Call to tackle plastic pollution on Earth Day

Call to tackle plastic pollution on Earth Day

The theme for this year's Earth Day on 22 April is 'Planet v Plastics' when we're encouraged to take steps to reduce our reliance on plastics - and protect the planet.

Earth Day is an international event reminding people of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.

This year campaigners are raising awareness of the health risk of plastics, the need to phase out all single use plastics - including a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 - as well as highlighting the environmental damage caused by fast fashion.

What can I do to support Earth Day?

There are so many ways you can make a difference and can get involved with this year's Earth Day 2024!

• Reduce your plastic use by avoiding single-use items such as plastic bags, water bottles, shower gel of shampoo in plastic bottles. Try reusable cloth or hemp bags, shampoo soap bars or metal / glass water bottles. Join the plastic detox challenge - Plastic Detox Challenge - Earth Day
• Buy loose fruit and veg and find out more about the variety of organic veg-box schemes
• Buy a reusable coffee cup. Non-reusable coffee cups have a plastic film inside which prevents recycling.
• Replace teabags with loose tea. The majority of teabags in the UK contain a very thin layer of polypropylene plastic.
• Brush your teeth without the plastic. Opt for a bamboo toothbrush and how about getting your toothpaste in a jar instead of a plastic tube.
• Use food wraps instead of clingfilm which is made from crude oil. Beeswax food wraps are reusable, biodegradable and you won't have to spend ages looking to find the end of the roll.
• Share eco-friendly swaps on social media using #PlasticDetox. Post what you're doing this Earth Day and make sure to tag #EarthDay and/or #PlanetvsPlastics
• Shop at a plastic-free shop Zero Waste Locator | Home (reco.shop)
• Pop in to see our Green Space Ranger team and ask about the environmental activities they organise in parks and green spaces, including woodland conservation and clean ups. The rangers are based at the Environment Centres at Court Hey Park (Friends Room), Halewood Park, Stadt Moers Park and Mill Dam Park (at Esposito's café space), Kirkby.
• Host or join a clean-up in your community. Whether it's a litter pick or beach clean event you can share on social media and show how much plastic you collected. There's lots of advice from Keep Britain Tidy about becoming a local #litterhero

For more ideas visit Living without plastic | Friends of the Earth and complete the Earth Day Plastic Pollution quiz Plastic Pollution Quiz - Earth Day

Fast fashion facts

Did you know that 69% of all clothing is made partially or entirely of synthetic fibres such as polyester which is a crude oil derivative. Petroleum is a non-renewable resource with significant negative impacts on the earth.

• Washing synthetic clothing accounts for 35% of all microplastics in the ocean making them the largest source of microplastic pollution in the world's oceans. Find out more about microplastics and sustainable clothing: Fashion for the Earth - EARTHDAY.ORG
• Try buying pre-loved clothing, swap clothes with a clothes swap group or start a swap yourself. Learn to repair clothes yourself or visit a repair class in your local area. The longer clothes are kept and worn, the lower their carbon footprint will be.
• Use your spending power to only buy from ethical and sustainable brands.

Some more plastic facts

• It takes 400+ years for plastics to degrade. Most plastic still exist in some form (some releasing toxic chemicals in the process)
• Seven million coffee cups are thrown away every day in the UK.
• It's estimated there will be 250 metric tonnes of plastic in the ocean by 2030.
• 50% of plastic products currently are made to be used once and then thrown away. Only 9% of the world's plastic waste is currently recycled.
• From 1 October 2023 new laws came into force in England banning the following single-use items: plastic cutlery, plastic plates, trays, bowls (exemptions apply), plastic balloon sticks, Certain types of single-use polystyrene cups and food containers. Find out more about the ban.

For more information about Earth Day and how you can make a difference visit Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG