What on Earth (Day) is wrong with you?

This Earth Day let’s affirm our commitment to the planet, and unite for environmental wellness, by harnessing the power of collective action in shaping a cleaner and greener tomorrow!

Imagine waking up to a postcard perfect world with clear skies and pristine oceans, where the air we inhale is pure, and where nature thrives in harmony with humanity. And now wake up to the harsh reality we face today : a planet besieged by pollution, oceans filled with plastic, loss of precious bio-diversity and threatening climate crisis. As we stand at this crossroad, Earth Day beckons us to reflect on our relationship with the planet and to take action for a sustainable future.

But what does Earth Day mean to us?

The roots of Earth Day trace back to the burgeoning environmental movement of the late 1960s. Fuelled by growing concerns over pollution, deforestation, and ecological degradation, grassroot activists mobilized to raise awareness and advocate for change. Senator Gaylord Nelson, inspired by the student-led anti-war protests of the era, envisioned a national day of environmental education and activism. On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was born, uniting millions of Americans in demonstrations, rallies, and teach-ins across the country.

In the decades that followed, Earth Day has evolved into a global phenomenon, celebrated by billions, and serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the enduring importance of environmental stewardship. The history of Earth Day reflects a growing recognition of humanity’s interconnectedness with the planet and the urgent need for sustainable practices. This ethos aligns seamlessly with the wellness philosophy embraced by us at WCI, recognizing that environmental wellness is intrinsic and interlinked to our overall wellness.

Overview of the Key Environmental Crises

Environmental issues have interconnected concerns that affect our planet’s health and sustainability. These include:

• Air pollution from various sources, leading to respiratory illnesses and climate change
• Water pollution caused by sewage, chemicals, and plastics, that threatens aquatic ecosystems in rivers, lakes, and ocean
• Climate change primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions, that results in extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and habitat loss
• Biodiversity loss stemming from habitat destruction and overexploitation, that jeopardizes ecosystem health
• Waste mismanagement pollutes land, water, and air, posing health risks
• Plastic pollution threatens wildlife, ecosystems, and human health in terrestrial and marine environments.

Plastic Pollution Takes Centre Stage in 2024

This year’s theme Planet v/s Plastics focuses on plastic pollution, a widespread threat to ecosystems globally. Single-use plastics, in particular, have inundated landfills and oceans, endangering wildlife and leaching toxins into the environment. Addressing plastic pollution requires concerted efforts to reduce consumption, promote recycling, and advocate for policy changes. Earthday.org aims to achieve a 60% decrease in the production of ALL plastics by 2040, recognizing the urgent need to address the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on our environment and health. United Nations’ report 2023 highlighted that every year, over 400 million tons of plastic gets produced worldwide, and one third of this is used just once. Plastic waste is an huge issue in India with only 8% of plastic being recycled as reported by CSIRO in December 2023. The report stated that 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated every day in India, and this is equivalent to the weight of 26,000 small cars! Isn’t this alarming?

WCI’s Commitment to Environmental Wellness

At WCI, we believe that Environmental wellness is integral to our multidimensional wellness, and by appreciating the interconnectedness between ourselves and the environment, we can make a lasting positive impact on the world. As individuals, we must conscientiously care for our planet, safeguard our natural resources, and foster safe and sustainable surroundings for ourselves and others. Through various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, WCI is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in India. Read more about how you can collaborate with us for promoting environmental wellness and wellness equity through CSR initiatives at https://wci.org.in/

Patriotism for the planet: An urgent call to action

As we commemorate Earth Day, it is opportune time to understand that the environment around us directly impacts our wellness. The air we breath, the water we drink and the food we eat: all of this is negatively impacted by the rapidly deteriorating environment. So join us and pledge to protect our planet and address these pressing environmental issues by choosing safe and sustainable solutions.

I will Reduce Single-Use Plastic: I pledge to minimize my use of single-use plastics such as bags, bottles, and straws. I will carry reusable alternatives and try my best to reduce plastic waste and its harmful impact on the environment.
I will Conserve Water: I pledge to conserve water by adopting water-efficient practices in my daily life. I will fix water leaks, use water-saving devices, and avoid wasting water.
I will Opt for Sustainable Transportation: I pledge to reduce my carbon footprint by opting for eco-friendly transportation methods. I will walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation whenever possible. I will also opt for electronic vehicles if I can.
I will Practice Conscious Consumption: I pledge to make mindful choices in my consumption habits, prioritising locally-sourced, eco-friendly and sustainable products. I will reduce, reuse, and recycle items whenever possible, opting for environmentally responsible alternatives and supporting businesses committed to sustainability practices.
I will Respect and Preserve Bio-diversity: I will strive to protect natural habitats, support conservation programs, engage in citizen science, volunteer, and advocate for policies prioritizing biodiversity conservation.

At WCI, we believe that our collective efforts, where physical and environmental wellness are beautifully intertwined, can help create a better and healthier world for us and our future generations. We encourage our members and readers to join us in this path-breaking wellness revolution towards a cleaner, greener and sustainable future. Join the movement, make informed decisions, and become a guardian of both personal wellness and the planet. Let’s create a WELLthy world for all of us!