Earth Month in the Philippines: “Planet vs. Plastics”
In the Philippines, April is celebrated as the “Month of the Planet Earth”. This designation was made official by Presidential Proclamation No. 1482, signed on April 10, 2008, by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The goal of this month-long celebration is to raise awareness about environmental degradation and the urgent need to protect our planet for future generations.
Theme for Earth Month 2024: “Planet vs. Plastics”
This year’s global theme, announced by EARTHDAY.ORG, is “Planet vs. Plastics”. It unites students, parents, businesses, governments, churches, unions, individuals, and NGOs in an unwavering commitment to call for the end of plastics for the sake of human and planetary health. The theme demands a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040 and an ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come.
To achieve this reduction by 2040, EARTHDAY.ORG’s goals include:
Public Awareness: Promoting widespread awareness of the damage caused by plastic to human, animal, and biodiversity health. This includes demanding more research on plastic’s health implications and releasing information to the public.
Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics: Rapidly eliminating all single-use plastics by 2030 and achieving this commitment through the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution in 2024.
Addressing Fast Fashion: Demanding policies to end the vast amount of plastic produced and used in the fashion industry.
Investing in Innovation: Supporting innovative technologies and materials to create a plastic-free world.
Plastics extend beyond environmental concerns; they pose a grave threat to human health. As plastics break down into microplastics, they release toxic chemicals into our food, water, and air. Let’s act now to safeguard the health of every living being upon our planet.