World Environment Day

World Environment Day is celebrated on Monday 5 June. The aim is to raise global awareness of the importance of caring for our ecosystem and to promote sustainable development that respects the environment.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, this year’s theme will focus on plastic pollution. The host country for its 50th anniversary celebration will be Côte d’Ivoire, which has shown great commitment to the campaign against single-use plastics.

Plastic pollution

Among the environmental challenges we face today, plastic pollution plays a major role. Humans produce more than 430 million tonnes of plastic every year, 22% of which becomes litter. It is a non-biodegradable material that takes more than 100 years to decompose, contaminating water, poisoning marine fauna, deteriorating soil and causing consequences for human health. Approximately 36% of plastic production is used for packaging, the sector that generates the most single-use plastic waste.

Countries must promote a production and consumption model based on the circular economy to create added value. We must reinvent ourselves and look for solutions that encourage the implementation of alternatives to the use of unnecessary plastics.

What can I do as a citizen against plastic pollution?

• Individual choices do make a difference. Here is a list of actions that you can incorporate in your daily life to contribute to the care of the environment and the planet:
• Avoid single-use plastics (tableware, straws, bags, cotton buds…).
• If you can’t, reuse them and once they can no longer be used, recycle them to dispose of them properly.
• Take reusable bags with you when you go shopping.
• Try to buy locally sourced and seasonal food.
• Choose products that are packaged in cardboard or glass.
• Buy more bulk foods and less packaged products.
• Put plastics in the correct recycling bin.
• Give a second life to unused products.
• Raise awareness in your environment about the importance of reducing plastic consumption.

How can I contribute to the care of the environment?

• Environment Day is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the conservation of the ecosystem. To achieve the transformation towards a circular economy system, we encourage you to collaborate through these environmental measures:
• Whenever possible, get around by walking, cycling or public transport. If this is not possible, opt for an environmentally friendly means of transport. As well as helping the environment, you save on costs.
• Separate recyclable waste and use specific collection points for the products that require it. It is important to be informed in order to act correctly.
• Save electricity. You can reduce its use by using low-consumption appliances, using LED bulbs, turning off the lights at home when you are not at home or avoiding electrical appliances on standby.
• Go for renewable energy. If you install solar panels in your home, you can produce energy from inexhaustible sources such as the sun that will be used to heat water or your home.
• Reduce water consumption. Water is a limited resource, so it is important to turn off the tap when you rinse, take a shower instead of a bath…
• Adjust your diet. Increase your vegetable intake, they help reduce chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
• Don’t waste food. Measure portion sizes before cooking, store food correctly, discover recipes that make the most of your food…
• Optimise your wardrobe. Buy less new clothes of higher quality to wear them for longer, look for sustainable brands or buy and sell second-hand clothes.
• Help push local politicians and businesses to join efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
• Sponsor tree planting around the world. Reforestation reduces global greenhouse gas emissions. 

If this last measure has caught your attention, CO2 Revolution makes it easy for you. Contact us and we will tell you how.