World Pollution Prevention Day
About World Pollution Prevention Day
When is World Pollution Prevention Day? This holiday is always observed on December 2
Today is World Pollution Prevention Day. Today gives notice to all humanity that pollution is bad for the environment. It’s bad for wildlife. And it’s bad for you. Awareness is the first step to doing something about it. So, this December 2 holiday is a call to action. Governments and many organizations can and should hold educational programs and seminars today. However, this call to action is also meant to energize you to do what you can. And, as you think about it, there is no shortage of ideas about how you can make a difference.
Mother nature produces a fair share of natural pollution all by herself. Just look at a volcano erupting for proof (see below). However, the biggest miscreant is man-made pollution. There are many types of man-made pollution. It includes the air we breathe, the ground, materials we use and discard into the waste stream, and pollution of the ocean with both chemicals and solids.
Man-made pollution has a major impact on the earth and your health. And it is deadly. Many people die every year due to the effects of air pollution. Each year, factories and other man-made sources release enormous amounts of pollutants into waterways. Many products we put into the environment cause cancer. There is an endless list of examples. But, most importantly, pollution affects your health and the health of your family. So, don’t you think it’s about time you do something about it!? If you sit back and think someone else will do it, improvements won’t get done. Rather, as you think about pollution, you will quickly identify things you can do to make a positive difference.
Today’s Motto: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Visible Yet Unseen Pollution
Pollution is definitely not a matter of “out of sight, out of mind”. Perhaps the biggest visible scene of man-made pollution is floating unseen on the surface of the ocean. However, few people ever see it because it is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It is a floating island of largely plastic waste. This island of garbage covers over 617,800 square miles, roughly the size of the country of France! The garbage is estimated to weigh over 79,000 tons and contain 1.8 billion pieces of plastic. And that doesn’t include the countless number of microplastics that are too tiny to count.
Did You Know? The top polluter is China. In second place is the United States of America.
How to Celebrate World Pollution Prevention Day
World Pollution Prevention Day is a call to action. On this day, you should do things within your influence to stop and reduce pollutants and improve the health of the earth’s environment.
There are so many things that you can easily do. Focus on steps to take that are in your control. Here are some ideas:
- Recycle materials as much as possible.
- Stop using plastics.
- Support efforts to eliminate plastics and other harmful products into the environment.
- Compost wherever possible.
- Support organizations that work to improve our environment.
- Purchase electric tools and equipment wherever possible.
- Electric tools and equipment make great holiday gifts.
- Consider purchasing an electric vehicle.
- Drive less. Instead, walk or ride a bike to and from your destination and activities.
- Plant a tree. It absorbs harmful carbon from the air.
- Organize a group to clean up garbage in parks and walking paths.
- Encourage others to do their part. The world needs everyone’s support.
- Follow the recommended guidelines to properly dispose of harmful substances like paint, batteries, and drugs.
Today's Quote
“Sooner or later, we will have to recognize that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.” – – Evo Morales
History and Origin of World Pollution Prevention Day
The earliest environmental efforts date back to 1972 when the United Nations General Assembly declared June 5 as World Environment Day. In 1989, actions were being made to highlight the efforts and strategies necessary to reduce the emission of hazardous substances. Then in 2004, the International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE) declared December 2 World Pollution Prevention Day. We celebrate and participate in this holiday annually. But, our efforts should not be just one day a year. Rather, we should take steps to eliminate pollution every day.
Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
This Day in History
Surely World Pollution Prevention Day is an important event. However, many other important historical events occurred on this date. For example:
- The U.S. Patent Office issues Patent #465,588 for the toilet paper roll. (1891)
- The first Ford Model A is sold. The price: $382. (1927)
- Singer Britney Spears was born on this day in 1981.
Related Holidays
Additionally, people who like this holiday will also like:
More December 2 Holidays
Besides World Pollution Prevention Day, here is another December 2 holiday you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous December Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Recipe of the Day: Homemade Cornbread -Your forefathers would love it!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Without a doubt, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Thus, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Moreover, in addition to World Pollution Prevention Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.