Beating Plastic Pollution Together
Wake up, it’s World Environment Day!
On this beautiful week, we get to celebrate and recognize another World Environment Day! This year marks 50 years since the first ever World Environment Day, which took place in 1973. For the past 50 years, governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and eco-protectors all over the world have rallied around this day to draw attention to different and pressing environmental issues like marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development, and wildlife crime. This year, the theme is #BeatPlasticPollution.
The Perils of Plastic
Plastic has been around as early as the 1950s. In the beginning, plastic production was limited, so plastic waste wasn’t too much of a worry. Today, you can’t look at anything without finding a little bit of plastic. It is estimated that we are currently producing 400 million tons of plastic waste a year.
When almost half the plastic produced is meant for single use, less than 10% of it is recycled, and the amount we’re producing is projected to rise even more - unless we act, it’s only a matter of time before we’re buried in the stuff. Here’s the crazy thing about plastic, right - the properties that make it so useful are the reason it is so difficult to break down.
Plastic pollution, both on land and in the sea, is slowly but surely choking our planet.
How Can We Help?
This global issue requires a multilayered approach. Governments will need to take decisive action to implement bans and the use of certain plastics and develop proper regulations for plastic disposal. Companies and businesses need to work with the intention of reducing plastic in products and packaging. But as individuals, there are steps that we can take too!
BYOB x2
Going out for a day on the town? Well, you better make sure you Bring Your Own Bag and Bottle! Yes, it’s true that one person cutting down on single-use plastics alone won’t solve the plastic problem, but what if we all did it? For me, I like to stay aware of my personal consumption and waste habits because if I start getting in the habit of making a lot of little choices in the right direction - when I’m given the opportunity to make a big choice, I’ll know exactly what to do - no agonizing necessary.
Clean up, Clean up, Everybody Everywhere
This one’s not super glam, fam, but it’s still really important. If you care about the planet, you gotta be willing to roll up your sleeves and do some of the dirty work. Whether you’re taking part in large-scale ocean clean-ups or just going around your taman with a sunhat and trash bag, getting trash out of places that it’s not supposed to be will make our neighbors (fishy or otherwise) happier and healthier!
Commit to the bit
But what about the things we do really need? What then? Well, it’s not a bad idea to put your money where your heart is and shop with the environment in mind: refillable bottles, coral reef-friendly suncare, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent communication about business practices to name a few.
This is also where I would encourage you to talk about these issues! Tell your friends and your friends’ friends! The more people we have on board, the better our odds!
One thing we’re doing at INNISFREE to encourage more eco-conscious behaviour is through our Empty Bottle Recycling Campaign. When you’re totally done with an INNISFREE product from your skincare routine, you can bring its (thoroughly cleaned) empty bottle into any INNISFREE store to recycle. (You’ll even get some points credited to your account, which can go toward future refills.) But do remember to wash, dry & dismantle them before bringing them in-stores!
It’s not too late to start doing your part to protect the earth. Yes, it is a monumental task, but it is most certainly one worth shouldering.
Here’s to many more beautiful days to come!