Earth Day: how to contribute to a cleaner world?

Earth Day Network, the organization that leads Earth Day worldwide chooses the theme “End Plastic Pollution” for 2018. It indicates plastic pollution is poisoning our oceans and lands, not only injuring marine life, but also affecting our health. Every year up to 13 million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans. Plastic production accounts for 6 percent of global oil consumption (which is estimated to hit 20 percent in 2050) and 1 percent of the global carbon budget (the maximum amount of emissions the world can produce to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius). In 2050, we will spend around 15 percent of our carbon budget on plastic bottles, plastic bags and, in general, plastic products. By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans. Once plastic is washed into waterways, the damage will cost $13 billion in loss annually in terms of the tourism, shipping and fishing industries. It destroys marine ecosystems and threatens food security for people. What can I do to help? The plastic pollution is a serious problem that shall not be underestimated and everyone can do small daily actions to prevent the incrementing of it. How can we all help? Below you’ll find some precious tips: 1. Keep sewer clean Prevent waste, plastic products and chemical products from entering the sea 2. Dispose waste properly Household cleaning products, batteries, paints and pesticides can cause damage to water quality. 3. Reduce the use of plastic products recycle Use reusable cups and bags in order to recycle as much as possible. 4. Make reasonable choice of food Overfishing, reduction of fish habitats and huge market demand will of course reduce the number of fish. Choose more sustainable seafood products. 5. Protect the beach friendly Take away rubbish at any time when you leave. 6. Make more reasonable exploration. When you’re going for diving, boat trips and boating, do pay attention to the marine life and avoid injuring them when you are in the water. Do not move rocks and submarine corals. If you go sailing with your friends and need to take a shower, use biodegradable detergent! Every effort of each single citizen of the world can actually be a step towards a cleaner world. Reference: 1. The Washington Post (Jan 20, 2016)“By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans, study says” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/01/20/by-2050-there-will-be-more-plastic-than-fish-in-the-worlds-oceans-study-says/?utm_term=.f7f5f63f4927 2. Earth Day Network (April. 2018) Earth Day, https://www.earthday.org/