Earth Day 2018 is Here!

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Earth Day 2018 is Here!

Sunday, April 22, marks the 48th anniversary of Earth Day, a global event that demonstrates support for environmental protection. Earth Day 2018 will be dedicated to the most significant environmental problem facing our planet today – plastic pollution. Across 192 countries, more than a billion people will come together to participate in neighborhood clean-up efforts to celebrate.

Each year the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22. It began in 1970 after a large oil spill occurred off the California coast near Santa Barbara. Concerns about the environment were increasing at the time in the U.S., and Republican President Nixon created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the same year

The world has not proven capable of properly managing the current amount of plastic waste, with the production of plastic predicted to increase three times in the next 25 years.

We know that micro-plastics are polluting our drinking water and the fish we eat, and also cause health problems. Littered plastic not only kills wildlife but affects the lives of more than 2 billion people living without waste collection.

While recycling plastic waste is important, it is not nearly enough, as many plastics can’t be efficiently recycled and will end up in the landfill or littering the planet, even in the most remote places. Also, some localities lack the most basic infrastructure to manage waste and to sort and recycle plastics. In short, it is much more important to focus on reducing the level of plastic consumption.

Here’s our list of some of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Day 2018 in all aspects of waste:

Say no to plastic straws.
If you must use a plastic cup, reuse it.
Avoid takeout food in polystyrene foam containers.
No single use drinking bottles. Instead, look into purchasing reusable water bottles.
Don’t accept plastic bags when shopping. Ask for paper bags or bring your own reusable shopping bag.
Opt to ride your bike rather than drive your car to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you have too far of a commute, then try carpooling.
Switch out your lightbulbs for energy-efficient ones.
Ditch the long shower and try cutting down on how much water you use.