The world is facing an epidemic of plastic pollution and according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), “More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. An estimated 19 to 23 million tonnes end up in lakes, rivers, and seas and today, plastic clogs our landfills, leaches into the ocean, and is combusted into toxic smoke, making it one of the gravest threats to the planet.”
“That the theme of this World Environment Day (June 5, 2023) is #BeatPlasticPollution, should not come as a surprise to any of us,” says educationist and founder of the TreeHouse chain of schools, Rajesh Bhatia. He adds that in order to sensitise children to the harmful impact of plastic pollution on our environment, schools should initiate a zero waste movement and actively foster eco-sensitive practices like waste prevention, reduction, recycling, composting, and food recovery initiatives that curtail food waste.
TreeHouse schools have already aligned with the global call to #BeatPlasticPollution, and are advocating for sustainable tiffin boxes, water bottles, cutlery, and zero-waste habits on their campuses.
Says Bhatia, “On a micro level, we are teaching our children to be responsible earth citizens but on a macro level, waste reduction practices can also contribute to job creation in the recycling and waste management industries while saving costs related to waste disposal. Achieving zero-waste goals requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, businesses, and governments, and in our own way, we are aiming to set an example for others to follow.”
He further states that everyone can play a part in protecting the planet and concludes, “Taking action at every level is necessary to combat the plastic crisis and as someone said quite eloquently, “Be part of the solution.. not part of the pollution.”
