World Environment Day (WED) was first observed on June 5th, 1973. Since then, the Day has developed into a platform for action on critical environmental challenges like global warming, toxic chemicals, ozone layer depletion, and desertification.

The theme of this year is: "Beat Plastic Pollution." The UN Environment Program (UNEP) has urged people to hold hands together to reduce plastic pollution.

Over 400 million tons of plastic are generated worldwide each year and dumped into lakes, rivers, and oceans. Microplastics are getting ingested through our food, water, and air, creating many health concerns. It has disastrous repercussions. 

According to a recent UNEP research, if we aim and work together from now towards the reuse, recycle, reorient, and diversify away from plastics, plastic pollution can be reduced by 80% by 2040. A quarter of the worlds disease burden could be avoided if settings were healthier.

Healthy living needs clean air, a stable climate, pure water, sanitation and hygiene, safe chemical use, radiation protection, healthy and safe workplaces, sound agricultural practices, health-supportive cities, and built environments, and preserved nature.

Thus, to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all, we must join hands to end our plastic addiction, promote zero waste, and establish a healthy earth to live happily and enjoy.

(Source:https://www.un.org/en/observances/environment-day/messagehttps://www.who.int/health-topics/environmental-health#tab=tab_1)