Earth Day 22/04/2024:Planet vs. Plastics, choking our Planet’s breath
Microplastics already has invaded human lungs and blood. It en-route through cosmetics, food, water and surprisingly through the air we are breathing in. As per many scientific studies, it is going to be the next big health hazard for humans as well as other living beings. So, Earth Day 2024 has rightly picked up this urgent issue as a theme to drew attention of planet to solve this issue.
As per IUCN, At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.
One small plastic travels through a small fish to complete food chain as a bioaccumulation way.
This not only threatens humans as they consume sea food but also poses a big threat to critically endangered species of marine ecosystem.
History and Key focus of Earth Day 2024
This idea traced back in 1970’s when for the first time Earth Day was observed and now serving as a perfect yearly reminder for us to act for saving Earth.
For Earth Day 2024 on April 22nd, EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040.
As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said
Earth has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.
This is to remind every living member of this planet that its time to take step to safeguard our planet and its precious ecosystems.
How is plastic choking our Planet’s breath?
Many picture widely circulated on internet shows how sea creatures are choked by plastic and many terrestrial animals are shown eating plastic from the garbage. Scientific research are claiming that similar to acid rain, plastic rain is going to be new phenomenon very soon.
On 22 April 2024, when we are observing 54th Earth Day, we are already standing at a place where the escalating challenges posed by climate change, habitat destruction, sea-level rise, frequent drought & floods and biodiversity loss requires us to act immediately. These environmental problems will result in sheer hunger in under developed countries and will pose a big global economic threat.
Impacts on marine ecosystems
According to ICUN, Plastic pollution is a widespread problem affecting the marine environment. The visible impacts seen in creatures are suffocation and entangling in plastic debris. Their ability to swim is reduce which result in inability to catch their prey.
Impacts on food and human health
Microplastics have now days are found almost everywhere. They are very fast engulfing the air we are breathing in, water we are drinking and have made a place in the food, in our plates. Microplastics interfere with the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders in both humans and wildlife.
Impacts on tourism
Plastic waste deteriorates the beauty of costal areas which in turn reduce local’s income from tourism. It also generates major economic costs related to the cleaning and maintenance of the sites. The build-up of plastic litter on beaches can have a negative impact on a country’s economy, wildlife, and the physical and psychological wellbeing of people.
Impacts on climate change
Plastic production contributes to climate change. If plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide and methane (from landfills) into the atmosphere, thereby increasing emissions.
Earth Day 2024 theme about the war between Planet vs. Plastic tells us to stop immediately the burning and burying the plastic.
If you want to CONTINUE to BREATH, then STOP Plastic Waste
As we observe the Earth Day, lets follow three R’s to make planet, plastic waste free.
1. Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Minimize the use of single-use plastics such as straws, bags, utensils, and water bottles. Opt for reusable alternatives made from sustainable materials like stainless steel, glass, or bamboo.
2. Refuse Plastic Packaging
Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging whenever possible. Buy in bulk, bring your own containers for shopping, and support brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging.
3. Recycle Properly
Give your plastic waste to Recycle as per your local area’s guidelines. Educate yourself on what can and cannot be recycled in your area, and ensure that plastics are clean and dry before recycling.
Way Ahead
Earth Day remind us that Planet Earth is our shared home.
this itself poses a collective responsibility to safeguard our planet. This planet is not just for humans but for all living beings. But unchecked behavior of humans, have made all species to pay the price for our insanity.
Need of the hour is to aware and educate population about sustainable development i.e. using resource mindfully by taking care of future generation needs. Global leaders have to come together with the actual results of the visible differences done based on their past promises.
Green technology should be promoted and should equipped the under developed countries in capacity building for both adaption and mitigation.
