5 June 2023, World Environment Day. The theme for World Environment Day 2023 focuses on the solutions to plastic pollution. Every year, 400 million tons of plastic is produced, a great part of which are single use plastic. While recycling is an important part of reducing plastic pollution, it’s equally important to focus on mindful use and reduction of plastic in the first place.
Plastic is a growing crisis for the environment. They are very persistent to the environment for hundreds of years, leading to long-term pollution that we are experiencing now. It is also a threat to the ecosystem and wildlife; animals can mistake plastic for food that can injure or lead to their death. Additionally, microplastics have been found in various organisms, potentially causing harm throughout the food chain and also has a great impact on water bodies contaminating water resources.
Aside from water pollution, it also entails overflowing landfills because of improper disposal but when incinerated, they release harmful toxins to the air, posing serious health risks to all living things.
Plastic pollution is indeed a significant environmental issue, but we can make a difference by taking collective action and adopting mindful practices like reducing consumption of single-use plastics such as straws, unnecessary packaging etc. Another is encouraging people to adopt sustainable habits and support policies that address plastic solutions. Last suggestion is to support businesses that follow circular economy principles by using recycled materials, designing for durability, and promoting product repair, reuse and recycling.
By addressing plastic pollution from various angles, including consumer behavior, innovation, waste management, policy changes and corporate responsibility, we can collectively work towards a sustainable future with reduced plastic pollution and a healthier environment for all.
In your own way, how do you think you can #BeatPlasticPollution?
#BeatPlasticPollution
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In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry. Join us! Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.
Tree-Planting with FEED
Contact us at FEED for more details, to join our regular activities or to design your own tree-nurturing event: info@feed.org.ph or call/text +63 (0)917 552 4722.
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