Earth Day 2024 is coming up on 22nd April, so we find out how we can contribute and reduce plastic pollution.
The now global Earth Day originally started in America in 1970, and 54 years later, it is the largest civil event globally, with 192 countries taking part. This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, with earthday.org demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.
You’ll have heard a lot about the reduction single-use plastics in the last few years, but why is it so important? Plastic pollution stands as a pressing global concern, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, depleting biodiversity, exacerbating global warming, and posing significant threats to human health. Research consistently underscores a troubling forecast: should current trends persist unchecked, we should anticipate a surge in hormonal disorders, cancers, and cardiovascular ailments linked to plastic manufacturing and usage, particularly microplastics. There is hope on the horizon, however, if plastic production is reduced significantly. So how can you get involved with making that happen?
Sign the Global Plastics Treaty
This online treaty can be found on the earthday.org website, and calls for the United Nations and global governments to commit to: support a highly ambitious Global Plastic Treaty that binds all to the same standards; a 60% of reduction of all fossil fuel-based plastic production by 2040; requiring producers and retailers of plastics to be liable for the cost of any environmental or health-related damages in accordance with the “producer pays” principle; public and private sector investments in innovation to replace all fossil fuel-based plastics; ban all plastic-related tobacco products including, but not limited to tobacco filters and e-cigarettes; ban the export of plastic waste; end the incineration of plastic waste; support innovative solutions and alternatives to plastic in all sectors; and implement fully-financed education and public awareness campaigns to inform the public about reasons and strategies for ending plastic pollution.
Organise a cleanup
Cleanups are a fun and easy way to improve your community on Earth Day and every day. Litter not only looks bad and creates a poor environment, it’s also dangerous to wildlife. So grab a rubbish bag, some gloves, and a litter picker, and make a difference. Earthday.org has a great global cleanup initiative allowing you to register a cleanup in your local area, so why not get one started in North Leeds?
Take part in the #PlasticDetox challenge
Take part in this social media campaign to reduce plastic as part of an online community. Commit to reducing your use of single-use plastics in your daily life by refusing plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and other disposable items, opting instead for sustainable alternatives. Challenge yourself to adopt this lifestyle change for any duration – whether it’s a day, a week, or an ongoing commitment. Share your plastic-free journey on social media, showcasing your eco-friendly swaps, innovative ideas, and sustainable choices to encourage others to join the Plastic Detox Challenge and raise awareness about the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution.
For tips on taking part and support on your plastic-free journey, check
out the #PlasticDetox community.