Planet vs Plastics: End plastic use for Earth Day

April is here, and with it comes one of the most significant events for environmental awareness - Earth Day and Earth Month.

Inaugurated in 1970, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. It first began by mobilizing millions of Americans to support environmental protection. It has since evolved to include 1 billion people in 193 countries worldwide. But why stop at one day? Earth Day now includes month-long observances, allowing us to reflect on our planet's challenges and take meaningful actions to address them.

The theme for 2024 is Planet vs Plastics.

Plastic impacts terrestrial and marine environments (Photo courtesy of Unsplash / Naja Bertolt Jensen)

The problem with plastic

Plastic pollution is a huge global crisis, threatening our planet and all life forms. According to the United Nations, more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, two-thirds of which is cast aside as waste after just one use.

Plastic pollution severely impacts terrestrial and marine environments. Plastic is not biodegradable, it simply breaks apart into smaller and smaller pieces over time, creating what’s known as micro or nano plastics. Discarded plastic items persist in the environment for centuries, leaching harmful chemicals and breaking down into microplastics that contaminate soil, waterways, and oceans. This pollution threatens biodiversity, disrupts ecosystems, and harms marine life through ingestion and entanglement.

Plastic is not biodegradable

It also harms human health through microplastics and chemicals entering the food chain. Human exposure to these has been linked to a range of health issues.

Plastic waste overwhelms waste management systems worldwide. Much of the plastic produced ends up in landfills or is improperly disposed of, leading to littering and pollution. Recycling rates for plastic are inadequate.

Ending plastic pollution

Here are some simple yet impactful ways you can support the call to end plastic pollution. We all can make small changes in our daily lives that can have a big impact on plastic generation.

Start by embracing a zero-waste lifestyle, which includes buying and owning less stuff.

Minimise single-use plastics and opt for reusable items, such as stainless steel and glass or other sustainable materials.

Support plastic-free initiatives, especially by businesses and brands committed to reducing plastic use. Look for products packaged in sustainable materials or in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

Turn plastic bottles into planters organizers crafts and jewellery (Photo courtesy of precious.plastic_seytreasure on Instagram)

Recycle, reuse, and repurpose items you already have. For example, you can turn plastic bottles into planters, organizers, crafts, and jewellery. Support small businesses that use plastic waste.

Stop littering and polluting the environment. Dispose of plastic and other waste properly. You can help organise or participate in clean-up events to remove plastic litter from beaches, waterways, parks and the ocean. Support initiatives to implement litter prevention programs.

Create awareness and advocate for policies that regulate plastic production, use, and disposal. Encourage individuals, communities, and businesses to take action by providing information about sustainable alternatives and best practices for reducing plastic consumption.

Collaborate with NGOs and the government to support initiatives that reduce plastic pollution. These collaborations can involve funding research, advocating for policy changes, and implementing recycling programs.

Whether it is through individual actions, government regulation, or corporate responsibility, together we can create a world that values sustainability.