Every April, people all around the world focus on Earth Month, which culminates in April 22nd’s Earth Day celebration. It is a time to reflect, take action, and recommit to protecting the environment for future generations. As we explore the theme of sustainability this year, one crucial issue that needs our attention more than ever is plastic consumption.
Plastic pollution has reached crisis levels, with devastating consequences for our environment, wildlife, and human health. According to recent data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each year. This staggering figure highlights the urgent need for a decisive action to address the root causes of plastic pollution.
One significant contributor to the increase in plastic consumption is the fast fashion industry. Fast fashion, defined by its rapid production of inexpensive clothing in response to the latest trends, relies heavily on synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon also, where 60% of the material used to make clothing is plastic. Recent studies show that the production of polyester alone accounts for a significant portion of global plastic usage, with the fashion industry responsible for up to 20% of the world’s total plastic consumption.
The rise of fast fashion has led to a trend oriented culture, where garments are worn for only a few times before being discarded and replaced. As a result, vast amounts of plastic-based textiles end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful microplastics into the environment and the ocean in the process.
In light of these statistics, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to curb our dependance on plastic and transition to more sustainable alternatives. Fortunately, there are numerous initiatives and campaigns aimed at raising awareness and driving for change. Earth Day’s “End Plastic Pollution” campaign, for instance, seeks to mobilize individuals, communities, and businesses to reduce plastic consumption, advocate for policies that promote recycling and waste reduction, and rapidly phasing out all single use plastics by 2030.
This year, Earth Day carries particular significance as it aligns with ambitious goals aimed at addressing the global environmental crisis. The primary goals for Earth Day 2024 include:
- Raise public awareness about the harmful effects of plastic on human, animal, and environmental health. Demand transparency in research on plastic’s health impacts.
- Commit to phasing out all single-use plastics by 2030, with a goal to include this commitment in the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution by 2024.
- Advocate for policies to end the environmental impact of fast fashion and reduce plastic production and usage in this industry.
- Invest in innovative technologies and materials to create a plastic-free world.
We can all take easy yet effective personal actions to lessen the amount of plastic we use. Choosing apparel made of natural fibers like hemp, linen, or organic cotton can contribute to a decrease in the market for textiles made of plastic. The fashion industry can also be influenced to adopt more ethical methods by adopting an attitude of thoughtful consumption, which involves supporting labels that prioritize sustainability and investing in well-made, timeless products.
Businesses and governments also play a crucial role in addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Implementing policies to reduce plastic production, improve recycling infrastructure, and incentivize the use of biodegradable materials can have a profound impact on reducing plastic waste at the source. Furthermore, investing in research and innovation to develop sustainable packaging solutions and alternative materials holds the key to building a circular economy that minimizes waste and conserves resources.
As we commemorate Earth Month and celebrate Earth Day, let us recommit ourselves to protecting our planet and safeguarding its precious ecosystems. By rethinking our relationship with plastic and embracing sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for generations to come. Together, let’s be the change we wish to see in the world and make every day Earth Day.
Through sharing this message on our social media channels and blog, we have the opportunity to inspire others to join the sustainability movement and become stewards of the environment. Together, we can make a real difference and create a more sustainable world for future generations.
Signing the Global Plastic Treaty shows that countries are united in protecting our planet. It’s a commitment to work together across borders to tackle plastic pollution, a critical issue today.
Please take a moment to sign the Global Plastic Treaty: https://action.earthday.org/global-plastics-treaty
Dana Abdulaziz Alrumaihi – SKL Student Ambassador
REFERENCES:
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch | The Ocean Cleanup. (2024, January 4)., from The Ocean Cleanup website: https://theoceancleanup.com/great-pacific-garbage-patch/
Visual Feature | Pollution to Solution: Accessing marine litter and plastic pollution. (2021)., from Unep.org website: https://www.unep.org/interactives/pollution-to-solution/
Deeley, R. (2022, October 5). Fashion Is Using More Raw Materials Than Ever. Not Enough Are Sustainable. from The Business of Fashion website: https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/sustainability/sustainable-preferred-fibres-textile-exchange-recycled-polyester-cotton/
5 Hard Facts About Fast Fashion. (2020). from certilogo-commerce website: https://discover.certilogo.com/blogs/insights/hard-facts-fast-fashion
Planet vs. Plastics – Earth Day. (2023, August 9). from Earth Day website: https://www.earthday.org/planet-vs-plastics/
