-Rachel Carson
Every April 22, those passionate about restoring and preserving the planet and its ecosystem celebrates the International Mother Earth Day,which was first recognized in 1970. Now, a global event attracting more than 1 billion people in 192 countries, Earth Day is considered as the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.
This year, #EarthDay2018 focuses on mobilizing the world to #EndPlasticPollution,including creating support for a global effort to eliminate single-use plastic along with global regulations for the disposals of plastics.
Plastic Pollution Facts
Every year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags
Each year, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, the equivalent of a full garbage truck every minute.
-Across the world, plastics make up to 85% of beach litter.
In the last decade, we produced more plastic than in the whole last century.
According to an estimate by the World Economic Forum, if we continue at our present rate, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
50% of the plastic we use is single-use or disposable.
We buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute.
Plastic makes up 10% of all of the waste we generate
Global Approaches on Plastic Pollution
Bangladesh was the first country in the World to ban certain types of thin plastic bags in 2002, after they were found to have choked the nation's drainage system during a series of devastating floods.
China's ban on imported plastic waste at the end of last year, has given the entire supply chain a wake up call for global recycling.
The EU is joining the fight against Plastic waste to ensure every piece of packaging on the continent is reusable or recyclable by 2030.
Taiwan has announced plans to ban plastic items with a 12-year plan beginning in 2019. The plan includes a blanket ban on plastic straws in stores and restaurants and ultimately phase out all plastics by 2030, and replace them with reusable and biodegradable items.
The UK has pledged to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042 as part of the government's 25-year plan to improve the natural environment.
In USA, California became the first state to put a ban on plastic bags and charge on paper bags in 2014.
In Africa, Rwanda banned the use of plastic bags in 2008 as a part of its Vision 2020 plan for Sustainability while Kenya began the journey in 2017 imposing a total ban on producing, selling and using plastic bags and bringing on board, World's toughest law, a risk of four years' imprisonment or $38,000 fine, upon breaches.
In Latin America, Chile joined the fight in 2017 by prohibiting the use of plastic bags in all ts coastal cities over the span of 12 months.
India's approach on Plastic Pollution
India will host the World Environment Day 2018 with the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution. With this celebration, India is determined to take the initiative to set an example for the Green Social Responsibility.
The Capital Delhi, has imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of plastic bags, including Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.
States such as Goa, Gujrat, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal have partial bans on the use of plastic bags around sites of religious, historical or natural importance, or during the pilgrimage season.
The Maharashtra government has recently proposed to enforce a complete ban on plastic bags. If the ban is violated, both manufacturers and users could be fined a minimum of Rs 5,000.
Our Approach
Our throwaway culture has treated Earth as if it is a disposable. We all have a role to play in turning the tide to plastic
However
We all have a responsibility to protect our quality of life, not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren too.
There are events taking place across the globe and it is likely one that is taking place in your local area. Take a stand as the citizen of Earth to #EndPlasticPollution.
Local action= Global Impact
Together, we can work to #EndPlasticPollution
-RD- | -Tulips- | pancakes
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