53rd World Environment Day: A Call to Action
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5th in over 150 countries around the world. It reminds us that clean air, rivers, lakes, lush meadows, forests, wetlands, and above all fertile soil, are the foundations of our existence, and their wellbeing is inseparably linked to our survival.
This important day was established in 1972 by the UN General Assembly during the first global conference on the environment in Stockholm. At that time, attention was drawn to the alarming level of environmental pollution and natural habitat degradation, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was created. Already at that time, the world was receiving signals that a global crisis was imminent.
Beat Plastic Pollution
This year, World Environment Day is observed under the slogan “Beat Plastic Pollution” Plastic has brought innovation, energy savings, and convenience to daily life, but it has also become one of the greatest ecological challenges of our time. Scientists estimate that over the past 50 years, humanity has produced 9.2 billion tons of plastic, of which around 7 billion tons has become waste. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts that by 2060, plastic waste could nearly triple, reaching 1 billion tons annually.
Plastic pollution is now everywhere —it can be found in oceans, soil, air, and even in our bodies. Throughout its lifecycle, plastic also contributes to climate change. Scientists estimate that plastic production accounted for over 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020.
Many countries are taking action at the national level to reduce plastic pollution, introducing regulations to limit single-use plastics and imposing producer responsibility for the lifecycle of their products. However, due to the transboundary nature of the problem, international cooperation is essential. Negotiations are currently underway for a global treaty to limit plastic pollution.
Individual Actions
Individual actions are the foundation of systemic change needed to transition to a less plastic-dependent economy. Each of us can contribute through conscious choices and active participation. Some actions that can be taken include:
- Make your voice heard. If you come across a company that uses excessive amounts of plastic, bring it to their attention via social media or contact them directly..
- Engage with local authorities. Encourage local representatives to participate in Plastic Smart Cities, which mobilizes cities and regions to prevent plastic from entering the natural environment.
- Share solutions and inspire others. Promote innovative solutions or startups fighting plastic pollution by sharing them with your community or on social media.
- Join local clean-up initiatives. Participate in actions organized by local groups, schools, NGOs, or online communities. Collective action has a tangible impact on the environment.
- Support organizations committed to reducing plastic waste. Your support helps implement educational projects, clean-up events, and eco-friendly solutions.
- Adapt daily habits to reduce plastic use. For example, bring your own shopping bags, avoid over-packaged products, and choose items with extended warranties and repair options.
- Stay motivated. Progress takes time, but every individual action, even the smallest one, matters and contributes to global change. Remember that our combined efforts can work wonders
Respect Energy Best Practices
Respect Energy operates in a sector that is transforming the world, but we understand that every decision in our daily lives matters. That’s why:
- We use recycled materials in office renovations.
- In the case of renewable energy farms, we ensure proper disposal of all waste generated during their construction and operation.
(1) https://dlaplanety.pl/o-plastiku
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