By Shadia Haq
The United Nations’ (UN) annual global environmental awareness day, World Environment Day, takes place today, the 5th of June.
This year’s theme focuses on beating plastic pollution.
This year, the Republic of Korea is the host country, urging global action to end plastic waste and build a sustainable future.
They are sending a message around rethinking how we produce, use and dispose of plastics.
What is World Environment Day?
World Environment Day, which began in 1973, is the UN’s largest environmental awareness platform.
It is now celebrated in more than 150 countries and involves governments, schools, companies and individuals.
The goal is to raise awareness about urgent environmental issues and inspire global action.
Theme for 2025
This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” aims to spotlight the damage caused by plastics and promote alternatives.
According to the UNEP, approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually. Half of that is designed to be used only once.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, says:
“Plastic pollution impacts every ecosystem and every person on this planet. By 2040, plastic leakage to the environment is predicted to grow by 50 per cent, and that pollution creeps into our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air that we breathe”.
Plastic pollution is found everywhere: in rivers, oceans, soil and even in our bodies through microplastics. It harms wildlife, pollutes drinking water and contributes to climate change. The campaign calls for policies and public actions that support reuse, recycling and innovation.
Host nation: Republic of Korea
The Republic of Korea is hosting World Environment Day for the second time, having last hosted in 1997. This year, events will centre around Jeju Province, known for its strong waste reduction programmes. These include:
- A deposit system for disposable cups in cafes
- Mandatory plastic separation and recycling
- Promotion of zero-waste markets and refilling stations
The country is also advancing policies to limit single-use plastic products in retail and hospitality sectors.
International participation
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is hosting local events through councils and green groups. These include:
- Beach and river clean-ups in Brighton, Liverpool and Aberdeen
- “Plastic-free challenges” in schools
- Community repair cafés and zero-waste pop-ups
Transport for London (TfL) is encouraging schools to participate by investigating local air quality and promoting active travel.
Activities include conducting lichen surveys to assess nitrogen dioxide levels and engaging students in discussions about sustainable transportation options.
Other countries
- India is running nationwide campaigns to educate children on reducing plastic waste.
- Canada has banned many single-use plastic items, including cutlery and straws.
- Kenya remains a leader, having banned plastic bags in 2017. Its policies are being expanded to cover packaging and bottles.
- Australia is scaling up plastic recycling infrastructure and encouraging producers to adopt eco-packaging.
Why participation matters
Plastic pollution harms nature and our own health. Participating in World Environment Day helps us:
- Learn how plastic affects air, water and soil
- Support local solutions and hold leaders accountable
- Inspire others through small everyday actions
Every choice matters, whether it’s carrying a reusable water bottle or calling for bans on plastic packaging.
What experts say
The global push for a circular economy is gaining momentum.
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division says,
“Recycling alone will not get us out of the plastic pollution crisis. We need a combination of approaches working in tandem across the life cycle of plastic to have a world free of plastic pollution”.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) adds:
“Plastic pollution is the most visible example of the havoc we’re causing to our planet. From our local beaches to the remote Arctic, it is choking our oceans and killing wildlife”.
Criticisms and concerns
Not everyone agrees that a single day of action is enough. Critics argue that:
- Some events are more symbolic than impactful
- Large corporations often greenwash their participation
- Real change requires government enforcement, not just voluntary action
Environmentalist Vanessa Nakate warned in 2024:
“Humanity will not be saved by promises. It’s hard to believe businesses and financial leaders when they haven’t delivered before”, arguing that leaders have not been fulfilling their environmental commitments.
Groups like Extinction Rebellion UK say that global days of action can let polluters off the hook, unless they are followed by real legislation.
Like Earth Day, critics accuse businesses and organisations of using international events to appear environmentally friendly without taking meaningful action to address the problems.
Reassess our relationship with plastic
Proponents of the initiative argue that World Environment Day 2025 presents an opportunity to reassess our relationship with plastic.
Organisers say that this year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution”, reminds us that action must happen at every level: from governments and industries to individuals.
They encourage people to join using the hashtag of #BeatPlasticPollution.
Shadia Haq is an SEO writer at A greener life, a greener world.
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