World Oceans Day 2023: protecting our blue planet for a sustainable future
World Oceans Day is a global celebration held annually on 8th June to raise awareness about the importance of our oceans and promote efforts to protect and preserve their ecosystems. World leaders have recently made a commitment to safeguard 30% of our blue planet by 2030, commonly known as 30×30. This commitment signifies a collective effort to create a healthy ocean with abundant wildlife and to stabilise the climate, recognising the crucial role the oceans play in sustaining life.
Our oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and provide countless benefits to humanity. They regulate the climate and generate most of the oxygen we breath. They also serve as the foundation for much of the world’s economy. However, our oceans face numerous threats including; plastic pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, ocean acidification, irresponsible fish farming, ghost fishing and commercial whaling.
1.15 to 2.41 billion tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year. Animals get tangled in the plastic that litters the oceans. Sea turtles commonly mistake plastic bags for food, which clog up their digestive systems. Plastic will continuously breakdown which result on pieces of ‘micro plastics’ that are consumed by a variety of marine life.
Reducing single-use plastics is a crucial step for businesses to contribute to ocean sustainability. Here are some effective ways businesses can minimise their use of single-use plastics.
- Conduct a Plastic Audit: Assess your business operations to identify areas of single-use plastic use, including bags, straws, utensils, packaging, and containers, to develop a reduction plan.
- Switch to Sustainable Alternatives: Replace plastic utensils with reusable or compostable options like bamboo or corn-starch-based bioplastics. Offer paper or compostable straws and use eco-friendly packaging materials.
- Collaborate with Suppliers: Engage suppliers to reduce plastic packaging and provide sustainable alternatives, choosing those committed to environmental sustainability.
- Implement Recycling and Waste Management Systems: Label recycling bins, educate employees on waste segregation, and establish effective recycling systems for plastic, paper, and other recyclables.
- Engage Employees and Customers: Raise awareness among employees and customers about reducing single-use plastics. Encourage reusable containers, provide educational materials, and display signage promoting sustainable practices.
- Track and Monitor Progress: Regularly measure and celebrate progress in single-use plastic reduction. Set goals, identify areas for improvement, and communicate achievements to stakeholders.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Influence policies supporting sustainability by engaging industry associations, participating in forums, and supporting initiatives for reducing single-use plastics. Collaborate with other businesses to amplify impact and promote wider adoption of sustainable practices.
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