World Environment Day: 2023
World Environment Day is just around the corner and is coming up on Monday 5th June. With that in mind, today, Play It Green takes a look at the day, its history and why we should all be part of it.
World Environment Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action towards creating a sustainable and healthy planet. Established by the United Nations in 1972, this global initiative is celebrated on June 5th every year. The day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment and that small actions can make a big impact.
The importance of community is at the heart of World Environment Day, and it’s through collective efforts that we can achieve lasting change. At Play It Green, we believe that by coming together, we can make a positive difference for our planet. As a community, we strive to inspire and empower individuals to take action towards a more sustainable future.
In this article, we’ll explore what World Environment Day is all about, its history, and why it matters. Keep reading to find out how you can get involved and make a difference in your community!
World Environment Day: What Is It?
World Environment Day was first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment. The event is celebrated annually on June 5th and has since grown to become one of the largest global platforms for environmental action.
The idea for World Environment Day was proposed by environmentalist and activist, Maurice Strong. In its first year, World Environment Day was celebrated in just one country, but today, it is recognised and celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide. Each year, the day is assigned a theme to focus on a particular environmental issue, with the theme for 2023 being plastic pollution and the host country is Côte d’Ivoire.
Through the years, World Environment Day has successfully created awareness, galvanised public support, and mobilised individuals, organizations, and governments to take action towards a sustainable future. It is an opportunity for individuals to come together and make a positive impact on the environment.
World Environment Day: 2023 It's All About Plastic!
Each year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide, with almost half of it intended for single use only. Shockingly, less than 10 per cent is recycled. This results in 19-23 million tonnes of plastic finding its way into lakes, rivers and oceans annually, equivalent to the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers.
Microplastics, which are small plastic particles, are also present in food, water and air, with each person consuming more than 50,000 particles per year. The impact of discarded and burnt single-use plastic is widespread, as it poses a threat to human health and biodiversity and pollutes every ecosystem from the mountains to the ocean floor.
The available science and solutions to combat this crisis emphasise the importance of World Environment Day in mobilizing transformative action worldwide. With 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flowing into the oceans annually, more than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by plastic pollution through ingestion, entanglement and other dangers.
Governments, companies and other stakeholders must accelerate their efforts to tackle this issue by shifting towards a circular economy. By 2040, this can lead to an 80 per cent reduction in the volume of plastics entering the oceans, a 55 per cent reduction in virgin plastic production, a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent, and the creation of 700,000 additional jobs, mainly in the global south.
World Environment Day: Why Should I Care?
We all have a role to play in protecting our planet and ensuring a sustainable future. World Environment Day is an opportunity to reflect on our impact on the environment and take action towards positive change.
It’s a chance to come together as a community, share ideas and make a difference. By reducing our carbon footprint, cutting down on plastic use, and supporting sustainable practices, we can create a healthier planet for generations to come.
Join the Play It Green community today and take part in events, campaigns, and initiatives that promote environmental awareness and action. Together, we can make a real difference and create a more sustainable future. Let’s work together to protect our planet and all the amazing life it supports.
If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to take your efforts to the next level, we encourage you to join the Play It Green community.
For just £5 per month, you’ll have access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals and resources to help you make even more sustainable choices in your daily and working life.
As well as that you will plant lots of trees and regift to a charity of your choice. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
