Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive!

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Each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live.

Many countries around the world celebrate Earth Day. It is a day that is meant to raise awareness and appreciation about the Earth’s natural environment.

Global production of plastic waste can increase by 41 percent, and its amount in the world's ocean can be doubled by 2030. Such data is contained in the report of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), reports Franceinfo. The document refers to an uncontrolled system of production, use and disposal of plastic, in which "no one is responsible."

Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health.

Plastics by the numbers

Some key facts:

Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.

Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.

Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.

Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates ranging to at least 400 years to break down.(https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/plastic-pollution)

Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day.