#single-use items

For the 54th edition of Earth Day, the organisation has announced its commitment towards a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040. Calling for consumers and companies to take action against plastic pollution, The Earth Day 2024 Toolkit states that “recycling is not the answer”. With only 16% of plastics and plastic packaging being recycled, the majority finds its way to landfills, incineration sites, or ends up in our rivers and oceans. The earth day Network is aiming to raise awareness about plastic’s harm to human and biodiversity health and increase research transparency. It highlights its report ‘Babies vs. Plastics’ which unpacks how plastics, microplastics and their additive chemicals can hurt children.

The organisation highlights the United Nations Global Plastic Treaty on Plastic Pollution scheduled for this year, for which it has created a petition. Additionally, the environmental recruiter is advocating for investment in innovative technologies aimed at finding sustainable alternatives to plastics. The accompanying social media campaign #PlasticsDetoxChallenge promotes the reduction of single-use items to inspire a wider shift towards a plastic-free lifestyle. Earth Day participants can plan a march or rally, host a community cleanup, or organize educational sessions.

Businesses are advised to invest in sustainable infrastructure, support environmentally friendly commuting options, and diversify investment portfolios. Companies can also create special offerings for consumers related to the event. For Earth Day 2023, Italian coffee company Lavazza collaborated with South Korean café chain Paris Baguette to create an eco-conscious reusable coffee 

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Viva Energy and Cleanaway to pursue circular solution for soft plastics