Plastic pollution is one of our planet's most pressing environmental issues. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, it's more important than ever to focus on this global concern and take action to protect our planet. As my artwork "Connected" above represents, we are all connected within this vast ecosystem. I desire to preserve our planet, whether it is sharing information to make more informed decisions or highlighting plights with my artwork that need our attention for those who do not have a voice! This year's theme of Plastic Pollution highlights the urgent need to address the growing problem of plastic waste and its impact on our oceans, wildlife, and human health. In honor of this important day, I would like to share an article I wrote for ArtTour International for Earth Day
(https://www.arttourinternational.com/how-plastic-pollution-is-killing-our-planet-and-what-we-can-do-to-save-it-by-tracey-chaykin/) exploring the issue of plastic pollution and how we can all work together to combat it. The article takes you from Plastics' beginnings, its varied effects on our environment and health, to potential solutions in the making to take the reins on this growing global concern.
The History of World Environment Day
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 as a day to raise awareness about environmental issues and to encourage action towards a more sustainable future. Since then, it has become a global platform for public outreach on environmental issues, inspiring millions of people around the world to take action for the protection of our planet.
Over the years, the theme of World Environment Day has focused on various environmental issues such as air pollution, deforestation, and climate change. This year's theme is Plastic Pollution, a growing problem that affects our oceans and the planet as a whole.
The need for solutions to address plastic pollution has become increasingly urgent. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. As individuals, we can make a difference by reducing our use of plastic, recycling, reusing, and repurposing plastic products.
World Environment Day reminds us of the importance of protecting our planet. It is a call to action for individuals and governments to work together towards a more sustainable future. Let's all do our part to protect our planet and preserve it for generations to come.
This month, I would like to highlight and support "The Surfrider Foundation," which was created by a small group of surfers in 1984 who fought against development threatening the area's beaches. Now one of the largest grassroots organizations in the country, it continues to battle to end plastic pollution. The Surfrider Foundation fights against plastic pollution by running plastic pollution campaigns all over the US. These campaigns aim to provide alternative products, fight for bans and ordinances on single-use plastics, and create impactful projects. The Surfrider Foundation has won over 330 legislative victories relating to plastic pollution. Examples include the passage of the Federal Save Our Seas Act and the Microbead-Free Waters Act. Furthermore, the Surfrider Foundation has hosted over 2,000 beach clean-ups which removed more than 650,000 pounds of trash. To further the fight against Plastic Pollution and "The Surfrider Foundation's" efforts in this battle, 10% of all sales from my website will be donated. This is a long fight, and we must continue, both at the legislative level and by spreading the word to inform everyone so we can all participate in helping our world flourish and thrive, now and into the future!!!
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