World Clean and Green Week, observed from September 17 to 23 every year, is an initiative developed in the Philippines as part of the global effort to reduce waste and avoid environmental pollution. Throughout modern history, global cleanup efforts have been a thing, particularly after such disasters as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. These efforts are typically executed by the affected communities and assisted by various international organizations, including relief organizations and N.G.O.s. These efforts have included removing land mines, cleaning up beaches, and doing other non-government cleanup efforts toward creating a better environment.
History of World Clean and Green Week
Throughout most of our history, the volume of waste that humans generated was inconsequential as a result of low population density and the fact that most of that waste was mainly ashes and human biodegradable waste, which were locally released back to the ground with minimal impact on the environment. Some civilizations even had other ways of managing their waste; for instance, the Maya of Central America had a fixed monthly ritual of gathering together and burning waste in large dumps.
The onset of industrialization and increase in population resulted in a buildup of waste in the cities, causing a decline in sanitation and the general quality of life, especially in urban areas. The lack of waste management regulations then gave room for streets to become choked with filth. The earliest civilization in modern history to proffer a solution to waste management was the British Empire, where, in 1751, calls were made by Corbyn Morris for the establishment of a municipal authority that had waste-removal responsibilities.
Sadly, a solution would not be reached until the middle of the 19th Century following the devastating outbreak of diseases such as cholera. In the 1842 report titled “The Sanitary Condition of the Laboring Population,” social reformer Edwin Chadwick argued for the importance of an adequate and sufficient waste management system to improve the health of the population.
World Clean and Green Week timeline
Corbyn Morris, in London, proposes the idea of establishing a municipal waste management authority to curtail London’s waste problem.
Social reformer Edwin Chadwick suggests a sustainable waste management system after widespread disease outbreaks.
The ‘Earth Savers Movement,’ with branches around the globe, is established.
Proclamation Number 244 is made in 1993 by the President of the Philippines, establishing the World Clean and Green Week.
World Clean and Green Week FAQs
What is the goal of the World Clean and Green Week?
The campaign seeks to care for and protect the environment by engaging communities to develop an environmental-conscious lifestyle.
What is recycling?
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
Is environmental pollution really harmful?
Environmental pollution is harmful to our physical health as humans, and it also destroys sea life in extreme cases. Some natural disasters could result from environmental pollution.
How to Observe World Clean and Green Week
Take out the trash
The easiest thing to do during World Clean and Green Week is to take out the trash. Rid your environment of any appearance of filth.
Re-use and recycle
In keeping up with preserving our planet, it’s advisable to re-use and recycle materials that are non-biodegradable. Doing this will go a long way to avoid environmental pollution.
Spread the word about a green Earth
Share with people you know about how important it is for us to keep the environment clean. Try to convince people to work towards a green Earth!
5 Important Facts About Waste Management
Human waste includes paper
We have a high rate of paper waste being reported each year.
Electronic waste is a major concern
About 50 million or more electronic products, make up part of the annual waste report.
Poor waste management leads to water pollution
Poor waste management pollutes international waterways and puts all of the earth’s inhabitants at risk.
Recyclable products aid waste management
Creating products that can be recycled is a very helpful measure towards managing waste better.
We cannot ignore recycling
In going for a green future, recycling is a key component that will guarantee better waste management.
Why World Clean and Green Week is Important
We protect and care for our environment
World Clean and Green Week encourages people to care for their environment. This week gives us an opportunity to engage in a thorough cleanup of our surroundings.
We preserve our planet
Because of this campaign, millions of people around the world have pledged to participate. We are inherently contributing to the preservation of the planet we call home!
It improves our quality of living
World Clean and Green Week is all about environmental health which then equates to our physical health. By making the environment better, we make our own lives better.
World Clean and Green Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 17 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | September 17 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | September 17 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 17 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 17 | Sunday |
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