Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd, with this year’s theme being “Planet VS Plastic”. However, Cardiff’s fight against plastic waste can be more than just Earth Day…
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It is not just a day; it is a movement.
EARTHDAY.ORG founders created and organized the very first Earth Day in 1970. Since then, Earth Day has been mobilizing over 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
Every year, Earth Day has a specific theme, and this year’s theme is Plane VS Plastic, aim to get 60% reduction of plastic production by 2040.
This is not a new challenge for the people of Welsh and Cardiff. Last year, the Welsh Government issued a new law calling for a ban on the supply of single use plastic.
Climate Change Minister Julie James explained the Act forms part of the Welsh Government’s response to the climate and nature emergencies and ‘builds on momentum created by communities across Wales who have chosen to go plastic free, defy throwaway culture and tackle littering’.
Public support for the ban has been positive with more than 87 per cent of people backing the move.
The citizens, organizations and businesses of Cardiff have been working even harder to go plastic free.
For example, many communities and charities such as Cardiff River Group and Keep Cardiff Tidy would organise regular litter picks to clean up Cardiff’s streets and natural environment.
Challenge Wales, as an award-winning sail training charity, also set up a Clean Seas – Clean Shores project. It is an educational initiative, enabling them to work with young people in the community spotlighting the detrimental impact of one-use plastic in the marine environment and will include removing some of the microplastic litter waste along Cardiff Bay.
“As we sail through our activities we witness the impact of plastic waste – whether we are at sea or in port. From discarded fishing nets to plastic bottles, from empty crisp packets to microplastics the ocean bears the burden.” says Challenge Wales, “Ocean Literacy plays a crucial role in what we do – helping people understand about their impact on the ocean and the ocean’s impact on them.”
As a tearoom nestled in Bute Park, Pettigrew has remained steadfast in their decision to abstain from selling plastic water bottles. Acknowledging that certain sustainable choices may impact profitability, they opted for glass bottles until the emergence of canned water—an infinitely recyclable alternative that aligns with their commitment to reducing single-use plastics.
Earth Day is a big, important day for environment protection, but it is even important for us to make everyday Earth Day.
