Every year on April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day, a global event reminding us of the importance of environmental protection. This year, the theme of Earth Day is “Planet vs. Plastic,” focusing on the alarming levels of plastic pollution and the urgent need for action.
While reports of record levels of greenhouse gases and rapid melting of Antarctica warn us about the seriousness of the climate crisis, the theme of Earth Day 2024 highlights one of the key factors contributing to the problem – plastic.
Earth Day organization warns that globally, 380 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with more plastic being produced in the last decade than in the entire 20th century. Only 9% of plastic ever produced is recycled, and plastic waste pollutes our oceans, rivers, and land, posing a huge threat to the health of animals and ecosystems.
In honor of the Earth, the Earth Day organization calls for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, an end to the production of single-use plastics by 2030, and the adoption of a strong, binding UN agreement on plastic pollution.
What can we do?
Fortunately, there are many ways to get involved in the fight against plastic and contribute to a healthier planet. Here are a few ideas:
- Reduce plastic usage: Use reusable bags and bottles, and avoid products with excessive packaging.
- Recycle: Learn what can be recycled in your community and regularly recycle waste.
- Participate in clean-up actions: Join a local clean-up action or organize your own.
- Plant trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, so planting trees is a great way to help combat climate change.
- Support sustainable development organizations like RES Serbia: Donate money or your time to organizations working on environmental protection.
By promoting renewable energy sources, RES Serbia indirectly contributes to the fight against plastic waste. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which are used to produce plastic, means lower emissions of harmful gases and therefore less negative impact on ecosystems that break down plastic.
On this day, RES Serbia urges us to think about our actions and our contribution to environmental protection. Every little contribution counts! Together, we can create a healthier planet for all of us.
Let’s remember that Earth Day is celebrated every year in memory of April 22nd, 1970, when 20 million concerned citizens took to the streets across America to protest against environmental destruction. Today, according to Earth Day organization data, more than a billion people in 192 countries participate in celebrating our planet’s holiday every year.
For more information, visit the official Earth Day website: www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024