zero plastic waste

The environment is not just the scenery that surrounds us—it is the foundation of our existence. It provides the clean air, drinking water, nutritious food, natural medicines, and raw materials we depend on to survive. Yet for decades, we have exploited these resources unsustainably, without fully considering the consequences. Today, we face a global environmental crisis that threatens our health, economies, and the future of generations to come. A Vital Connection We Cannot Break Our relationship with the planet is deeper than many realize. Ecosystem services—the essential benefits we gain from nature—are critical to human survival. Every aspect of our daily lives is tied to natural ecosystems: Scientific research has consistently shown a direct correlation between ecosystem health and human well-being. When ecosystems thrive, human life prospers. When we degrade them, cascading effects harm our health, economies, and food security. Protecting the environment is protecting ourselves. Threats We Can No Longer Ignore Recent decades have driven the planet to a critical state extensively documented by scientists. The main threats we face are interconnected and mutually reinforcing: every year, over 400 million tons of chemicals—many toxic and persistent—are released into the environment, while microplastics have reached even the most remote regions of the planet and have been detected in the human placenta. Simultaneously, we lose over 10 million hectares of forest annually—equivalent to the size of South Korea—destroying irreplaceable habitats that host 80% of terrestrial biodiversity. We are experiencing the sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history, with one million species at risk, vanishing at a rate 100 to 1,000 times faster than natural. Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, leading to more frequent extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, devastating fires, and the forced displacement of entire communities. Air pollution alone causes approximately 7 million premature deaths annually, proving that environmental degradation is no longer a future problem—it is a present-day reality. The consequences go far beyond the loss of beautiful landscapes. Economic research estimates the cost of inaction far outweighs preventive action: The Good News: There’s Still Time Despite the magnitude of the challenges, science tells us we still have time to halt the damage and change course. The next 10 years are crucial, but we have the tools and knowledge to act. Research has identified effective interventions at multiple levels—from individual lifestyle changes (e.g., reducing meat consumption, using public transport, choosing low-impact products) that can cut personal carbon footprints by up to 50%, to business transformations toward a circular economy, which could generate $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030. At the same time, effective public policies can dramatically accelerate the transition to sustainability. The Paris Agreement has shown that international cooperation is possible with political will, while companies adopting sustainable practices not only reduce environmental impact but also improve long-term profitability. A Hopeful but Urgent Call to Action Protecting the environment isn’t just about saving trees or recycling—though those actions matter too. It’s about preventing disease, natural disasters, food shortages, and social crises. It’s about ensuring dignified, safe, and just living conditions for all—today and tomorrow. The green transition isn’t just necessary—it’s a powerful economic opportunity. Up to 395 million jobs could be created by 2030 in fields like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and ecosystem restoration. 🌿 The planet’s health is our health.The science is clear: we must transform our relationship with nature—starting now. Every choice we make—from what we buy to who we vote for—can be part of the solution. The challenge is immense, but so is our ability to overcome it together. 🕊️ The time to act is now. This article was written by Virna Chávez from the Green Initiative Team. Related Reading

Every June 5th, millions around the world come together to celebrate World Environment Day—a key date to reflect, take action, and promote change for the planet’s health. But how did this initiative begin? What themes have been addressed over the years? And what’s the focus for 2025? It all started in 1972, when the world awoke to an uncomfortable reality: our planet was in trouble. That year marked the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment—the first major international gathering focused solely on environmental protection. It was a historic moment that forever changed how we view our relationship with nature. As a direct result of this conference, the United Nations General Assembly established World Environment Day and created the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to lead global environmental efforts. The first official celebration took place in 1973 under the powerful theme “Only One Earth”—a message that remains more relevant than ever today. Since then, the date has become the world’s most important platform for environmental awareness, proving that when we act together, we can make real change. Thematic Evolution: Reflecting the Challenges of Each Era One of the most interesting features of World Environment Day is its annual theme and host country. This approach helps address the most urgent environmental issues of the time. In recent years, we’ve seen a clear evolution in priorities. From 2020 to 2024, we moved from “Time for Nature” with Colombia—reconnecting with biodiversity during the pandemic—to “Reimagine, Recreate, Restore” with Pakistan in 2021, which launched the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This progression continued with “Beat Plastic Pollution” in Côte d’Ivoire (2023), tackling the microplastic crisis from ocean trenches to mountain peaks, and culminated in 2024 with “Our Land. Our Future” in Saudi Arabia, focusing on desertification and the urgent need to protect fertile soils. For 2025, the theme returns to plastic pollution—and with good reason. The numbers are staggering: we produce 367 million tons of plastic annually, and without drastic changes, this could double to over 700 million tons by 2040. Jeju: A Scenic Yet Symbolic Host Choosing Jeju, South Korea as the 2025 host is no coincidence. This beautiful volcanic island is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, but also faces real challenges from mass tourism and waste management. It perfectly illustrates how even the most stunning places need our active protection. Moreover, South Korea has proven that effective plastic pollution policies are possible, boasting a waste management system with over 70% recycling rates for many types of packaging. What makes 2025 particularly special is the convergence of events. In November, also in South Korea, the fifth session of negotiations for a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution will take place. Imagine the power of combining the global awareness of World Environment Day with high-level political negotiations in the same country. Do These Campaigns Actually Work? It’s a fair question. Does celebrating one day a year really help? Scientific research offers a hopeful answer. Well-structured environmental campaigns do generate measurable changes: increased environmental search queries online, greater participation in local conservation activities, and heightened media coverage of environmental issues. For example, the 2021 campaign on ecosystem restoration inspired over 4.5 billion actions reported via the official digital platform—from tree planting to river cleanups. World Environment Day works because it blends three powerful elements: reliable scientific information, global coordination, and local action. When millions receive the same message at the same time and act in their communities, the impact multiplies. Every action counts—from avoiding unnecessary plastic bags to supporting public environmental policies in your city. Behavioral research shows that individual actions, when taken en masse, can influence corporate and government decisions. Looking Ahead World Environment Day 2025 comes at a crucial time. We are in the decisive decade to limit global warming, protect biodiversity, and build a truly sustainable economic system. The #BeatPlasticPollution campaign isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about proving we can transform entire systems when we act together. So this June 5th, when you see the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution on social media or join a local event, remember: you’re part of a global community that’s been working for the planet for over 50 years. And every action you take, no matter how small, adds to a movement that has already achieved incredible change. Ready to be part of the solution? This June 5th, join the global conversation. Share, act, and commit to a world #BeatPlasticPollution—because protecting the environment means protecting us all. This article is the first in a four-part series on World Environment Day. Here, we explore how this global initiative began, the key themes that have shaped it over the years, and the urgent focus for 2025: beating plastic pollution. In the next articles, we’ll examine why protecting nature and biodiversity is essential to avoid pollution, deforestation, and global warming; dive deeper into the 2025 theme #BeatPlasticPollution, highlighting innovative strategies from Jeju, South Korea, and comparing them with efforts in South America and Peru; and finally, explore the role of Peru’s forests as vital biodiversity hubs, through native reforestation and monitoring campaigns led by projects like Forest Friends. Let this World Environment Day be a call not only to reflect but to act—boldly and collectively—for the health of the planet and future generations. This article was written by Virna Chávez from the Green Initiative Team. Related Reading