THE PLANET NEEDS YOU: HOW TO DO YOUR BIT

“Cleanups play a key role in taking positive actions and empowering people to organize themselves around the world to clean up our planet all on the same day”, says United Nations Under-Secretary-General Maimunah Mohd Sharif on the offcial website for World Cleanup Day. Sharif adds, “Mobilizing so many people globally sets an example for the global community on the importance of coming together to change mindsets and lead the change for cleaner, healthier and more livable cities and communities.”

Taking place every third Saturday of September; this year, World Cleanup Day falls on September 16. How can you do your bit to help?

  1. Visit your natural areas and clean up
    Contribute to proactively reducing the waste in our natural environments by cleaning up “streets, parks, beaches, forests, rivers, shores, and seas of carelessly discarded waste and plastic rubbish.” Don’t wait for this specific day of the year – next time you go hiking or visit your local park or beach, take five to 10 minutes to pick up litter as you walk.
  2. Spread kindness, not litter
    The global waste produced per year currently sits at 2.12 billion tons. This astonishing figure – estimated by The World Counts – is made up of mainly plastic.
    The good news? Many companies are adopting greener practices by having a zero-waste philosophy, reassures The World Counts.
  3. Shop with the Earth in mind Global environmental organisation, The Nature Conservancy recommends buying products that have less packaging or recyc- lable packaging to reduce the amount of waste you produce.
  4. Remain aware
    Some companies are “greenwashing”, explained by the Business News Daily as a company that “purports to be environmentally conscious for marketing purposes but actually isn’t making any notable sustainability efforts”.

It may take some effort and research, but finding brands – whether for produce, clothing, cosmetics, or appliances – that actively manufacture greener products can help reduce our waste while putting pressure on companies that are not altering their processes.

Why not gather your family, friends, and co-workers this World Cleanup Day to contribute to the world’s largest cleanup gathering? And encourage yourself to produce a little less waste

Written by LifeAssist