This year’s World Environment Day on 5 June, the most significant international day of action to protect the environment, will focus on solutions to plastic pollution as part of the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign. It advocates for environmental change globally, asking people to think about how we can change our everyday lives to reduce the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment, on wildlife, and on human health.

The world is awash with plastic. More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is single-use. Of these, less than 10 per cent are recycled. Approximately 20 million tons of plastic products end up in lakes, rivers, and seas. Today, plastic clogs our landfills, leaks into the ocean, and burns in toxic smoke, making it one of the most serious threats to the planet.

#BeatPlasticPollution puts the spotlight on the steps governments and businesses are taking to join forces to solve this crisis. World Environment Day mobilizes action from every corner of the globe with the reminder: it’s time to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. It’s time to beat plastic pollution.

The Minister of Environment and Water Rositsa Karamfilova will deliver a speech on the occasion during the Annual Information Event of Operational Programme “Environment 2014-2020”, which is part of the World Environment Day celebrations and will be held on 5 June (Monday), at 18.00 in the South Park in Sofia, entrance from the Nishava street.

Other celebratory events in the capital include a children’s musical theatre performance on 4 June (Sunday) at 10.30 at the summer stage of Zoo Sofia, which is organized by the Environmental Executive Agency in cooperation with Theater House “Marietta and Marionetta”, as well as photo exhibition that will be launched on 5 June (Monday) at 15.00 in front of the Kabana Cinema, National Palace of Culture, organized by the Executive Environmental Agency in partnership with Sofia Municipality.

Detailed information about the campaign throughout the country with initiatives by the regional offices of the Ministry of Environment and Water can be found HERE.

World Environment Day is coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It has been held annually since 1974 and has become the largest global platform for promoting action on environmental protection. In 2023, it will showcase how countries, businesses and people are learning to use resourced more sustainably, offering hope that one day plastic pollution will be part of history.

Read more about World Environment Day 2023