Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd each year to serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation, management, and protection. One pressing issue facing our planet is the excessive use of single-use plastics which has skyrocketed since the mid-19th Century. It is estimated that by 2050, 26 billion tons of plastic will have been produced.
Plastic items, such as plastic bags, straws, and bottles, contribute significantly to pollution and harm ecosystems due to their non-biodegradable and persistent nature to the environment having a profound impact on biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial), and the environment at large.Marine life is particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution which undergo photodegradation to become micro-plastics, with many animals mistaking plastic for food and suffering grave consequences. To combat this problem, individuals can make a difference by reducing their consumption of single-use plastics and opting for recycling, and or reusable alternatives. These can be achieved by choosing reusable options like cloth bags, metal and wooden straws, and refillable water bottles. Individuals can also stop the use and irresponsible disposal of plastics into the environment.Through the Global Programme, Don Bosco Tech Africa has been championing proper waste management, including plastic, across all its TVET centres in five countries. This has been done through active awareness creation and training during the celebration of the Africa and World Environmental Days, as well as the greening of different TVET curriculums. In addition, we have held round tables with different industry stakeholders and governments in targeted countries in selected thematic areas like waste management to advocate for better services and policy change.On this Earth Day, let us all commit to making a positive change. By reducing, reusing, recycling, refusing single-use plastics, and embracing sustainable alternatives as we protect and conserve our earth for future generations. Together, we have the power to make a difference and create a cleaner, healthier world. Join the movement to reduce single-use plastics and be a part of the solution to preserve our environment.
