Theme VI Plastic waste has been largely burdening the environment. Here are some alarming facts about plastic production and use. • About 200 million tons of single-use plastic is produced every year. • Only a bare minimum (< 10%) of the plastic produced is recycled. • Mismanagement of plastic waste has resulted in 19 to 23 million tons of plastic landing in water bodies. • Microplastics are leaching into food, water, and air, proving to be detrimental. Accelerated and large-scale implementation of the solutions to prevent plastic pollution by all countries and a unified approach by businesses and individuals toward the sustainable use of plastic is crucial. World Environment Day is thus pivotal in mobilizing action from all parts of the world to tackle plastic pollution and help save the environment. Learning about the environment must happen at every home and every school in every village, town, and city. Remember, we need the environment to survive; the environment does not need us! The United Nations Theme for 2023: Beat Plastic Pollution Perinatology Vol 24 • No. 1 • May–Aug 2023 J o u r n a l o f P e r i n a t a l a n d N e o n a t a l C a r e JUNE 5
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