For Earth Day we align with this global initiative to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide under the theme 'Planet vs. Plastic'.‍

Did you know? Humanity produces over 430 million tons of plastic annually, with two-thirds of it becoming waste, polluting our oceans, and threatening our ecosystems (UNEP).

‍The Swarovski Foundation promotes sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality and addresses plastic pollution by supporting charities and investing in owned programs like Waterschool and Creatives For Our Future which promote innovative solutions to our global sustainability challenges.

You can take meaningful action by visiting earthday.org and other resources to educate yourself and others about plastic pollution, reduce single-use plastic consumption, upcycle plastic waste, participate in clean-up events, volunteer with environmental organisations and many more initiatives. Together, let us be part of the solution!

The Design Museum - Designing a Plastic-Free Future

It is estimated that UK households throw away 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging a year, averaging 66 items per household per week (Statista).‍

That is why we have joined forces with the Design Museum to launch the Sustainable Design Schools’ Programme. This initiative reaches secondary students and children across the United Kingdom, inspiring them with a high-quality programme focused on sustainable innovation for environmental and social justice.

The programme brings to life the impact of waste and highlights innovative approaches across various industries such as food, fashion,electronics, and more. It emphasizes the importance of the circular economy and reducing waste. Taking inspiration from this programme, we can all contribute to reducing plastic waste by upcycling at home.

Let us turn plastic waste into creative projects or useful items, raising awareness about the importance of recycling and waste reduction.

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Creatives For Our Future – Plastic-Free Fashion

Of the 100 billion items of clothing produced each year, 70 billion are made of plastic and three out of five items of clothing are discarded within a year of being produced (McKinsey).

Meet Aradhita Parasrampuria, one of our incredible Creatives For Our Future Alumna, pioneering change in the fashion industry. Aradhita is revolutionizing fashion by replacing conventional plastic embellishments with biodegradable beads and sequins derived from algae and regenerated cellulose. Not only does this innovative solution combat plastic pollution, but it also opens doors to limitless design possibilities, all while being cost-effective and minimizing waste.

Aradhita credits the programme for deepening her understanding of sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals, guiding her towards a more holistic approach in her project. Her commitment to these goals will continue to shape her work as she strives for a positive and lasting impact on the creative industry. But Aradhita cannot do it alone.

We all have a role to play in educating, empowering, and advocating for more sustainable practices worldwide.

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‍Fundação Amazônia Sustentável – Building Blocks of Change

Brazil is the fourth country in the world that generates the most plastic waste and of the total plastic waste produced annually in Brazil only 1.28% is effectively recycled (World Bank).‍

Waterschool communities in the Amazon are leading efforts to combat plastic pollution through innovative recyclable waste management cooperatives. Since 2016, the Waterschool programme has prioritised waste management, through successful community clean-up initiatives such as installing rubbish bins, gathering soft plastics, and collecting used batteries.

Partnering with a recycling company in Manacapuru city, the project incentivizes proper disposal by purchasing collected materials. Youth groups in Tuiué and Santa Luzia do Jari communities promote waste purchasing actions, eco-brick production, and battery collection, supported by six months of financial assistance.

Following in these footsteps, you can get involved by participating in a beach or river clean-up organised by environmental groups to make a direct impact.

Together, we can create a future without plastics. Visit Earthday.org to learn more and get involved.