World Environment Day 2023

05/06/2023 Ellie Murray-Playfair

Let's beat plastic pollution together

World Environment Day serves as a powerful platform for change, as over 100 countries unite in the fight against plastic waste. If we fail to take action, projections indicate that by 2050, our oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight an ecological catastrophe of immense proportions.

To make a difference, communities worldwide can implement four essential changes to reduce plastic consumption:

1. Refuse plastic:

Say no to plastic whenever possible. Each day, Americans alone discard a staggering 10 million plastic straws enough to fill over 39 school buses. By simply rejecting straws, we can contribute to significant change. Take it further by avoiding bottled water or juice and opting for water dispenser systems or freshly-squeezed options, bringing your own reusable bottle.

Plastic bags and coffee cups are other culprits. If supermarkets don't offer alternatives, consider sourcing reusable cardboard boxes for your shopping trips. Together, we can drive businesses to prioritize sustainability.

2. Reuse plastic:

When plastic is necessary, choose reusable options. Make the most of products with an extended life, such as food packaging and take-out containers. Opt for lifelong carrier bags and containers that can serve you for as long as you need.

3. Recycle plastic:

Currently, the national recycling average in Australia stands at 60 percent. Whilst this is better than some other nations, we still have room to improve! By making small changes, we can contribute to the environment and free up crucial funds for reinvestment in community projects and public services. Remember, recycling a single plastic bottle can save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes. Avoid wrapping items in plastic bags when recycling and ensure recyclables are separated from non-recyclables.

4. Raise awareness:

Join famous faces in raising awareness about plastic pollution. Reach out to your network, invite friends to plastic-free dinner parties, attend public events, and spread the message of the Four R's - Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, and Raise Awareness.

Encouraging plastic-free lifestyles requires comprehensive action. Banning straws alone will not save our oceans. With plastics already constituting 60-80% of marine waste, we must embrace systemic change to prevent the collapse of marine ecosystems. Plastic can persist for hundreds of thousands of years, seriously threatening the continued existence of many marine species.

To make a lasting impact, we must:

- Re-educate on recycling to support recycling companies and enhance waste management efforts.

- Phase out the use of plastic by refusing and actively avoiding it, while exploring eco-friendly alternatives like edible cutlery, liquid wood, paper plates, and metal drinking straws.

- Embrace innovative solutions like mycelium, derived from mushrooms and fungi, to create eco-packaging options and sustainable products.

Together, we can all contribute to #beatplasticpollution by adopting these simple actions.

 With over 100 nations participating, World Environment Day has become a pivotal environmental event, emphasizing the need for awareness and inspiring changes in the practices of retailers and producers. Let's follow their example and work towards a better future.