Earth Day is celebrated in almost 200 countries

Earth Day is celebrated today in almost 200 countries around the world.

It entered the environmental calendar in the 1970s in the United States, when more than 20 million people took to the streets and peacefully demonstrated for the conservation of the world's natural resources, and since 2009 it has been the official celebration of planet Earth.

This year's theme is 'Planet versus plastic'.

Representatives of the Mures Environmental Protection Agency spoke today to students from several schools in the county about the dangers of plastic, as the director of the agency, Cristina Pui, told Radio Romania Targu Mures.

Several information, awareness-raising activities and campaigns were organised, drawing attention to the environmental and health risks caused by plastics. Many chemical additives have negative effects on the environment and human health, such as lead, mercury and the risk of cancer. It is recommended to find alternatives to buying plastic products, such as: buying food in glass or metal containers, using wooden cutlery, avoiding heating or storing food in plastic containers, avoiding the use of polystyrene and DVC products.

According to global statistics, 380 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year and only 9% ends up being recycled.

Translated by: Radu Matei