In 1973, June 5th was officially declared World Environment Day— a day of action dedicated to addressing challenges posed by the climate crisis. This year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution, which calls for “a surge of public and political pressure to scale up and speed actions from governments, companies and other stakeholders to solve this crisis. This underscores the importance of this World Environment Day mobilizing action from every corner of the world.”
This year is particularly significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the first celebration of World Environment Day, on June 5th, 1973. However, recognizing that it has been fifty years since climate change was first addressed by the world should make us question this excessive timespan. The cost of climate change continues to escalate, along with the disparity between the budget dedicated to the issue and the funds needed to solve it. The global temperature is increasing at an alarming rate. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average temperature has risen each year since 1880, and beginning in 1981, it has risen at twice the rate, leading to an overall increase of around 2°F with no end in sight.
The United Nations encourages the world to take action this year, and to continue taking such action until the crisis is solved. Time is running out. The climate is reaching its breaking point. Without action, we are facing exposure to air pollution surpassing all safety guidelines, in addition to a dangerous rate of greenhouse gas emissions. We need urgent action to address such issues.
Unfortunately, not all of our lawmakers seem to understand the urgency of prioritizing going green. This past legislative session, Florida lawmakers passed a bill that, if signed by Gov. DeSantis, would allow radioactive materials, phosphogypsum, to be built into our roads, contrary to the advice of environmentalists. Desantis has also signed legislation that bans state officials from using public funds to promote environmental action and prohibits ESG bond sales, one of the primary ways to fund renewable energy projects. In the wake of anti-environmental legislation, Team Anna encourages Florida to focus this World Environment Day on sustainability, transformative change, and increasing our involvement in climate action.
The #BeatPlasticPollution Practical Guide provides an outline for some of these transformative actions that businesses, communities, and we can take today.
How may we, as Floridians, take action this June 5th? See below for action items and support local businesses and organizations fighting for environmental change and protections:
- Raise your voice loud and clear to advocate for change and encourage the government to join the Net Zero Coalition.
- Attend events locally or host a cleanup near you:
- June 8th at 11:00am to 11:30am: World Oceans Day with the Sea Turtle Conservancy
- June 8th at 2:00pm to 4:00pm: Plant Clinic with the Orange County Library System
- June 8th at 5:00pm to 8:00pm: Do Good, Have Fun Community Clean Up
- June 8th at 6:00pm to 8:00pm: World Oceans Day with Neptune Memorial Reef
- June 10th at 10:00am to 12:00pm: Community Cleanup with Rep. Eskamani
- June 10th and June 11th at 3:00pm to 7:00pm: Market Gardening and Food Production Training
- June 12th and June 14th at 9:00am to 1:00pm: Little Pollinators Day Camp
- June 14th at 10:00am to 12:00pm: Free Family Workshop: Nature Wands
- June 21st at 4:00pm to 5:00pm: Happy Habitats with the Orange Country Library System
- Every day until July 5th: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
- Every Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm: Winter Park Farmers Market
- Every Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm: Downtown Orlando Farmers Market
- Host your own community cleanup event!
- Shop local and small businesses that support sustainable and eco-friendly choices:
- O-Town Compost: A convenient residential and commercial pickup composting service that gives neighbors a sustainable option for their food scraps. Rep. Eskamani is a proud supporter!
- 4Roots: A community alliance centered in Orlando, Florida, that uses the power of food to strengthen communities. This community crossroads is a place where individuals and organizations work together to build solutions for a better food future.
- IDEAS For Us: A nonprofit organization based in Orlando, Florida, advancing global sustainability through local action. Founded in 2008 by students at UCF, IDEAS For Us has since received the Champions of Change award from President Barack Obama for their work developing ideas and solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
- Zero.Orlando: A curated general store and refillery. Shop online and at bulk refill stations to get zero and low-waste products. Ingrid, the owner, makes the [UN] paper towels!
- Good Fills: A wide selection of eco-friendly soaps, detergents, and more to refill your reusable container at a local market near you.
- Fleet Farming in Orlando, Florida: A garden installation service of the Fleet Farming Program that is focused on growing vegetables and herbs as well as plant fruit trees and installing broader edible landscaping. Rep. Eskamani’s Legislative Office features one, too!
- Dechoes in Orlando, Florida: Offers an alternative to conventional clothing consumption by giving a place for gently used clothing to be bought or sold. All items at this small business are vintage, contemporary, and/or high-end designer.
- Plantees in Orlando, Florida: A 100% plant-based restaurant offering burgers, fries, and shakes. They emphasize all-natural ingredients and earth-friendly products for all the packaging, with burgers that require 75-80% less environmental resources than animal meat.
- Indeu Apothecary in Orlando, Florida: Offers a variety of handcrafted skincare and personal care products, as well as a selection of candles, & eco-friendly supply. Their purpose is to provide skincare products that are conscious of the earth and our skin— most of the products are plastic free, low waste, compostable and reusable packaging.
- Oh Eco in Orlando, Florida: This business, named in part after Orlando’s nickname of O-Town, specializes in environmentally friendly self-care, wellness, home and baby products. They also host frequent pop-up events featuring eco-friendly clothing, food and more, making this a great one-stop shop for all of your sustainable shopping needs.
- Green Phantom Eco Detailing in Orlando Florida: Eco-friendly car wash centered around minimizing their carbon footprint and transitioning to a cleaner, more connected society.
- Chamberlain’s in Orlando, Florida: Natural, wholesome, and trustworthy. Dedicated to providing thoughtfully selected, responsibly sourced food and products to Floridians since 1935.
- Orlando Farmers Market in Orlando, Florida: The Orlando Farmers Market is much more than your traditional farmers market. Bringing the best in fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, gifts, jewelry, plants and more… Food, shopping and fun for all ages make it the perfect family afternoon.
- Avalon Exchange in Winter Park, Florida: A direct reflection of the local community that resells and focuses on vintage, designer, basics, and one-of-a-kind items as well as buys pieces from the public every day.