World Environment Month/Day

June is National Environment Month, with World Environment Day celebrated on 5 June.

This year the focus is on plastic pollution, and the theme – Beat Plastic Pollution – urges governments, industry, communities and individuals to explore sustainable alternatives and reduce the production and excessive use of single-use plastic.

“If you cannot re-use, refuse,” says Deidré Penfold, Executive Director of the Chemical and Allied Associations’ Association (CAIA).

“During June, and particularly on the 5th, we should take ownership of our environment, and engage in the protection of our earth – as we should each and every day. Plastic pollution facts show that this is not to be taken lightly,” she says.

According to the United Nations:

  • 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide annually 
  • Each year, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, the equivalent of a full garbage truck every minute
  • In the last decade, more plastic was produced than in the whole last century
  • 50% of the plastic used is single-use or disposable
  • 1 million plastic bottles are bought every minute
  • Plastic makes up 10% of all of the waste we generate

World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, the single largest celebration of our environment each year.

CAIA urges the chemical sector to remain unwavering in its commitment to an improved environmental performance.

Download PDF Download World Environment Day Poster

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