Today April 22, 2024 is Earth Day, a reminder to all humans of planet earth to take mindful care of our home.
Earth Day started back in 1970 when a US lawmaker named Gaylord Nelson got over 20 million people together to show they cared about the environment.
Today, Earth Day is a big deal worldwide with more than 50,000 groups in nearly 200 countries joining in. It has led to some important laws to protect nature, like laws about clean water and endangered animals and the acclaimed international agreement, the Paris Agreement which targets and rallies global action against climate change.
This year, the focus for Earth Day is on plastic and its damaging, devastating and degrading impact on human and environmental health.
Did you know that over 380 million tons of plastic are made every year and half of that is used once and thrown away?
Earth Day Network seeks to cut down on plastic production by 60% by 2040 to help keep our planet clean and healthy.
To cut down on plastic, Earth Day Network has outlined plans to first of all educate on how bad plastics for humans and animals are which is connected to cancer in people and deaths in sea creatures. Secondly, requesting countries everywhere to commit to stopping the usage of single-use plastics by 2030 and for governments to make rules to stop fast fashion, which adds a lot to the plastic problem. Lastly, is the request for big companies to find new materials that are better for the Earth instead of using so much plastic.
The president of EarthDay.org, Kathleen Rogers, says we are taking a big risk by using so much plastic. We are even breathing in tiny bits of plastic!
While it might take time for governments to make new rules about plastics, companies can start making small changes right away. For example, clothes makers can use materials that are natural or made from recycled stuff. And restaurants can use bio-degradable paper containers instead of plastics.
Individuals of all ages can also make a big difference in avoiding single-use plastic spoons and forks by keeping a reusable cutlery set in backpacks or in the car. Carry containers for leftovers when going to a restaurant. Making use of reusable water bottle and lunch bag to school.
These simple actions will go a long way toward saving our planet.
Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation, Africa’s climate action and sustainable tourism non profit which operates at the intersection of tourism, trade and sustainability and targets youths, women, MSMEs, inclusive groups, communities and cities not only fully supports the global call and advocacy by EarthDay Network, to discontinue the use of single use plastics, but also advocates for all humans, organisations, governments, municipalities, industries to plant trees, decarbonize value chains, make inclusive policies, conserve bio- diversity and make everyday Earth day.