Earth Day 2024 : Planet vs Plastics

This year, the global community is coming together to celebrate Earth Day by addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution. Earthday.org has declared 2024's theme to be "Planet vs Plastics," emphasising the urgent need to reduce plastic production by 60% by 2040.

The harmful impact of plastics on our planet is undeniable, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. It's time to take action, and there are many ways to get involved.

Why do we need to act against plastics?

Plastics have become a fundamental part of our daily lives, but their convenience comes at a significant cost. Single-use plastics, in particular, create massive amounts of waste that persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They pollute our oceans, harm marine life and contribute to climate change through their carbon-intensive production processes.

With plastic production grown to over 380 million tons per year, reducing plastic urgently has never been so essential for our planet's health, and our own.

How can you make a difference?

There are many ways that you can help to contribute to the fight against plastic pollution. Here are just a few ideas:

• Make a donation: Support organisations, like Plastic Ocean, who are dedicated to reducing pastics.

• Organise a local cleanup: Gather your community to clean up plastic waste in your area.

• Educate your staff and stakeholders: Implement policies that reduce plastic consumption and promote sustainable practices in your workplace.

• Implement plastic free policies: Adopt measures to minimise plastic use and ensure proper disposal.

What are the benefits to reducing plastics?

Taking steps to reduce plastic pollutions offers several advantages:

• Environmental responsibility: Be accountable for your environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet.

• Cost savings: Lower costs by reducing plastic consumption or switching to a more sustainable option that generates less waste and has lower production costs. 

• Enhanced reputation: Position your business as a leader in sustainability, attracting environmentally conscious customers and partners.

• Regulatory compliance: Stay ahead of potential and current regulations by implementing sustainable practices now.

• Meet stakeholder expectations: Address the growing demand for sustainability from your supply chain and stakeholders.

• Long-term sustainability: Play a role in tackling a major global issue that affects us all.

How can NQA support you on your sustainability journey?

At NQA, we are committed to helping organisations achieve their sustainability goals. Our certification and training services can support you to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Explore some of our sustainability solutions:

> ISO 14001: Environmental Management System Certification

ISO 14001 is a globally recognised standard which outlines the requirements for an environmental management system, enabling businesses to control their environmental impact, ensure legal compliance, and work toward sustainability.

Learn how ISO 14001 certification can benefit your organisation by providing a comprehensive framework to reduce environmental risks and meet stakeholders. Explore the standard today.

> ISO 14064-1: Greenhouse Gas Inventory Verification

The UK government aims to reach net-zero by 2050, prompting many businesses to calculate and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Greenhouse Gas Inventory Verification, guided by ISO 14064-1, ensures an accurate and credible carbon footprint assessment, helping organisations meet legislative requirtements and improve risk management and reputation. Learn more about ISO 14064-1.

> PAS 2060: Standard for Carbon Neutrality

PAS 2060 is an internationally recognised standard that helps companies achieve and verify carbon neutrality through measurement, reduction, offsetting and documentation. It provides a framework for companies to demonstrate their commitment to the environment and pursue third-party verification, ensuring their carbon-neutral claims are credible and transparent. Dive into PAS 2060.

 Ready to start your sustainability journey? Contact our friendly team!