One out of the many benefits of social media is its capability of reaching a large audience to help cause awareness on various issues. An environmental issue that is currently trending on social media is plastic pollution, as more and more people are becoming aware of this environmental hazard. Plastic pollution is an issue that has recently been brought to light, especially on social media, and these various campaigns have made such a huge impact that measures are now being taken in regards to the use of plastic.
Ban on Plastic Bags in Islamabad
As of 14th August, 2019, single-use plastic bags have been banned all throughout Islamabad. The district administration claims that Islamabad will be a plastic bag free city within 45 days of the implementation of the ban. Anyone who purchases or sells plastic bags will be heavily fined. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency has lifted approximately two tons of polythene bags from various malls in Islamabad.
Our fight will continue until the last bag. No one will be allowed to commit environmental crime, as the use of plastic bags is an environmental crime.”
Farzana Altaf (Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Director)
#OnePlasticFreeDay Campaign
Social Media Movements have played a major role in causing awareness to this issue. The #OnePlasticFreeDay Campaign that started on 5th June 2019 has made a huge impact in bringing light to this environmental hazard. The goal is to drive change in the government and big organizations to stop the use of plastic. To get involved, all you have to do is take a picture of something you want to see go plastic free and post it on social media with the hashtag #OnePlasticFreeDay.
Many people throughout the world have taken part in this campaign in attempts to create the world’s biggest picture survey! Here are some samples of the #OnePlasticFreeDay posts taken from the most popular social media platforms:
What are you doing for the environment? Go plastic free now!