Planet vs. Plastics

 

It’s Earth Month and this year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics! This theme is all about bringing awareness to plastic’s significant, long-lasting impact on our world. Join us this April as we work to reduce our plastic consumption and waste. Organizations and individuals are coming together to demand a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040—a step towards the ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come.

Many plastics take thousands of years to break down, creating environmental hazards for wildlife around the globe. Nearly all plastics are made from chemicals used to produce fuels, including gas, oil, and coal, all of which greatly contribute to climate change.

When plastic is burned, toxic gases are released into the air, resulting in harmful pollution. At almost every stage of its life, plastic harms the environment. We must reduce our reliance on plastic to keep our waters, land and air safe and beautiful for all living creatures.

Here in Hawaii, our island and diverse marine life face heightened risks from plastic pollution, which can harm marine animals and disrupt the balance of our waterways and oceans. Additionally, climate change makes storm events worse, leading to increased storm water runoff and pollution in Hawaii’s storm drain systems. If plastic waste continues to pile up and extreme weather events continue to become more frequent, we must work together to address these two interconnected issues to help preserve Hawaii’s natural beauty, local wildlife, and sustainably.

 

Here are some ways you can help:

In honor of Earth Month, we are holding our annual Earth Month giveaway! From now through April 30, you can enter to win one of two annual passes for the Waikīkī Aquarium by filling out our Public Awareness Survey online or in person at one of our April events: Mauka to Makai at Waikīkī Aquarium (April 13) or the Science & Sustainability Festival at the Bishop Museum (April 20).

Sources: EarthDay.org, Friends of the Earth