Inspired by the oil spill in Santa Barbara, the first World Earth Day started on April 22nd, 1970, under the lead of Senator Gaylord Nelson, Denis Hayes and Pete McCloskey. Since then, World Earth Day has grown into a global movement that raises awareness and the urge to act on environmental concerns. This year, it is centred around the theme ‘Plastic vs Planet,’ focusing on plastic pollution and its effects.
Plastics & Environment
The single-used plastics bring us as much harm as convenience due to their properties. Most plastics are non-biodegradable and take around 1000 years to decompose, releasing chemicals that are harmful to human bodies.
Filaments that are formed when plastics break down are called microplastics, and they are found everywhere in our environment due to the massive use of plastics. Microplastics can get into our bodies from the water and food we consume, as well as the air we breathe in. Recent studies have suggested microplastics may impact our health, as they carry chemicals that can disrupt our hormonal regulation. Although more research is needed, this raised an alarm that actions must be taken.
Aside from plastic pollution, global warming is another current leading environmental issue for our planet. Industrial processes would require manufacturing products from raw material that undergoes chemical reactions. The processes result in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, such as carbon dioxide, which can trap and divert heat, leading to an overall increase in temperature. The production of plastics is one example of an industrial process.
Tips To Tackle
The increasing demand for plastic products in our daily lives would lead to greater release of GHG, as more production is required to meet these demands. Yet, these demands for plastic are what hurts our planet. Hence, let’s come together to have a read on what we can do for our mother Earth to reduce these issues using the 3’R’:
- Reduce
Reducing the use of plastics is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary plastic waste. One of the ways to do so is to replace single-use plastics with reusable alternatives. For example, we can use reusable grocery bags, food containers, cups and drinking bottles instead of disposable plastics.
- Reuse
Reusing used plastics for other purposes can also reduce plastic waste. They are transformed into items with other functions instead of being disposed of as waste items. For instance, we can turn plastic bottles or cups into pencil holders. In addition, round plastic containers can be repurposed as succulent pots. Square plastic containers, on the other hand, can be washed and used to store our food.
- Recycle
Plastics that are no longer reusable should be separated from other waste and sent to the recycling bin nearby. They can be used to make new plastics again. This can reduce the GHG emission, as there is no need to make plastics from raw materials.
As World Earth Day continues to inspire, let’s carry its message forward: it’s time to act against plastic pollution. Whether through small changes or collective efforts, each of us can make a difference. By reducing plastic use and supporting eco-friendly initiatives, we pave the way for a cleaner, greener future. Let’s make every day Earth Day by working together to build a world with minimum plastic waste.
Li Ling, Dietetics Intern
