Today, Kenya joins the global community to mark World Environment Day. This year’s focus is on ending plastic pollution.

The Republic of Korea will host the global celebrations.

The world produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, two-thirds of which are short-lived products that soon become waste.

A chunk of the waste ends up filling the oceans and joining the human and animal food chains.

Plastic pollution exacerbates the deadly crisis of climate change, land and biodiversity loss, pollution and waste.

Globally, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year, while microplastics accumulate in the soil from sewage and landfills, due to the use of plastics in agricultural products.  

According organisers of this year’s event, the annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution ranges between $300 billion and $600 billion.

This year’s observance comes as countries make progress towards securing a global treaty to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

In November 2024, the Republic of Korea hosted the fifth session of negotiations to develop a plastic pollution treaty.

The second part of the session will take place from August 5-14, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.

By drawing inspiration from nature and showcasing real-world solutions, the anti-plastic campaign aims to encourage individuals, organisations, industries, and governments to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.

In Kenya, environmental health is intertwined with livelihoods, food security, and economic stability.

This year’s theme, centred on restoring ecosystems, is a clarion call for Kenyans to confront the escalating challenges of deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change.

As a green product, People Daily is dedicated to the promotion of good journalism, produced and distributed through channels that are sensitive to environmental conservation.

By going fully digital, our printing model no longer requires us to cut trees for the production of paper.

And central in our life is a campaign to grow trees.

The effects of producing paper include air pollution, waste problems, deforestation, and the use of large amounts of energy and water.

At People Daily, we believe small actions lead to monumental changes.

As we commit to a greener future, we embrace simple steps: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.