The World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations Day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. The day was first commemorated in 1974. As such, the day involves among other activities raising awareness on emerging environmental issues from marine, land and air pollution, human overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.
This year, the global commemorations will be held in Colombia who will host the celebrations in partnership with Germany. The theme this year will focus on biodiversity. In Kenya, the National steering Committee has domesticated the theme as “Biodiversity for Sustainable Livelihoods” with the slogan, “protect, restore and conserve” as a rallying call for the country to join the global community in WED celebrations and also the decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021 – 2030).*
In our very small way, how can we protect, restore and conserve the environment?
At home
- Conserve water e.g. turn off water when not in use and fill in leaks to reduce water wastage.
- Turn off electric items when not in use.
- Unplug devices to limit electricity flow.
- Buy food locally to reduce pollution caused by transporting food.
- Re-cook left over foods to avoid wastage.
- Use re-usable items to limit trash in landfills.
- Donate old household items which can be re-used elsewhere.
When travelling
- Car-pool to commute to work in order to save gas.
- Walk or cycle if you’re travelling to a destination close to home.
- Reduce multiple travels by listing errands and combining trips.
- Dispose hazardous waste properly.
In the community
- Volunteer to help promote a better environment.
- Join an environmental organization e.g. environmental institutions in your home country.
- Donate to an environmental cause.
- Sensitize others on environmental conservation.
Happy World Environmental Day from Pats Oases
*Extract from Environmental Institute of Kenya
