Plastics is the modern human footprint — a virtually ubiquitous but paradoxical material. - Susan Freinkel. On Earth Day, we must confront one of the biggest environmental crises of our time - the plastic pandemic. Did you know that 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s? And shockingly, single-use plastics account for nearly 50% of all plastic produced globally. The health implications of microplastic exposure, especially for vulnerable populations like infants and babies, are deeply concerning. Studies have found that infants may ingest over 10 times more microplastics than adults, with potential risks of bioaccumulation in vital organs and disruption of endocrine systems. At X terra, the sustainability committee of XIMB, we believe it is imperative to take urgent action. We call for a strong Global Plastics Treaty that addresses the health impacts of plastics, reduces plastic production substantially, and holds producers accountable. On this #EarthDay, let us collectively commit to reducing our plastic footprint through conscious choices and advocating for sustainable alternatives. Together, we can pave the way for a future where our planet and its inhabitants thrive in harmony. #earthday #beatplasticpollution #gogreen #savetheplanet #ximb #xterra
X-Terra, The Sustainability Committee Of XIMB’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
🌍🚫 Planet vs. Plastics: A Call to Action for a Plastic-Free Future 🚫🌍 As we approach Earth Day 2024, the IFT Sustainable Food Systems Division is proud to align with the EARTHDAY.ORG’s "Planet vs. Plastics" campaign. This initiative is a clarion call to action, urging us all to confront the plastic crisis head-on for the well-being of our planet and all its inhabitants. Join the movement to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of our planet! Plastics pose a grave threat to human health and the environment, releasing toxic chemicals into our food, water, and air. EARTHDAY.ORG demands a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040, with goals to phase out single-use plastics by 2030 and end fast fashion's plastic waste. 🌟Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG, articulates the urgency of this movement: "The Planet vs. Plastics campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we act now to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being upon our planet." 🌟Denis Hayes, Chair Emeritus of EARTHDAY.ORG, highlights the source of the issue: "All this plastic was produced by a petrochemical industry with an abysmal record of toxic emissions, spills, and explosions." 🤝Join Us in Making a Difference: This Earth Month, let's pledge to take meaningful steps toward a plastic-free future. We invite you to share your initiatives and success stories in sustainable practices. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable world. For more information on how you can contribute to the "Planet vs. Plastics" movement, visit EARTHDAY.ORG #PlanetVsPlastics #EarthDay2024 #SustainableFoodSystems #IFT #IFTSFSD #FoodIndustry #PlasticFreeFuture #EndPlasticPollution 🔔 Follow the IFTSFS Division for up-to-the-minute news and information on the #science #sustainablefoodsystems. If you are interested in taking part in a webinar/fireside chat or joining our podcast series, please contact Dr. Lara Ramdin 🇬🇧 or Annalee Witte.
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day is observed, mobilising billions of people around the world to safeguard our planet and contribute to a more sustainable future for all. The focus for 2024 is Planet vs Plastics, with a commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health and demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. With this important reminder that each decision we make can have a significant impact on the health of our planet, we're reflecting on our responsibility as a key player in the African bioeconomy. Part of our commitment includes partnering with consumables manufacturers and suppliers who share our dedication to the environment. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our selection of laboratory plasticware. We choose to obtain our plasticware from those who: 🌍 Invest in a sustainable future by utilising renewable energy sources in their production processes. 🌍 Embrace recycled and biodegradable packaging materials to reduce waste. Create thinner, durable products through innovative designs to decrease plastic usage. 🌍 Minimise polymers such as polycarbonate in laboratory plasticware. By working with manufacturers and suppliers who value sustainability, we're taking small, but tangible steps to preserve our planet's resources and promote a greener future. We will continue to review our processes to ensure we are doing our best to support our most precious resource, the Earth itself! #PlanetVsPlastics #Sustainability #UVUBio #EarthDay2023
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
🌍💡 The plastics problem isn’t just an environmental crisis – it’s a call to action for innovators and leaders alike. As we dive into conscious alternatives, here are three remedies that can reshape our approach to plastics: 1️⃣ **Bioplastics Breakthroughs**: Innovating with renewable resources like corn or sugarcane can drastically reduce our plastic footprint. Are we ready to embrace these alternatives? 2️⃣ **Circular Economy Solutions**: Imagine packaging that is not just disposable but fully recyclable and reusable. Collaboration across industries can lead to sustainable systems that keep materials in play longer. How can network support this ? 3️⃣ **Community Engagement**: Educating consumers about responsible disposal and recycling can drive change at the local level. What strategies have you seen work effectively in engaging communities? Let's spark a dialogue! What remedies have you encountered or developed in the fight against plastic pollution? 💬👇 #Sustainability #Innovation #PlasticsProblem #CircularEconomy
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
🌍 Reassessing Plastics on Earth Day: A Perspective 🤔 This Earth Day, as the theme 'Planet vs Plastics' captures attention, it is imperative to challenge the negative stereotypes often associated with plastic. Far from being merely a problem, plastics are an essential part of solutions that address our most pressing global challenges, including health care, food preservation, and climate change. 💉 Firstly, the medical sector depends heavily on plastics. From syringes to surgical gloves to insulin pens, plastics are vital in tools that safeguard health and extend lives. Imagine a world without readily available medical supplies during crises—e.g. what would have happened to the world during the COVID-19 pandemic without plastics?! It's no exaggeration to say that plastic saves lives. 🥕 Consider the role of plastics in food preservation. By extending the shelf life of perishable goods—such as cucumbers, which can last up to 14 days when wrapped in plastic—we significantly cut down on waste and the carbon emissions associated with it. 🌳 But perhaps most strikingly, plastics actually contribute significantly to reducing emissions. Lightweight plastic components in vehicles can save approximately 3,000 litres of petrol over a car's lifetime. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a journey to sustainability, stretching from London to New York and back—almost five times! This list is far from exhaustive - the list of benefits that plastic brings to the world is far too long for one LinkedIn post! It's misleading and frankly harmful to vilify a material that plays such a pivotal role in fighting climate change and pollution on multiple fronts. Plastics are not merely a convenience; they are a cornerstone of modern environmental conservation strategies. Earth Day should reflect this message. While we must tackle the challenges posed by the disposal of single-use plastics, it’s crucial to recognise that plastics themselves are not the enemy. Their incredible versatility and efficiency in various applications, from medical to aerospace to construction, demonstrate how these materials are integral to enhancing our quality of life and environmental efforts. As we move forward, let's base our discussions on facts and acknowledge the millions of ways in which plastics are making our world better. #EarthDay2024 #Plastics #PlasticsIndustry #Sustainability #UKmfg #Polymers #Recycling #PlasticRecycling
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
🌍 Today is Earth Day - a day dedicating to raising awareness around the importance of safeguarding our planet and fighting for a brighter future. This year’s theme, ‘Planet vs Plastics’ calls for a reduction of plastic production around the world. It is estimated that by 2040, 44% of the increase in crude oil consumption will stem from petrochemical production, with plastics serving as a primary driver, while plastic production is projected to double within the next 20 years and triple by 2060. The dialysis sector is not immune to these issues. Plastic has become ubiquitous in healthcare, with a significant shift towards single-use items in recent decades. At Diaverum, we are committed to addressing plastic consumption and waste within our clinics. We prioritise reducing the use of single-use items to only when absolutely necessary, while actively seeking alternatives. For instance, we have generalised a process called "online priming" to decrease the reliance on saline bags during treatments, while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety. This enables us to save approximately 2,000,000 bags annually. To find out more about our sustainability commitment, read our ESG report: https://lnkd.in/eCkFe79b #EarthDay #Sustainability #ProtectOurPlanet #ESG #Dialysis #M42
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Reflecting on a time before the prevalence of single-use plastics prompts a reevaluation of our consumption habits. #Reuse, a practice ingrained in the traditions of many nations, stands in stark contrast to the comparatively recent surge in #plasticproduction. The exponential rise of disposable plastics, driven by corporate interests, underscores the urgent need for change. Yet, amid this challenge, there is hope. Developing nations offer a wealth of sustainable practices, serving as beacons of innovation and inspiration. Through both traditional and contemporary #reuse and #refill systems, these countries exemplify a path forward toward a more sustainable future. Let's recognize and celebrate the organizations and individuals driving this movement, each contributing to a diverse and impactful journey towards a world less reliant on #single-use plastics. Read more here:https://lnkd.in/dpY_qYne Shop Zero™ #circulareconomy #circularsouthafrica #plastic #sustainability #reuserevolution #future
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
🏭🧑🏭 "400 million 'plastic elephants' are produced annually, and that's assuming each metaphorical elephant is a tonne." 🌍 Breaking Through the Plastic Crisis: A Glimmer of Hope 🌱 📈🗑️ The world is grappling with the staggering reality of over 400 million tons of plastic produced annually, much of which ends up polluting our environment and threatening ecosystems. But what if we could transform this crisis into an opportunity? ✅📢 A recent breakthrough highlights a promising solution: a biodegradation process capable of efficiently breaking down plastics into harmless compounds, accelerating the natural timeline from centuries to mere weeks. Such innovations could revolutionize waste management and redefine how industries approach plastic use. ♻️📊 As someone deeply committed to advancing sustainable waste-to-energy solutions, this development resonates with my belief in circular economies and technologies that work in harmony with nature. This breakthrough represents more than a technological advancement—it’s a call to action for governments, industries, and individuals to adopt and scale sustainable practices. 🚀 What’s next? 1. Widespread adoption: Integrating this technology into municipal and industrial waste systems. 2. Policy support: Governments must incentivize sustainable innovations. 3. Education: Raising awareness about plastic's impact and alternative solutions. The plastic crisis won’t be solved overnight, but with innovation and collaboration, we can turn the tide. At Haily, we are innovating with world class capabilities, yet we like to collaborate with the best-of-breed to accelerate the recovery of our environment. Let’s act together to leave a cleaner, greener planet for future generations. 💡 How do you see such breakthroughs shaping the future of sustainability? Let’s discuss! #PlasticCrisis #SustainabilityInnovation #WasteManagement #CircularEconomy I am Mar Vin Foo 🌿, a specialized consultant in energy, both upstream and downstream with a focus on diversity. Thank you for innovating and collaborating. Source: https://lnkd.in/gma2Zn65
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
❗️Over 90% of plastics is never being recycled❗️ It’s a shocking reality that highlights just how widespread plastic pollution has become in our daily lives. The need for sustainable alternatives is urgent. At SymbioMatter, we’re working to change this by developing biodegradable foam made from water waste. Unlike conventional plastics, our foam decomposes naturally, contributing to a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are reused. This is the 3rd edition of my #AwarenessTuesday series, where I share key insights to help drive change. 💬 What’s one small change you’re making to reduce plastic use in your daily life? Let me know in the comments below. 👥 Join our community to collaborate on sustainable solutions and share knowledge. https://lnkd.in/e3kiuPUp #sustainability #plasticpollution #circulareconomy #biodegradablematerials #ecofriendlysolutions #climateaction #SymbioMatter #environmentalawareness #innovation Sources: Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782. https://lnkd.in/euSTejnV United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2018). Single-use plastics: A roadmap for sustainability. United Nations. https://lnkd.in/enrMmDNe
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
I suggest that you start buying water sold in cartons.
1 million. That’s the number of plastic bottles people buy around the world. Every. Single. Minute. Plastics are a serious problem for the planet, not just in terms of litter and the health impact of microplastics, but also because of the greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production. Curious to know how cartons can help us ditch plastics? Watch our CEO Thomas Körmendi's recent presentation at The Economist Sustainability Week: https://lnkd.in/dddxqKw7 #PackagingByNature #SustainableSolutions #LessPlastic
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
That back to school feeling isn't great isn't it?! I love this first week of September when it feels like something new and exciting is starting. It's the start of conference season for us, and the scouting for new breakthrough technologies continues at Sifted, Slush and a whole host of sector events on the calendar for the next few months. September also marks #plasticovershootday, which is a good reminder or why we're continuing to focus on investments in this sector. In 2024, 220 million tonnes of plastic waste will be created, and nearly 70 million tons of plastic will end up in nature due to imbalance between the volumes of plastics consumed and the capacity to manage the plastic at the end of its life. The scale of the problem is huge, and we urgently needs new, scalable technologies and solutions to help manage the plastic waste problem better than we do right now. We'll be announcing some exciting things in the coming weeks, stay tuned for news... #plasticwaste #recycling #circulareconomy #investment #venturecapital #fundmanagement
To view or add a comment, sign in