REPORT OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 aims to raise global awareness about the hazards of plastic pollution and to advocate effective policies to reduce usage of plastics. The aim is to raise environmental awareness and sustainability. Theme for 2025 is putting an end to plastic pollution. To commemorate World Environment Day Department of Public Health Dentistry, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research and NSS unit (NSS/SFU/KLM/KUHS/3) organized various activities.
On June 5 the programme started with planting a sapling led by Dr. Rathy R, Principal Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research and Dr Aarathi Vijayan, HOD Department of Public Health Dentistry symbolizing the college’s dedication to a greener and healthier environment. After this saplings were distributed to other departments in the college encouraging each department to take part in nurturing and maintaining green spaces within the surroundings. The initiative aimed to instill a sense of responsibility and collective participation in environmental conservation. As a part of environmental day a seminar on the topic “Plastic waste reduction” was also conducted for the Third BDS students by Dr. Naveen Jacob Varghese, Senior Lecturer Department of Public Health Dentistry, Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research. The session highlighted the harmful effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health and provided practical steps that students could take in their personal and professional life to reduce plastic usage. The Environmental Day at Azeezia Dental College served as a reminder of the important role that the individuals and the institutions play in protecting the planet.
The seminar was meant to provide awareness on plastic reduction and importance of plastic recycling and reusing. In the seminar he mentioned about various garbage disposal scheme like “Haritha Karma Sena” launched by the Government of Kerala. Haritha Karma Sena is a community driven, women led green brigade established under the “Haritha Kerala mission” in 2017. The members of this scheme do door to door step collection of non biodegradable waste –
plastic, glass, metal , e-waste. These are collected in different bins according to their disposal. Haritha Karma Sena encourages upcycling, composting, eco friendly product manufacturing, cloth and bag units. He also discussed on the ‘ Fate of plastic ‘ .It refers to what happens to plastic material after their use .They are usually recycled at only a small percentage is successfully recycled. Some plastic waste is burnt to denerate energy but this releases green house gases and toxic chemicals unless properly controlled.Most plastic ends up in land fillers. These plastic do not biodegrade and can break into plastic which overtime leach chemicals into soil and ground water. Plastic has numerous harmfull effect on Environment, wildlife and human health. Plastic is non biodegradable and take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. Plastic can lead to pollution. In land it can clog chains. Plastics contaminate water bodies and. Causes life threatening effects to aquatic ecosystem. The main hazard of plastic is the emission of green house gases. He also included methods to eliminate plastic.we can reduce plastic use by avoiding plastic bags,bottles, straw and by using alternatives like cloth bag and metal bottles.By improving recycling systems and upcycling plastic waste.One of the efficient method of recycling plastics is by using it in road tarring .This method not only relives plastic Pollution but also enhances the quality and durability of road.
The seminar altogether enlightened the students on the importance of plants in nature
and plastic waste management. The seminar was concluded around 10:00 am.
