The Importance of Fighting Plastic Pollution
World Enviroment Day

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From clogging our oceans to infiltrating our food chains, the pervasive presence of plastic affects every corner of our planet. In response to this growing crisis, World Environment Day 2025 is centered around the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” This global campaign aims to unite individuals, communities, and nations in the fight against plastic waste.

World Environment Day 2025: A Global Call to Action

Observed annually on June 5th, World Environment Day is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment. In 2025, the Republic of Korea is hosting the event, marking its second time since 1997. The celebrations are taking place in Jeju Province, a region that has declared an ambitious goal to become free of plastic pollution by 2040.  

The theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” underscores the urgent need to address the plastic crisis. Globally, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year, posing significant threats to marine life and human health. 5 

The Alarming Impact of Plastic Pollution 

• Environmental Damage: Plastic waste disrupts ecosystems, endangers wildlife, and contributes to the degradation of natural habitats. 

• Human Health Risks: Microplastics have been found in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe, leading to potential health concerns. 

• Economic Costs: The annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution is estimated to range between $300 billion and $600 billion. 

Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is spearheading initiatives to tackle plastic pollution, including the development of a legally binding international treaty aimed at ending plastic waste. The Republic of Korea hosted the fifth session of negotiations for this treaty in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to environmental leadership. 

What Can You Do? 

Addressing plastic pollution requires collective action. Here are some steps individuals can take: 

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers. 

• Recycle Properly: Ensure plastics are sorted and recycled according to local guidelines. 

• Support Legislation: Advocate for policies that limit plastic production and promote sustainable alternatives. 

• Participate in Clean-Up Drives: Join community efforts to remove plastic waste from local environments. 

Bywaters’ Commitment to a Cleaner London

At Bywaters, we remain steadfast in our mission to reduce environmental impact through sustainable waste management practices.  

• Eco-Friendly Fleet: Transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles to minimize emissions. 

• Renewable Energy: Operating London’s largest solar panel retrofit atop our Materials Recovery Facility in Bow. 

• Innovative Waste Transport: Utilising barges along London’s waterways to transfer non-recyclable waste to Energy-from-Waste facilities, eliminating the need for landfill disposal. 

This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our ‘London for London’ philosophy, striving to provide the most sustainable services possible to our nation’s capital. 

Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against plastic pollution. Let’s take action today for a cleaner, healthier tomorrow.