By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Scary!!!
"...no matter who you are, where you are, or what you do, you have the power to bring about real and positive change."
On the 22nd of April every year, countless individuals from across the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. It's a global movement that honors the planet we live in and raises awareness about various issues that the environment is dealing with. It's a day when people from all walks of life unite for a common goal; a sustainable Earth.
The theme for Earth Day 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics", focusing on the detrimental impact that plastics pose on the environment. Today, through various activities, the organization behind Earth Day spreads awareness about plastic pollution and advocates policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics. It explains, "... for Earth Day 2024, EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040.”
Well, it's the responsibility of each of us to minimize our plastic usage in our daily lives. And you know, small changes can really make a big difference.
So, in this article, let's discuss some simple methods that we can use to reduce plastic pollution.
If you cannot eliminate plastic from your life, think about how you can reuse or recycle it. Carry a reusable water bottle, go for the reusable polythene bags, and use the same containers again and again. Also, instead of throwing the so called "use-and-throw" plastic bags or containers in the dustbin, give them a new life. On the other hand, when you buy some plastic products, opt for the ones that are made from recycling methods.
(Credit: dw_environment)
Now this is an effective method to reduce plastic waste. Instead of buying plastic products, go for their sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. For example, bioplastics (typically made from sugarcane, corn starch, or potato starch) are a better option than traditional plastics. For household utensils, you can use products made of bamboo, glass, or stainless steel. And support local craftsmen who use eco-friendly materials only.
Microbeads refer to those tiny plastic particles found in beauty products - from body washes to scrubs to lotions and more. Thanks to their small size, they easily slip through rivers, lakes, and oceans, posing significant harm to marine life. They break down into smaller pieces and stay in the environment forever. Hence, it's absolutely non-negotiable that you boycott microbeads completely.
There are plenty of biodegradable alternatives available in the market. By choosing them over microbeads, you can make a real impact!
Plastic is detrimental to our mother earth, and there is no doubt about it. What's even worse is there's a major lack of awareness among people about the use of plastic. Hence, just reducing our plastic waste is not enough; we should also spread the word to others as well. Remember, every small action taken today will contribute to a better environment tomorrow!
