World Environment Day 2023: Join the Global Movement to Beat Plastic Pollution

World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. It is celebrated every year on June 5 to raise awareness and action for the protection of nature and the planet. The theme for World Environment Day 2023 is Solutions to Plastic Pollution. The host country is Côte D’Ivoire, in partnership with the Netherlands.

In fact, plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Moreover, it affects ecosystems, wildlife, human health and the climate. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans every year. Furthermore, it is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck of plastic every minute. In addition, plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment. Markedly, plastic pollution also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. As we combat plastic pollution, the Climate Change Report 2023 provides further insights into the environmental challenges we face.

We need urgent and collective action to beat plastic pollution and create a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. Moreover, join the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution on World Environment Day 2023 and beyond!

World Environment Day History: Discover the Origins and Evolution of This Global Event

World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. It resulted from discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment eventually. One year later, in 1973 the first World Environment Day was held with the theme “Only One Earth”.

Since then, World Environment Day has evolved into a global platform for environmental outreach, education and action. Every year, a different theme is chosen to highlight a specific environmental challenge or opportunity. Moreover, the themes reflect the most pressing issues of our time. For example, biodiversity, climate change, air pollution, desertification, water conservation, and more. Furthermore, World Environment Day also has a different host country every year. In addition, it showcases its environmental leadership and initiatives to the world. The host country also organizes various events and activities to engage people and stakeholders in environmental action subsequently.

Notable milestones and impacts

Over the past 50 years, World Environment Day has achieved many notable milestones and impacts. Some examples are:

• In 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on World Environment Day. Overall, it marks a historic agreement to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.
• In 1992, World Environment Day coincided with the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification were adopted.
• In 2000, World Environment Day launched the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a comprehensive scientific assessment of the state and trends of ecosystems and their services to human well-being.
• In 2010, World Environment Day inspired the planting of over 100 million trees in 24 hours in Pakistan, setting a Guinness World Record for the most trees planted in a day by a single person or group.
• In 2018, World Environment Day led to the launch of the Clean Seas campaign. Chiefly, it is a global movement to end marine plastic pollution by engaging governments, businesses and individuals to take action.

Theme: Beat Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, which poses a threat to ecosystems, wildlife, human health and the climate. Plastic is a durable and versatile material that is widely used in various sectors, such as packaging, agriculture, construction, electronics, healthcare and more. However, plastic also has a low recycling rate and a long degradation time, which means that most of the plastic ever produced still exists in some form in the environment.

Effects on different ecosystems and species

Plastic pollution affects different ecosystems and species in various ways. For example:

• Plastic pollution can entangle, injure or kill marine animals, such as turtles, whales, dolphins, seabirds and fish. Plastic can also be ingested by animals, causing internal damage, starvation or poisoning.
• Plastic pollution can alter the physical and chemical properties of soil, affecting its fertility, water retention and biodiversity. Plastic can also leach toxic chemicals into the soil, contaminating crops and groundwater.
• Plastic pollution can release greenhouse gases, such as methane and ethylene, into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. Plastic can also affect the ability of marine microorganisms to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

Solutions and actions

There are many solutions and actions that can be taken to reduce plastic pollution, such as:

• Adopting a circular economy approach, which aims to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.
• Recycling plastic waste into new products or materials, reducing the need for virgin plastic production and saving energy and resources.
• Reusing plastic items as much as possible, extending their lifespan and reducing waste generation.
• Avoiding single-use plastics, such as bags, bottles, straws and cups, and opting for reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
• Educating consumers and businesses about the impacts and solutions of plastic pollution, raising awareness and changing behaviors.

There are many examples and stories of successful initiatives and campaigns to beat plastic pollution. Some of them are:

• The Clean Seas campaign, launched by UNEP in 2018, which engages governments, businesses and individuals to take action to end marine plastic pollution. The campaign has mobilized more than 60 countries to adopt policies and measures to reduce plastic consumption and waste.
• The Plastic Bank initiative, founded in 2013, which empowers people in developing countries to collect plastic waste from their communities and exchange it for cash or other rewards. Eventually, the collected plastic is then recycled into social plastic®, which is used by companies to make new products or packaging.
• The Precious Plastic project, started in 2013 by Dave Hakkens, which provides open-source tools and machines for people to recycle plastic locally. Moreover, the project also creates a global network of plastic recyclers who share their knowledge and skills online.

Host Country: Côte D’Ivoire

Environmental challenges and opportunities

Côte D’Ivoire was chosen as the host country for World Environment Day 2023 to showcase its environmental leadership and commitment in West Africa and beyond. Côte D’Ivoire is a country with exceptional biodiversity, rich natural resources and a vibrant economy. However, it also faces many environmental challenges and opportunities, such as:

• Deforestation: Côte D’Ivoire has lost more than 80% of its forest cover since 1960, mainly due to agricultural expansion, logging and mining. Deforestation has led to soil erosion, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biodiversity loss: Côte D’Ivoire is home to more than 1,200 animal species and 4,700 plant species, many of which are endemic or endangered. However, habitat destruction, poaching, illegal wildlife trade and climate change threaten the survival of these species.
• Waste management: Côte D’Ivoire generates about 4.5 million tons of solid waste per year, of which only 40% is collected and 4% is recycled. The rest is dumped in open landfills or burned, causing air pollution, water contamination and health risks.

Achievements and initiatives

Côte D’Ivoire has taken several achievements and initiatives to address these issues, such as:

• Restoring forests: Côte D’Ivoire has pledged to restore 20% of its forest cover by 2030, as part of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100). It has also established protected areas, community forests and agroforestry systems to conserve and restore forest ecosystems.
• Protecting wildlife: Côte D’Ivoire has enacted laws and policies to combat illegal wildlife trade and poaching, such as the Ivory Law of 2014, which bans the trade of ivory and elephant products. It has also supported the conservation of endangered species, such as chimpanzees, elephants and pangolins.
• Promoting green economy: Côte D’Ivoire has adopted a National Green Economy Strategy (2019-2023), which aims to foster sustainable production and consumption patterns, green jobs and social inclusion. It has also invested in renewable energy, waste management and circular economy projects.

World Environment Day Activities: How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

Activities to celebrate and participate

World Environment Day is a global celebration and a call to action for everyone to take positive steps to protect the environment. There are many activities that individuals, groups, communities, schools, businesses, governments, etc. can do to celebrate and participate in World Environment Day. Some of them are:

• Organize or join a clean-up campaign in your neighborhood, park, beach or river. Collect and dispose of plastic waste properly, or recycle it into new products or materials.
• Plant a tree or a garden in your backyard, balcony or school. Trees and plants help to reduce carbon emissions, provide oxygen, prevent soil erosion and support biodiversity.
• Learn more about the environment and plastic pollution through online resources, webinars, podcasts, documentaries and books. You can also take quizzes, challenges and contests to test your knowledge and win prizes.
• Make a pledge to reduce your plastic consumption and waste. You can choose to refuse single-use plastics, switch to reusable or biodegradable alternatives, buy products with less or no plastic packaging, or join the Plastic Free July movement.
• Support environmental organizations and initiatives that are working to beat plastic pollution. You can donate money, volunteer your time, sign petitions, or spread the word about their campaigns and projects.

Events

You can also join the online and offline events, challenges, contests, quizzes, pledges, etc. that are organized by UNEP and other partners for World Environment Day. Some of them are:

• The World Environment Day Virtual Concert, featuring artists from around the world who will perform songs inspired by nature and the environment.
• The World Environment Day Photo Contest, inviting photographers of all ages and backgrounds to submit their best shots of nature and wildlife.
• The World Environment Day Quiz, challenging participants to answer 10 questions about the environment and plastic pollution in 60 seconds.
• The World Environment Day Pledge Wall, displaying the commitments and actions of people from around the world who are taking steps to beat plastic pollution.

Don’t forget to share your actions and experiences on social media using the hashtag #beatplasticpollution. You can also tag @UNEP and @WorldEnvironmentDay to show your support and inspire others to join the movement. Let’s make World Environment Day 2023 a day to remember!

Partners: How to Join the Global Movement

World Environment Day is not only a celebration, but also a global movement that brings together people, organizations, governments and businesses to take action for the environment. Altogether, the partners of World Environment Day are the key actors and supporters of this movement. They are:

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is the leading global authority on environmental issues and the main organizer of World Environment Day. Moreover, UNEP provides guidance, resources, tools and platforms for World Environment Day activities and campaigns.
• The host country, which is selected every year to showcase its environmental achievements and challenges, and to mobilize its citizens and stakeholders to participate in World Environment Day. The host country for 2023 is Côte D’Ivoire.
• The other UN agencies, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), etc. They collaborate with UNEP and the host country to promote World Environment Day within their respective mandates and networks.
• The civil society organizations, such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Greenpeace, Oxfam, etc. They engage their members, supporters and partners to raise awareness and take action for World Environment Day through various campaigns, projects and events.
• The private sector entities, such as corporations, foundations, media outlets, etc. They support World Environment Day through their corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, sponsorship, innovation and communication efforts.

Become a partner

You can also become a partner of World Environment Day and join the global movement to beat plastic pollution. By becoming a partner, you can:

• Show your commitment and leadership in protecting the environment and addressing plastic pollution.
• Connect with a global network of partners who share your vision and values.
• Access resources, tools and platforms to plan and implement your World Environment Day activities and campaigns.
• Showcase your achievements and best practices on the World Environment Day website and social media channels.
• Receive recognition and appreciation from UNEP and the host country.

World Environment Day Quotes: Inspire and Motivate Others to Take Action

Quotes from famous personalities

World Environment Day is a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment and the impact of our actions on it. Sometimes, we need some words of wisdom and inspiration to remind us of the importance and urgency of protecting the environment and addressing plastic pollution. Here are some quotes from famous personalities, celebrities, leaders, activists, etc. All these have spoken or written about environmental issues, especially plastic pollution:

• “We are living on this planet as if we had another one to go to.” – Terri Swearingen, environmental activist
• “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan, polar explorer and environmentalist
• “If you can’t reuse it, refuse it.” – UNEP slogan for World Environment Day 2018
• “Plastic pollution is not only impacting our waters and marine life, but also the human food chain and our overall health.” – Pamela Anderson, actress and animal rights activist
• “There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.” – Annie Leonard, author and filmmaker

Inspire and motivate others

These quotes can inspire and motivate others to take action and join the global movement to beat plastic pollution by:

• Raising awareness and educating others about the causes and consequences of plastic pollution.
• Encouraging personal responsibility and behavioral change to reduce plastic consumption and waste.
• Supporting collective action and advocacy to demand policy changes and corporate accountability to address plastic pollution.
• Celebrating the achievements and innovations of individuals, groups, organizations and businesses who are working to beat plastic pollution.

You can use these quotes effectively in social media posts, blogs, speeches, presentations, etc. by:

• Choosing a quote that is relevant and appropriate for your audience, purpose and context.
• Crediting the source of the quote and providing a link or reference if possible.
• Adding your own commentary or analysis to explain the meaning and significance of the quote.
• Inviting feedback or action from your readers or listeners by asking questions, giving suggestions or providing links or resources.

Writing a social media post

For example, you can write a social media post like this:

Today is World Environment Day, a day to celebrate and protect our environment. But did you know that every year, we produce about 300 million tons of plastic waste, which ends up in our oceans, landfills and ecosystems? As Pamela Anderson said, “Plastic pollution is not only impacting our waters and marine life, but also the human food chain and our overall health.” That’s why we need to take action now to beat plastic pollution. Here are some simple steps you can take today:

• Refuse single-use plastics like bags, bottles, straws and cups.
• Reuse or recycle your plastic items as much as possible.
• Join or organize a clean-up campaign in your area.
• Support environmental organizations that are fighting plastic pollution.

Share your actions and experiences with us using the hashtag #beatplasticpollution. Together, we can make a difference!

World Environment Day Slogans: Raise Awareness and Spread the Message

Slogans are short and catchy phrases that can be used to communicate a message or a cause in a simple and effective way. They can be used to raise awareness and spread the message about World Environment Day and plastic pollution by:

• Attracting attention and curiosity of the audience with their creativity and humor.
• Generating interest and emotion of the audience with their relevance and urgency.
• Persuading the audience to take action and join the global movement to beat plastic pollution with their call to action and benefit.

Here are some examples of slogans that you can use for World Environment Day and plastic pollution:

• Save the environment, save the future.
• Don’t be mean, keep the environment clean.
• Plastic is drastic, go for green.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse.
• No excuse for single-use.
• Break free from plastic.
• Plastic is not fantastic, it’s toxic.
• Be part of the solution, not the pollution.
• Think before you trash, it could be cash.
• Plastic pollution is no illusion, it’s a global problem.

Create your own slogans

You can also create your own slogans using some techniques such as:

• Rhymes: Use words that sound similar at the end of each phrase or sentence, such as “Plastic is drastic, go for green.”
• Alliterations: Use words that start with the same sound or letter in each phrase or sentence, such as “Break free from plastic.”
• Puns: Use words that have more than one meaning or sound like another word to create a joke or a play on words, such as “Plastic pollution is no illusion, it’s a global problem.”
• Acronyms: Use the first letters of each word to form a new word that represents your message or cause, such as “Reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse.”

Have fun and be creative with your slogans. Remember to keep them short, simple and catchy. Use them on posters, banners, stickers, t-shirts, social media posts, etc. to raise awareness and spread the message about World Environment Day and plastic pollution. Together, we can beat plastic pollution!

World Environment Day Poster: Express Your Creativity and Show Your Support

Posters are powerful tools that can be used to express your creativity and show your support for World Environment Day and plastic pollution. They can help to communicate the theme and message of World Environment Day and plastic pollution in a visual and artistic way by:

• Using colors, images, symbols, fonts, etc. that represent the environment and the problem of plastic pollution.
• Using catchy slogans, quotes, facts, statistics, etc. that convey the importance and urgency of protecting the environment and addressing plastic pollution.
• Using clear and simple layouts, designs, formats, etc. that make the posters easy to read and understand.
• Using original and unique ideas, styles, perspectives, etc. that make the posters stand out and attract attention.

Here are some examples of posters that are designed by artists, students, children, etc. that showcase their creativity and show their support for World Environment Day and plastic pollution:

• A poster that shows a turtle trapped in a plastic bag with the slogan “Don’t let them suffocate” 
• A poster that shows a globe made of plastic bottles with the slogan “Reduce your plastic footprint” 
• A poster that shows a fish made of plastic waste with the slogan “Plastic is not food” 

Make your own poster

You can also make your own poster using different materials, tools, techniques, etc. such as:

• Paper, cardboard, canvas, fabric, etc. as the base of your poster.
• Paints, markers, crayons, pencils, etc. as the coloring tools of your poster.
• Scissors, glue, tape, stapler, etc. as the cutting and sticking tools of your poster.
• Magazines, newspapers, flyers, stickers, etc. as the collage materials of your poster.
• Computer, printer, scanner, software, etc. as the digital tools of your poster.

Have fun and be creative with your poster. Remember to keep it relevant, informative and catchy. Use it to display in your home, school, office, community center, etc. to raise awareness and spread the message about World Environment Day and plastic pollution. Together, we can beat plastic pollution!

Facts: Learn More and Educate Others about Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It affects the health and well-being of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. It also contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and social injustice. Here are some facts that can help you learn more and educate others about plastic pollution and its impact:

Facts

• Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
• Plastics are persistent large-scale pollutants, and plastic debris (such as bottles, straws, containers, and plastic wrap) and particulates have been found in many environmental niches, from Mount Everest to the bottom of the sea.
• Plastic pollution can alter habitats and natural processes, reducing ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change, directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being.
• Plastic pollution can also harm human health by exposing people to toxic chemicals, microplastics, and pathogens that can cause infections, allergies, cancers, and reproductive disorders.
• Plastic production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
• Only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. About 12% has been incinerated, while the rest 79% has accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment.

These facts can help you increase your knowledge, awareness, understanding, and curiosity about plastic pollution and its solutions. They can also help you inspire others to take action and join the global movement to beat plastic pollution. You can share these facts with your friends, family, colleagues, students, etc. through social media, presentations, posters, flyers, etc.

If you want to learn more about plastic pollution and its solutions, you can check out these sources and references for further reading and learning:

• National Geographic: Plastic Pollution 
• Britannica: Plastic Pollution 
• UNEP: Plastic Pollution 

Resources: How to Learn More and Take Action

There are many resources available online that can help you learn more and take action on World Environment Day and plastic pollution. These resources can provide you with information, guidance, inspiration, and support to join the global movement to beat plastic pollution. Here are some examples of resources from different formats and sources that you can use:

• Videos: You can watch videos that explain the causes, effects, and solutions of plastic pollution in an engaging and visual way. For example, you can watch The Story of Plastic short documentary that exposes the truth behind the plastic crisis and the solutions that we can adopt.
• Podcasts: You can listen to podcasts that feature experts, activists, and innovators who share their insights, stories, and tips on plastic pollution and its solutions. For example, you can listen to Breaking Down Plastic podcast that covers topics such as plastic-free living, zero-waste lifestyle, circular economy, etc.
• Webinars: You can join webinars that offer interactive and live sessions on plastic pollution and its solutions. For example, you can join UNEP Plastic Pollution Solution Webinar Series that showcases best practices, innovations, and opportunities to tackle plastic pollution.
• Reports: You can read reports that provide data, analysis, and recommendations on plastic pollution and its solutions. For example, you can read UNEP Beat Plastic Pollution report that outlines the global status of plastic pollution and the actions needed to address it.
• Toolkits: You can use toolkits that provide practical tools and guidance on how to reduce plastic pollution and its impact. For example, you can use Plastic Pollution Coalition toolkit that provides tips, factsheets, posters, etc. on how to reduce your plastic footprint.

Information and guidance

You can also check out these links and resources for more information and guidance on World Environment Day and plastic pollution:

• UN World Environment Day
• UNEP Beat Plastic Pollution
• Plastic Pollution Coalition
• Plastic Free July Global Movement

We encourage you to use these resources to learn more and take action on World Environment Day and plastic pollution. You can also share these resources with others to spread the word and inspire them to join the global movement to beat plastic pollution. Together, we can make a difference!

Final words

We hope that this article has helped you to understand the significance and relevance of World Environment Day and plastic pollution. We also hope that it has inspired you to join the global movement to beat plastic pollution and protect the environment.

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It affects the health and well-being of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. It also contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and social injustice. We cannot afford to ignore or delay this problem any longer. We need to act now and act together.

You can make a difference by celebrating and participating in World Environment Day 2023. You can also make a difference by expressing your creativity and showing your support for World Environment Day and plastic pollution through posters and by learning more and educating others about plastic pollution and its impact through facts. 

Together, we can beat plastic pollution. Together, we can protect the environment and together, we can create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.