India all set to host Environment Day 2018 against plastic pollution

On February 19, 2018, Union Minister  Dr. Harsh Vardhan and UN Environment head  Erik Solheim, jointly announced that India is going to host the globe for the celebration of World Environment Day this year. Celebrated on June 5, every year, the theme selected for 2018 World Environment Day is "Beat Plastic Pollution". This is for the second time after 2011 that India will be hosting the World Environment Day when the theme was "Forests: Nature at your Service".

A statement released by the UN quotes Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, saying, " India is excited to host the World Environment Day this year on June 5. Indian philosophy and lifestyle have long been rooted in the concept of co-existence with nature. We are committed to making Planet Earth a cleaner and greener place”

This year, the World Environment Day squad has taken up the initiative to make the earth plastic free. Plastic is the non-biodegradable material which our earth no way can get rid off if we don't quit its use.

In India, currently, 25 states have banned the use of Plastic. It is not only harmful to the environment but for the humans. Plastic pollution is the root of several health issues in the modern society.

According to the figures published by the UN, every year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags and each year, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, which is equivalent to a full garbage truck every minute.

The report also states, "In the last decade, we produced more plastic than in the whole last century 50 percent of the plastic we use is single-use or disposable. We buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute. Plastic makes up 10% of all of the waste we generate."

Behtar India is a distinctive collaborative responsibility campaign that strings together Corporates, Schools, and individuals by catalyzing progressive action towards a sustainable India, a Behtar India, through work in the fields of health, environment, and hygiene.

The Campaign brings together different sections of the society to work hand in hand towards achieving tangible on-ground results. It empowers people and organization to act at the local level and yet makes a global impact.

The second edition of the Behtar India campaign, which has been conceptualized by DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance Company and is being jointly implemented by DHFL Pramerica team, Republic TV, and Charities Aid Foundation.