World Environment Day: A global call to end plastic pollution

June 5 is World Environment Day which is a global call to protect our planet and take action against plastic pollution.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment, engaging governments, businesses, schools, and individuals to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Each year focuses on a specific theme and in 2025, the spotlight is on plastic pollution.

Why it matters

Plastic pollution has become one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time. Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, with around half used just once. The consequences are severe, it is:

• polluting our oceans;
• harming wildlife; and
• entering our food chain.

This year’s global celebrations are being hosted by the Republic of Korea on Jeju Island, known for its innovative waste management and commitment to becoming plastic pollution-free by 2040. The location is symbolic of the bold solutions needed worldwide.

A critical moment for action

World Environment Day 2025 coincides with negotiations on a historic UN treaty to end plastic pollution, with the next round of talks taking place in Geneva this August. Momentum is building for a global agreement that promotes circular economy principles, reduces waste at the source, and holds polluters accountable.

How your organisation can get involved

World Environment Day is more than a campaign, it's a chance to lead by example. Here are some meaningful ways your team can take part:

• audit your plastic use: identify single-use plastics in your operations and commit to reductions or alternatives;
• run a waste awareness campaign: help staff understand the impact of plastic and how to recycle responsibly;
• partner with environmental charities: support organisations tackling plastic pollution locally or globally;
• host a green team challenge: encourage departments to compete in reducing plastic waste;
• share your efforts: use your platform to show support and encourage others to act.

This year's message is clear: to protect our future, we must change how we produce, consume, and dispose of plastics. Let World Environment Day 2025 be the start of that change in your workplace.

You can learn more about World Environment Day, and other ways to get involved, here.