Plastic challenge added into National Environment Week program

World Environment Day falls on June 5 (Friday) and it marks the start of The Department of Environment Protection and Conservation’s National Environment Week with activities all week from June 5 to 12.

The UN’s theme for World Environment day this year is “Seven billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care”.

In a similar vein Vanuatu’s theme for National Environment Week is “Seven bilian pipol. Wan planet nomo. Yumi mas lukaotem gud.”

Dr Christina Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of The Vanuatu Environmental Science Society said population increase and economic development are driving higher and higher consumption of resources and on global scale we are depleting our planet at an alarming rate.

“By 2050 we will need 3 planets to sustain us if we continue to consume at our current rates.

“During Vanuatu Environment Week we would like people to think about their consumption.

“Consumption of resources includes our use of energy, water and food as well and the products we use every day such as plastics and wood.

“The way we use these products and resources and the amount we use has effects on our environment.

“This is a week to think about what we are using and to see if we can reduce the detrimental effects we inflict on our surroundings. In other words can we reduce our environmental footprint?

“There are a few thing that are very easy to do such as remembering to turn off the light when we leave a room, or to make sure that the tap isn’t left dripping.

“Other things need just a little forward thinking like taking your own bag to go shopping and not using a plastic bag when you get to the shop.

“Another easy thing to do is to join in our activities during the week.”

Shaw said the Department of Environment Protection and Conservation has organised these activities with The Vanuatu Environmental Science Society and other partners.

“Come along to the opening and closing and see tree planting.

“Join our clean ups or organise your own. Come along to the talk on Monday night or the short film night on Wednesday.

“We have also organised something a little bit trickier.

“We are challenging all of you to try to live one day without plastic on Tuesday 9th June.

“See how far into the day you get without using one piece of plastic. It makes you realize just how much plastics have come to dominate modern life.

“Our dream, which we encourage everyone to share, is to live sustainably in a clean, healthy environment.

“National Environment Week is the time to think about how we can achieve this dream. “