World Environment Day, this June 5, marks 50 years since it was first celebrated in 1973. Each year on the same date, World Environment Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness regarding environmental protection and climate change under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme. Each year a theme and a host country are chosen to deliberate and reflect upon conservation, sustainable practices and ecosystem preservation amidst the broad environmental problems. This year the 50^th iteration of the day is scheduled to take place in Cote d’Ivoire with the slogan ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.

The Problem of Plastic Pollution

Despite immense benefits, plastics are not eco-friendly and threaten our environment, society, economy and health. Almost half of the plastic produced worldwide is used for a single purpose and thrown away. Since plastic is non-biodegradable, it remains in the environment for seemingly forever with profound environmental impacts. Even if broken down, microplastics remain a constant threat as they can find their way into living things.

Constituents of Plastic Pollution

The increased production of plastics late in the last century has led to the development and use of numerous plastic products in everyday life. That most of them are single-use products and non-recyclable adds to the gravity of the problem. Plastics are everywhere, from milk containers and water bottles to shopping bags, toiletries and packaging containers.   

Plastics: A Threat to the Oceans

Plastics are often disposed of through rivers that flow into the oceans. This has led to catastrophic consequences for the marine habitat. The plastics in the water are often fatal for marine life.

Curbing Plastic Pollution

Only a concerted, well-coordinated and vigilant campaign can help reduce plastic pollution. The two most significant actors in this regard are the Governments and the People. The Governments are the primary movers of legislation and rule-making that can ban the use of plastics aiding in pollution prevention. Governments can also encourage plastic innovation, leading to the creation of plastic alternatives. Individuals and society, in general, are in a pole position to help reduce plastic pollution by taking individual and collective responsibility.

Individual Steps to Take

There are various methods that individuals and society can take to reduce plastic pollution. From preferring non-plastics to imploring the authorities to act and adopt a sustainable lifestyle, here are some steps we can take to tackle plastic pollution.

Beach Clean-up

We may either participate in existing beach clean-ups or organise our own to clean up the beaches. This may be a fun and educational exercise for families, especially children, as they learn about and try to solve environmental issues.

River Clean-up

Another activity in the same regard can be a river clean-up campaign through netting and handpicking. Rivers are the principal route for plastic to enter the oceans. Therefore, river clean-up would have a substantial impact on reducing plastic pollution. This campaign would also make the rivers and the ecosystem aesthetically better looking and pleasing.

Sustainable Shopping

Individuals can alter their shopping and consumption behaviours in the cause of reducing plastic pollution. For example, individuals can refuse to buy products that use single-purpose plastics. They can carry bags with them to avoid single-purpose plastic bags. Furthermore, individuals can use refill containers to avoid contributing to plastic pollution.

Personal Habits

Individually, everyday routines, tasks and habits can be altered to minimise the use of plastics. From having sustainable water bottles and mugs to sustainable toiletries and hygiene products, steps can be taken to moderate individual plastic use.

Environmental Advocacy

Individuals can take part in environmental conservation by advocating for conservation campaigns. They can raise their voice, talk to their local MPs, and join local and international advocacy groups to save the future of our planet. Social Media platforms like Twitter and Facebook can be employed to raise awareness and pressurise corporations and governments to implement sustainable business practices.

Role of Literature in Conservation Efforts

Historically, literature has contributed to highlighting and solving various problems plaguing humanity. In the present times, too, books are used in raising awareness and advocating for environmental conservation. The books listed below are those that we feel are worth reading attentively to understand and reflect on environmental challenges and solutions for both children and adults.

Books to Read This World Environment Day

Here is a curated selection of our books that we highly recommend for you to explore in honour of World Environment Day.

These captivating reads delve into various aspects of the environment and are sure to ignite your passion for nature and sustainability.

Connect with Austin Macauley Publishers for more such blogs and submit your manuscript if you are looking for publishing your work. You can also make a quick and easy submission through the online submission form.

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