The world “Beat plastic pollution”. World Environment Day 2023

This June 5th marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, with the theme “Beat plastic pollution” and promoting the search for solutions to this problem. The General Assembly of the United Nations in 1972 established the date, directed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), being celebrated from June 5 since 1973.

This year it is up to the Côte d’Ivoire to be the host country and in collaboration with the Netherlands organizes the program of activities for its celebration. This celebration is one of the largest global platforms to promote global environmental campaigns, as millions of people participate virtually and in person in events and initiatives around the world.

More than 400 million tons of plastics are produced per year, only 10% is recyclable, of the rest more than 50% is considered single use, ending up in lakes, rivers and seas. Microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) enter food, water and air. Single-use plastics not only harm human health and biodiversity, but they also contaminate all kinds of ecosystems.

In 2022, a historic resolution was approved by 175 countries to create a legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution by 2024. It is considered to be the most important agreement since the Paris Agreement on the environment and fight against climate change.

From SGK-PLANET we invite you to participate in this year’s campaign. UNEP has prepared a “Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide”, with extensive information on the subject and the activities that you can follow to reduce and eliminate plastics pollution. Participate on social media campaigns with the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay.

Aixa Chacin
Editorial Director of SGK-PLANET