This week, primary schools around the world are discussing the important topic of plastic pollution and celebrating World Environment Day, observed on 5th June 2023. Let’s delve into the week’s assembly focus and explore what’s been happening in the news, alongside practical classroom activities and discussion questions. World Environment Day 2023: A Global Call to Action World Environment Day marks its 50th anniversary this year and is being hosted by Côte d'Ivoire in partnership with the Netherlands. The chosen theme, ‘Solutions to plastic pollution’, encourages people, businesses, and governments worldwide to unite under the hashtag #BeatPlasticPollution. The event, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aims to raise global awareness and stimulate action to protect the environment. Millions of people take part every year, reflecting on issues that impact every continent – from increasing plastic production to challenges in waste management. UNEP’s Report: Cutting Plastic Pollution by 80% Just ahead of World Environment Day, the UNEP released a significant report stating that countries could reduce plastic pollution by 80% in less than twenty years. With plastic production levels having increased dramatically in recent decades—particularly in single-use plastics—current waste systems are struggling. The UNEP proposes a comprehensive plan involving governments and businesses to make a large, positive impact. Three Strategies to Tackle Plastic Waste 1. Reuse The most effective strategy, according to the UNEP report, is to promote the reuse of plastics. This includes initiatives like refillable bottles, deposit return and packaging take-back programs. If widely adopted, reuse could bring about a 30% reduction in plastic pollution by 2040. 2. Recycle Recycling is another important approach. Enhancing global recycling infrastructure and rates could see a further 20% reduction in plastic pollution. Alarmingly, only 9% of plastics are currently recycled each year, with much of the rest ending up in landfill or incineration. 3. Use Alternative Materials UNEP suggests replacing single-use plastic products such as wrappers and sachets with alternative, compostable materials wherever possible. This could contribute a further 17% reduction in plastic waste by 2040. Plastic Waste: Key Facts Only 9% of all plastic produced globally is recycled. 73% of beach litter worldwide is plastic. Every minute, 2 million plastic bags are used around the world. Some countries have made single-use plastics illegal. Every minute, a lorry-load of plastic is dumped in the ocean. Classroom and Assembly Discussion Ideas Reflecting on Feelings and Impact The UNEP report and associated images can generate a wide range of emotions, from concern and sadness to motivation and enthusiasm for change. Reflecting on personal responses helps students connect with the issue and motivates positive action. Questions to Inspire Critical Thinking What are the benefits and drawbacks of holding an international event like World Environment Day? How important is international cooperation in tackling plastic pollution? Is reusing better than recycling? Why might this be the case? How do you or your family manage packaging at home? Do you consider materials and recycling when shopping? What creative ideas could help reduce single-use plastic waste at home or school? Practical Activities for the Classroom Identifying and Sorting Plastics Encourage students to look for plastic items in the classroom – considering their usage, reusability, and whether alternatives could be used. Discuss whether items are single-use, how they might be replaced, or how they could be reused or recycled. Creative Reuse Projects Students can collect single-use plastics from home or school and use them to create artwork, decorations, or practical objects, such as friendship bracelets or collages. These creative activities foster awareness and inspire action. Measurement and Science Connections Use water bottles to explore concepts such as capacity (litres and millilitres) and compare which bottles are reusable versus single-use. This hands-on approach helps connect environmental topics with science and practical maths skills. Why International Events Matter World Environment Day is designed to empower as many people as possible to take part in raising environmental awareness. The opportunity to come together, share ideas, and take collective action gives the movement a powerful voice. Agreements and commitments at an international level are critical, as demonstrated by the declaration of 175 UN Member States to end plastic pollution and create a legally binding agreement by the end of 2024. Understanding the Language of Environmental Action Here are some useful terms for this topic: Strategy: A plan to achieve a goal. Reusing plastic items is highlighted in the UNEP report as the most impactful strategy. Alternative: Another possible choice or material, such as compostable packaging instead of plastic. Significantly: By a large amount. UNEP offers actions to significantly cut plastic pollution. Host: The place or organisation providing space for a special event – this year, Côte d'Ivoire hosts World Environment Day. Protect: To keep safe from harm. World Environment Day’s core aim is to encourage us all to protect the planet. Recent News Highlights France Bans Short-Haul Flights France has banned domestic flights where a train journey would take less than two-and-a-half hours. This move is aimed at lowering carbon emissions and supports action against climate change. World’s Largest Children’s Play Park Opens Lilidorei, the world’s largest children’s play structure, has opened at Alnwick Garden, Northumberland, offering a magical space for children to play and encouraging less screen time and more imaginative outdoor activity. Study: Elephants Enjoy Zoo Visitors A new study found that elephants in zoos enjoy interacting with visitors, socialising more and showing fewer signs of boredom during busy feeding times. Reflection: The Power of Collective Action World Environment Day reminds us all of our important role in caring for the planet. Each small action, from using a reusable bottle to recycling at home, contributes to global solutions. By learning and acting together, students, teachers, and communities can help protect our environment for generations to come. * Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample * Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss * Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
