World Environment Day 2025: Beating Plastic Pollution

Written by James Beiny, ESG Manager

World Environment Day 2025, held on the 5th of June, shined a global spotlight on one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time: plastic pollution. This year’s theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, called for immediate action to protect our planet’s ecosystems, wildlife and communities from the effects of plastic pollution.

According to the United Nations, 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced globally every year, half of which is designed for single use and discarded after just one use. Despite growing awareness, only 10% of all plastic is recycled, the rest often ends up polluting the environment with devastating consequences.

Beyond harming wildlife and marine habitats, plastic pollution is a growing threat to human health. Microplastics – tiny fragments less than 5mm wide – have infiltrated our food, water and air. It is estimated that the average person consumes over 50,000 plastic particles annually, with that number significantly higher when accounting for inhalation. It is also contributing to the climate crisis. Plastics, derived mostly from fossil fuels, release harmful emissions throughout their lifecycle. If left unchecked, air pollution – driven in part by plastic waste – could exceed safe thresholds by 50% within a decade.

At Ward, we are committed to being part of the solution. Across our sites and offices, we actively recycle waste, including plastics, in partnership with our clients. Reducing environmental impact is at the heart of our operations, but we also extend our efforts beyond the workplace. Team Ward regularly volunteer with charities to remove plastic waste from beaches and coastal areas around the UK. These clean-up efforts not only restore natural beauty and protect marine life, but also raise awareness of how local action can drive global change.

Plastic pollution is not someone else’s problem – it affects us all. But with innovation, collaboration, and determination, we can help make a change. This World Environment Day, Ward stands with the global community in calling for urgent action to beat plastic pollution and build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.