Genevieve Keller 103 
The Theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs Plastics
This will be the 54th Earth Day celebrated. It falls on April 22 in the United States, or on the Vernal Equinox in most countries. The US celebrates Arbor Day (Plant a Tree) on April 24 this year, which initially influenced the date of Earth Day when it was established.
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According to the National Park Service, there are four goals for Earth Day this year:
- Reduction of synthetic textiles, especially in clothing and apparel. Synthetic textiles contribute to 60% of the microplastics in the environment.
- Phasing out single use plastics. The NPS estimates that 14 million tons of plastic waste is added to the ocean annually. This also contributes to microplastics in the environment and in animals (inlcuding humans)
- Higher levels of awareness on the harms of plastic production and pollution. The effects of plastic on the Earth are measurable in many ways, and are negatively affecting many species of animals at an alarming rate now.
- Investing in new technologies that reduce or eliminate the use of crude oil plastics. Bioplastic packaging is made from renewable sources, biodegrades much more quickly, and has a much smaller impact on the environment.
Make a plan to spend time with family and friends this Earth Day. Spread awareness and more if you can, or just celebrate this blue planet that we are all custodians of.
