

Despite all this, Plastic is so cheap and durable that it’s used to manufacture almost everything. Look around you, and you will find that plastic has become an integral part of our lives. What makes plastic dangerous is that it’s not easily degradable. That’s why it’s littered everywhere. Plastic debris is found in parks, landfills, streets, lakes, forests, and oceans. And it has started killing animals too. Deer and elephants in the wildlife sanctuaries, camels, and other mammals have died after eating plastic bags. Humans too must be ingesting plastic in some form.

That being said, If you are looking for alternatives to #BeatPlasticPollution then listen to these Eco-friendly people on #GreenTatwaTalks and get inspired by their journeys towards a better and greener tomorrow.

Tune into Episode 32 to find an alternative to single-use plastic.

Listen to Episode 29 to find plastic-free packaging solutions.

Find out about the plastic-free bag in Episode 26

Choose a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic plates in episode 7

From My Green Bag

To sum up, This is my conscious lifestyle post to spread more awareness about sustainable living. Join me for more such ways and tips and become part of my Conscious and sustainable living journey. Keep visiting my blog to make yourself eco-friendly, aware of conscious and sustainable choices and be more concerned for our environment, and alter your lifestyle.

To add on, read and listen to my Green Talks series and check out interviews with Eco-conscious people who are trying their bit towards conscious and sustainable living practices. There is so much to learn and explore from all of them I had interacted with, do listen and drop in your views in the comments. Check here to know more about all the Eco-Friendly dates.