#TG LIFE
World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, the single largest celebration of our environment each year, which takes place on June 5 and is celebrated by thousands of communities worldwide.
India will be the global host for World Environment Day 2018, which is celebrated on June 5 annually, and ‘plastic pollution’ is the central theme this time. Every World Environment Day has a different global host country, where the official celebrations take place. This year it is India.
“When big plastics degrade into small pieces, it gets into the ocean. Small plastic particles are eaten by fish. We eat fish and the plastic gets into our body. The bits of plastic are responsible for causing various health complications in the form of cancer; endocrine, metabolism and hormonal issues, etc,” said Erik Solheim, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director while signing the letter.
The Government of India has also committed to organising and promoting the World Environment Day celebrations through a series of engaging activities and events generating strong public interest and participation. From pan India plastic clean-up drives in public areas, national reserves and forests to simultaneous beach clean-up activities “ India will lead the initiative by setting an example.
Weaving the events around this theme, worldwide governments and non-government organisations will be working hand-in-hand to create a global awareness on the plastic menace and the hazards it is creating to humans, animals, birds and marine life on the planet.
In Goa, the Directorate of Panchayats has asked all Panchayats in the state to hold special gramsabhas on June 5 to celebrate World Environment Day. The theme for this year’s edition is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
The panchayats have been instructed to explain the importance of protection of environment and resolve for the same and also honour villagers who have done exemplary work and have contributed significantly towards protection of the environment through the special gramsabha.
Rally for rivers
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Founder, Isha Foundation has given a call to the people to say no to plastic and urged the government to make a policy and put a ban on single use plastic by law.
‘Rally for Rivers’, a campaign initiated by Isha Foundation which has joined hands with the UN in celebrating World Environment Day and creating an awareness on Beat Plastic Pollution, has appealed to public to gather at various locations across the globe wearing single use plastic masks to create awareness.
In Goa the locations to gather are Panaji Church Square, South Goa Collectorate in Margao and Vasco Municipality building at 7 am on June 5.
Cycle to work
A World Environment Day Ride 2018 is being organised by Probyk & Propedalerz on June 5. Supported by the Cycling Association of Goa & Tri Goa Foundation, the ride is being organised to create awareness on World Environment Day and promote ‘Cycle to Work’ among the management and staff of the Verna Industrial Estate.
Riders will start from Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Ponda at 5.55-6 am and converge at Cipla circle, Verna Industrial Estate by 6.40-6.45 am where they will be joined by other riders from various Industrial units. The riders will then take a loop of the industrial estate and disburse after refreshments.
Participants can choose to ride to Vera from any of the marked cities or meet directly for the rally.
Best out of waste
1930 Vasco will be celebrating World Environment Day on June 10 with fun filled activities organised by Envy Ventures. There will be various competitions for children. Environment Seeker (Treasure Hunt in Pairs) will begin at 11 am in two categories junior (7-14 years) and senior (15 years and above) with a registration fee of Rs 150.
An activity in pairs, ‘Best out of Waste’ will begin at 12.30 pm, again in two categories - junior (5 years and above) and senior (above 15 years) with Rs 150 as the registration fee. ‘Make a Change’, a fancy dress competition will begin at 4 pm. It will be held in two categories, junior (up to 6 years) and senior (7-15 years) with Rs 100 as fee.
