Read more about simple ways to celebrate World Environment Day and World Ocean Day with me.
Hello there, Fellow Wanderers,
This week’s blog posts celebrates both World Environment Day and World Ocean Day. Both are celebrated this week and highlight an important theme that I am extremely passionate about, plastic pollution. There is nothing that concerns me more than going for a hike or a lovely beach walk and coming home with bags of plastic litter, discarded without thought into our beautiful environment.
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th to raise awareness and encourage action to protect our environment. It was established by the United Nations in 1972 and has since become a global platform for public outreach. The focus of this year’s World Environment Day is to highlight and create solutions to plastic pollution, #BeatPlasticPollution, this important focus ties into World Ocean Day and the devastating effect that plastic has on our oceans.
World Ocean Day is also celebrated this week on June 8th, this important day raises awareness about the importance of our oceans and the need to protect them. This year, World Ocean Day will be celebrated with the theme “Protect Our Oceans: Tides are changing”. There are many facts about World Ocean Day that everyone should know, such as the fact that over 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, they provide us with food, oxygen, medicines, and much more. Additionally, it is important to remember that our actions have a direct impact on the health of our oceans and marine life.
Plastic pollution is a global environmental issue that has been gaining attention in recent years. It is estimated that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, most of which, is single use. It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, and this number is only increasing. The level of plastic in the ocean is growing at a rate of five tons per minute. This is almost the equivalent to two garbage trucks full of plastic being dumped into the ocean every minute, and possibly by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Roughly, only 10% of all plastic is recycled, it is this accumulation of plastic products in the environment, that is causing devastating effects on wildlife, ecosystems, oceans, and human health.
This major environmental issue that has been affecting marine life for decades, causing a wide range of problems, from entanglement to ingestion. Plastic can also cause physical damage to animals, as well as chemical damage due to the toxins it releases into the water. In addition, plastic can also block sunlight from reaching organisms in the water, leading to decreased photosynthesis and reduced oxygen levels in the ocean. All these effects have dire consequences for marine life and ecosystems around the world. As this plastic continues to break down, it forms microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimetres in size and difficult to detect. They are created when larger pieces of plastic break down into smaller pieces due to environmental factors such as sunlight, wind, and waves. The presence of microplastics in our oceans is a major environmental concern. They can be ingested by fish and other marine animals which can lead to health problems or even death. Furthermore, microplastics can also absorb pollutants from the water which can then be passed on to the animals that consume them. It is therefore essential that we take steps to reduce the amount of microplastics entering our oceans and protect our marine life from their harmful effects. Microplastics can be found, not only in oceans but in the environment, rivers, and soil, they come from a variety of sources, including cosmetics, clothing fibres, and industrial processes.
To stop this from happening, we need to take action to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and find ways to prevent it from ending up in the ocean. This can be done through better waste management practices, increased recycling efforts, and more sustainable product design. We also need to educate people about the dangers of plastic pollution and encourage them to make more conscious decisions in everyday life.
Here are some ways you can adopt to stop plastic pollution in your home:
Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastic ones.
Avoid purchasing products with excessive plastic packaging and choose eco-friendly alternatives.
Recycle properly by checking your local recycling guidelines and sorting your waste accordingly.
Compost food waste instead of throwing it in the trash, which can reduce the need for plastic trash bags.
Avoid using plastic straws and utensils and opt for reusable or biodegradable versions instead.
Choose natural cleaning products instead of those packaged in plastic.
Repair and reuse items instead of throwing them away and buying new ones.
Educate yourself and others on the impact of plastic pollution and advocate for change in your community.
Let’s celebrate both World Environment Day and World Ocean Day together by showing our commitment to protecting our planet and its resources for future generations.
Below are a few suggestions on how to celebrate and be proactive:
Organize a beach or park clean-up with friends or family.
Skip a seafood meal or take the time to find out if your seafood has been responsibly sourced.
Reduce your plastic consumption by using reusable bags, bottles, and straws.
Plant a tree or start a vegetable garden.
Participate in virtual events or webinars to learn more about environmental conservation.
Support organizations that are working towards protecting the environment and oceans.
Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use.
Take public transportation, bike, or walk instead of driving alone.
Educate others by sharing information on social media or in your community.
Participate in a local recycling program or start one in your community.
Spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature or take a long beach walk and enjoy the fresh air.
To celebrate this week, as a family we will be spending both these important days out in nature, not only collecting litter but appreciating our beautiful natural environment. Feel free to DM me and let me know how you are choosing to celebrate?
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave – Dakota Wisdom
Take care,
Gwen
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