Earth Day 2024: ‘Planet vs Plastics’
Happy Earth Day everyone!
It’s time we gave this spinning, resilient, gorgeous rock we call home a bit more attention don’t you think?
It can be easy to get absorbed by the complexities of our own lives, so much so we often forget to focus on the bigger picture. This annual event aims to remind us all of the increasing risks our planet faces and to bring the world together in an ongoing bid to tackle these serious issues - such as global warming, pollution and the growing health risks caused by single use plastics.
As a cause that impacts us all, irrespective of background, politics, race, gender, or age, Earth Day can be incredibly unifying. We encourage all to take part in its celebration, whether that’s in joining local events, signing the EARTHDAY.ORG petition or simply making small sustainable changes in your day-to-day habits.
Throughout this article, we’ll be delving into the origins of Earth Day as well as shining a light on the pivotal role Pole Junkie and fashion retailers play in combating the detrimental effects of fast fashion. We'll showcase some of the strides we're taking to make Pole Junkie a more environmentally conscious company, aiming to inspire a transition towards circular fashion through promoting longevity, eco-consciousness, and ethical production. Let’s champion a sustainable future for fashion!
The Task at Hand
Today marks Earth Day’s 54th anniversary, a day dedicated to addressing the planet's urgent needs, acting as a call to arms from its inhabitants to step up - meaning, well everyone.
In line with Earth Day 2024's Global theme, "Planet vs. Plastics," campaigners are advocating for a 60% reduction in plastic usage by 2040. The overuse of packaging, particularly single-use plastic, is one of the planet’s biggest environmental challenges. This is where online retail gets put in the hot seat.
There's no denying the fashion industry's significant role in the global environmental crisis. Whilst Pole Junkie doesn’t manufacture its own clothing, as a distributor of numerous fashion brands, we recognise we are part of the problem and have a responsibility to reduce carbon emissions, extend product lifespan, and minimise plastic use. Whether it’s one individual, a small business or a warehouse chain, every effort made to phase out single-use plastics is a worthwhile endeavour and WILL make a difference.
By being more environmentally conscious and putting in that bit more effort, we can revert fashion from harmful and wasteful to fun, expressive and sustainable - the way it should be.
What can Pole Junkie do?
Brands
Warehouse
When packing orders, Pole Junkie removes and recycles every piece of possible plastic, using only biodegradable packaging and even plant based ink! Noted by Stuart Gannon, Commercial Director at Delta Global:
“Recycling isn’t something that should be left to the consumers, but rather, a key focus for all steps within the supply chain”.
Other steps retailers can take include eliminating unnecessary air packs and bubble wrap from deliveries. Pole Junkie uses shredded cardboard from our stock deliveries which not only repurposes our boxes but is a cheaper solution for the company.
Deliveries
Product Lifespan
Pole Junkie : Preloved
Ecologi
Community
Further to go
Want to know more about the Origins of Earth Day? Read on!
How it all started
The very first celebrated Earth Day dates back to 1970, spurred by a significant oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California which led to widespread environmental damage. Junior Senator Gaylord Nelson saw the need to take action, organising an on campus teach-in to National media to raise awareness about the drastic air and water pollution the country was facing. But why on a college campus? And why April 22nd?
College students, known for their activism and passion, particularly during the anti-war movements, were seen as the key to spreading the message of environmental conservation. April 22nd fell between Spring Break and final exams, ensuring more students could take part.
On that first Earth Day, 20 million Americans took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations and rallies. The collective efforts of activists, students, and concerned citizens saw the passing of America’s very first environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Education Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act by the end of the same year.
Since then, Earth Day has grown into a global phenomenon, with billions of participants across over 190 countries.