Earth Day 2024 is 'Planet vs Plastics'

**The theme of Earth Day 2024 is 'Planet vs Plastics' – addressing the escalating production of plastic and exploring the potential impact of broader renewable energy initiatives on sustainability. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has evolved into a global event recognized by over a billion people across more than 193 countries each April 22nd.

The 2024 theme, ‘Planet vs Plastics’, underscores the urgency of protecting our environment and preserving natural resources, while highlighting the necessity of transitioning to sustainable and renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Part of Earth Day 2024 involves advocating for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, acknowledging the hazards posed by plastics to humans, the environment, and climate stability.

In 2023:

500 million plastic bags, equivalent to one million bags per minute, were produced worldwide.
100 billion plastic beverage containers were sold in the US, averaging more than 300 bottles per inhabitant.
95% of all plastics in the US were not recycled.
The fast fashion industry churned out over 100 billion garments, with approximately 85% ending up in landfills or incinerators.
“The word environment means what surrounds you,” explains Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG. “In the case of plastics, we have become entwined with the product itself – it courses through our bloodstream, adheres to our internal organs, and carries heavy metals known to cause cancer and disease. This once-revered and useful material has morphed into something else entirely, jeopardizing not only our health but also that of all other living beings."

“The Planet vs. Plastics campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we take immediate action to combat the proliferation of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being on our planet,” she concludes.

**The following article has been adapted from sustainability magazine, with modifications, to suit the content needs of our website. While we have made changes to the original text, we acknowledge and credit the original author for their contribution."