On the occasion of World Environment Day, CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami Tuesday said that a phased approach was the need of hour to tackle plastic pollution which has become a very serious issue.In his message on World Environment Day, he said the theme for 2018, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” is a call to action for all of us to come together to combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time. The theme invites us all to consider how we can make changes in our everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on our natural places, our wildlife – and our own health.According to various studies plastic constitutes 10 percent of total waste generated on Earth. Half of it is single-use plastic! Its non-biodegradable nature exposes humans and wildlife to carcinogens. While plastic has many valuable uses, we have become over-reliant on single-use or disposable plastic – with severe environmental consequences. While ban on plastic may not be possible, altogether due to a variety of reasons, including its use there is need for public education to discourage littering.
The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in more than 100 countries.The day should not be a symbolic celebration, but a mission to where everybody should take a pledge to protect the environment throughout the year. The world is finally waking up to the issues of climate change and global warming, and massive efforts are being undertaken to protect the environment. But is it enough? That remains to be seen. World Environment Day is a call for awakening of individuals to take charge of protecting their environment and to realise the severity of plastic usage in daily life. (PTK)