Tag: Events

11 Days of Global Unity Kicks Off September 11

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Sunflower by r44flyer on flickr
Sunflower by r44flyer on flickr.

The 11 Days of Global Unity occurs annually from September 11 to 21. It’s a global platform connecting local awareness and action initiatives into a powerful international movement. The event spotlights 11 Campaigns for Change, which are:

  • Unity
  • Interdependence
  • Environment
  • Economic Justice
  • Health & Wellness
  • Children & Youth
  • Women
  • Human Rights
  • Freedom
  • Disarmament
  • Peace
  • Sustainability

These campaigns aim to foster values and actions necessary for global peace and a harmonious world. Participants are encouraged to attend local events, join campaigns, volunteer, or make personal commitments toward these initiatives.

One of their standout campaigns is the Environment initiative on September 13th, focused on combating climate emergencies. Key points of this campaign involve promoting investment in clean energy, conserving ecosystems, ensuring access to clean water, reducing pollution, addressing the climate crisis, and supporting sustainable agriculture.

A Journey from Fear to Hope

Originating from the UN’s International Day of Peace which, in 2001, coincided with the 9/11 tragedy, the date was permanently set to September 21st in 2002. By 2004, “We, The World” organization extended the celebration to span 11 days, marking a journey from the fear of September 11 to the hope of September 21. Notable speakers who have been part of their events include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra, among others.

Values and Guiding Principles

Values and guiding principles of the organization include recognizing the interdependence between personal and global spheres, practicing nonviolence, understanding that healing the planet leads to individual healing, and integrating principles like idealism, compassion, and collaboration into daily life.

Rick Ulfik, the founder of “We, The World,” has been a prominent figure in media and has co-produced various TV series and events. His organization’s mission revolves around promoting global change and understanding the interdependence between individuals and the environment. Emphasizing a shift from “I” to “WE”, they aim to foster a culture where collective well-being is prioritized.

The events can be viewed live on Zoom and Facebook.

Join the global movement: Combat plastic pollution this World Environment Day, June 5th

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Theme:Finding solutions to plastic pollution
Date:June 5th, 2023
Host:Côte d’Ivoire in collaboration with the Netherlands
Hashtags:#BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay

June 5th, 2023, will mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, which was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973. This year, the event is anticipated to attract tens of millions of participants both online and through in-person activities, embodying the spirit of environmental advocacy.

Addressing plastic pollution

This year’s theme is focused on finding solutions to plastic pollution. The occasion underscores the consequences of actions and inaction taken by individuals, businesses, and governments in response to plastic pollution. It also highlights the pressing need to amplify these efforts and transition towards a circular economy. To assist in these efforts, a Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide is available, outlining steps to halt and reverse the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

An urgent need

Our planet is in crisis, besieged by the overwhelming weight of plastic waste. Despite its numerous applications, plastic has become detrimental due to our dependence on single-use plastic products, which cause significant environmental and health issues.

As per the UN, globally, one million plastic bottles are bought every minute, up to five trillion plastic bags are used each year, and 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually. Approximately 36% of all plastic is used for packaging, including single-use items for food and beverage containers. Sadly, around 85% of these items end up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Less than 10% of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated worldwide has been recycled. The most prevalent types of plastic waste found in the environment include cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles and caps, grocery bags, straws, and stirrers.

Environmental harm

Plastic waste can persist in the environment for centuries due to its durability and resistance to degradation. Nearly all single-use plastic products are manufactured from fossil fuels, contributing to the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions. Most plastic items merely break down into smaller microplastics, which can infiltrate the human body and accumulate in various organs. The impact of this phenomenon on human health remains largely unknown. Microplastics are now ubiquitous and are a part of the Earth’s fossil record. They have even led to the creation of a new marine microbial habitat, known as the “plastisphere.”

How you can help

Urge your local and national leaders to take decisive action by eliminating problematic plastic packaging, redesigning products for sustainability, and promoting transparency in sustainability information. Additionally, you can participate in beach or river clean-ups, shop sustainably, adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, advocate for change, choose sustainable fashion, and opt for plastic-free personal care products.

Spread awareness and inspire others via social media using the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay.

Mark your calendars: Earth Day is April 22

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Close-Up Shot of "Save the Earth" Paper Cutouts on a Green Surface. Photo by Artem Podrez: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-paper-cutouts-on-a-green-surface-7048039/
Close-Up Shot of “Save the Earth” Paper Cutouts on a Green Surface. Photo by Artem Podrez, Pexels.

Earth Day takes place in the United States on April 22nd every year to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to take action to protect the planet.

The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, across the United States.

It was a huge success, with millions of Americans from different backgrounds and political persuasions taking part in rallies, demonstrations, and other activities to promote environmental awareness. Since then, Earth Day has become an annual event, and it is now celebrated around the world.

Earth Day activities range from clean-up events and tree plantings to educational programs and advocacy campaigns. There is an increasing focus on promoting sustainable practices and addressing issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and deforestation.

Earth Day was started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson

Earth Day was started by former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who served from 1963 to 1981. Senator Nelson was a progressive politician who championed environmental causes throughout his career. He was a leading advocate for the Wilderness Act of 1964, which protected millions of acres of wilderness areas in the United States. He also played a key role in the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which established the basic national charter for protecting the environment. Nelson received numerous honors and awards for his environmental work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995. He passed away on July 3, 2005, at the age of 89.

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide

Earth Day has been growing in popularity over the years and has become a global event, with more than 190 countries now participating in the annual celebration. Countries choose to observe the event on different days. Some countries celebrate Earth Day on the Spring equinox, which occurs around March 20th or 21st each year—the equinox is seen as a symbolic time to promote ecological balance and harmony. In India, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd. India also observes National Clean Energy Day on November 1st and World Nature Conservation Day on July 28th. Much of South America celebrates the power and wonder of Pachamama (“Festival of Mother Earth”) during the first week of August.

Regardless of the date, the purpose of Earth Day remains the same: to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to take action to protect the planet.

#EarthDay

Social media plays a significant role in increasing the visibility and impact of Earth Day. The hashtag #EarthDay is widely used on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, to spread awareness and inspire action among a global audience.

Overall, the growing popularity of Earth Day reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a gro