Yesterday, lights were turned off for one hour in observance of Earth Hour – not to be confused with Earth Day. For one hour, supporters in over 190 countries and territories around the globe turn off their non-essential lights as a show of commitment to fighting climate change, and raising awareness of the issues facing our shared home.
But Earth Hour is more than just an hour for Earth – it’s a movement for our own futures, for the benefit of people and planet. And it’s not only a symbol of solidarity – it’s a catalyst for change, harnessing the power of the crowd.
In Guyana, Earth Hour 2022 turned our collective attention to single use plastics – one of the major environmental crises plaguing all corners of the globe. In a world of convenience, many persons use plastic straws, plastic cups, plastic spoons, forks, knives, plastic food containers, plastic bags or plastic bottles on a daily basis. More often than not, these items are disposed of, after just a few minutes of being in use. Have you ever thought about what happens after they are disposed of? Are you aware that the single-use plastics we discard doesn’t simply disappear when they are thrown out? Rather they persist in the environment for a very long time; in most cases hundreds of years.
These “single-use” plastic items account for more than 7000 tonnes of solid waste discarded annually at the Haggs Bosch Landfill according to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council 2016, statistical data. Each year about 8.8 million tons of the world’s discarded plastic flows into the ocean.
The issue of single use plastics, extend beyond their production and use – it extends to the indiscriminate way we dispose of these items and the fact that alternatives exist. The solutions to some of the single use plastic items can be derived from planning and making better choices when meal planning, shopping and carrying out simple daily tasks. Materials exist locally for the manufacture of numerous alternatives – reusable bags, straws, food utensils and containers.
If you missed the Earth Hour celebrations, there are other ways you can show your appreciation and solidarity:
1. Reconnect with nature – explore nearby parks and green spaces or go hiking;
2. Cook vegan meals for your family and friends and challenge yourself to cook a meal where nothing gets wasted or get creative with leftovers;
3. Up your knowledge – awareness is the first step to action. You can start by watching nature documentaries such as the Our Planet series on YouTube or Netflix; or
4. Volunteer for the environment – whether you join a community group or participate in a one-time activity, lend your efforts to help improve the environment around you.
Dispose of your waste in the correct way and choose alternatives to single use plastics!
Reference
https://www.earthhour.org/take-part/spend-the-hour?hsCtaTracking=19ae5736-45b6-4b93-88cd-88cc8ca1d699%7Cc980ae46-8b36-4ad4-8a22-8dbb5ca421d7
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: [email protected], follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
