The World Environment Day 2018 created a lot of buzz prior to it’s official day as issues arising from this year’s theme #BeatPlasticPollution was discussed during The World Earth Day 2018. This United Nations’ flagship day for promoting worldwide awareness and action for the environment has over the years, grown to be one of the largest global platforms for public outreach, celebrated by millions of people in well over 100 countries.
According to the UNEnvironment, The aim of this day is to “harness individual actions and transform them into a collective power that has a legacy of real and lasting impact on the planet”.
The day is celebrated in countless ways, with individuals showing their contribution to society and the environment from beach clean-ups and tree planting to calling on friends, family, staff and partners to get involved and do their bit.
Plastics have potentially harmful effects that could prove to be carcinogenic or promote endocrine disruption.
Truth is plastic production is one of the cheapest form of commodity usage in Africa. Virtually everything we own in our kitchens are made from plastics, yet we can still #BeatPlasticPollution for a healthier environment on land and water.
IS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY OVERRATED?
Now study says that by 2050 our oceans would be more plastic than fishes because the amount of plastic been found in the seas and oceans is appalling. On Monday, a pilot whale was discovered in a canal near Songkhla, a city in Southern Thailand who later died five days after marine conservationists spent five days trying to save the whale after swallowing 80 plastic bags weighing 17 pounds.Veterinarians tried to save the whale for five straight days after spotting it in a Thai canal by the Malaysian border, according to National Geographic. When rescuers first spotted the whale, it was struggling to swim and breathe. So, rescuers used buoys to keep it afloat and opened red umbrellas to keep the whale from getting a sunburn.
The whale likely mistook the plastic bags for food, said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, the executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s North American operation. As the bags piled up in its stomach, the animal would have felt full and may have stopped hunting for its natural diet of squid, fish and octopus.
“At some point, their stomach fills up with trash and they can’t eat real food,” Asmutis-Silvia told National Geographic. “You’re not getting any nutrients in, and you’ve basically completely clogged your digestive system.”. This is sad!
WHY CELEBRATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
Now study says that by 2050 our oceans would be more plastic than fishes because the amount of plastic been found in the seas and oceans is appalling. On Monday, a pilot whale was discovered in a canal near Songkhla, a city in Southern Thailand who later died five days after marine conservationists spent five days trying to save the whale after swallowing 80 plastic bags weighing 17 pounds.Veterinarians tried to save the whale for five straight days after spotting it in a Thai canal by the Malaysian border, according to National Geographic. When rescuers first spotted the whale, it was struggling to swim and breathe. So, rescuers used buoys to keep it afloat and opened red umbrellas to keep the whale from getting a sunburn.
The whale likely mistook the plastic bags for food, said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, the executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s North American operation. As the bags piled up in its stomach, the animal would have felt full and may have stopped hunting for its natural diet of squid, fish and octopus.
“At some point, their stomach fills up with trash and they can’t eat real food,” Asmutis-Silvia told National Geographic. “You’re not getting any nutrients in, and you’ve basically completely clogged your digestive system.”. This is sad!
WHY CELEBRATE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
So;
How about you begin to calculate how much plastic waste your workplace or home creates, you may be surprised at the quantity. Work with family members and colleagues to assess whether you need the so much amount of plastic containers and items.
How about bringing your own cloth shopping bags when going to the market or supermarket?
How about raising awareness far and wide, sharing informative materials with others on the Effects of Plastic Pollution through social media channels and off site methods. Sharing ideas with your friends and colleagues to see how they can join to build awareness.
This is more serious than you can imagine. Let’s join hands and be committed to #BeatPlasticPollution in Nigeria, Africa and our planet.
Plastic Pollution negatively impact the natural environment and create problems for plants, wildlife and humans.
Think deep about what you can contribute to reduce the global menace of plastic waste.
Amarachic 