#WorldConsumerRightsDay – ‘Tackle Plastic Pollution’ is the theme for 2021

What else does this day stand for, what are people sharing on Twitter, and what you can do to chip in?

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What?

March 15 every year is celebrated for each of us in the role of a consumer, and has been so from last 38 years.

Inspiration behind the day

President John F Kennedy gave a special message to the US Congress on this day in the year 1962. He talked about consumer rights and the importance of the same.

He was the first world leader to talk about the topic.

Role of organisations

On this day, various related organisations and NGOs (not-for-profit organizations) have events to spread awareness about the rights of every individual as a consumer.

An international organisation Consumer International is active in this mission, not only on this special day of March 15, but throughout the year

Annual Themes

The event of World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated with a specific theme each year.

2021 – The scourge of plastic

This year’s (2021) theme is on the bane of environment and the exemplar of convenience at the same time – plastic.

We all know how this versatile product can be used in an infinite number of ways.

But, the same durability of the chemical is also the reason for its becoming a thorn in our mother nature’s eye.

In this day and age there is not a single square kilometre of Earth which is not infested with platic. For instance, when some deep sea divers went exploring the sea bottom, there were plastic soft-drink bottles, polythene bags, and used tyres lying on the floor.

“Disposable” does not mean degradable

No doubt, plastic was a revolution when it was created owing to its sturdiness, durability, and malleability.

But, we need to unlearn what we have been taught and see plastic for what it is – it is immortal and is not going away.

Statements on the day

Helena Leurent, Director General of Consumers International, said in a message on World Consumer Rights Day, “Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet. Consumer awareness of the plastics crisis is growing around the world. Consumers have a critical role in shaping the marketplace, and we must support them to mobilise businesses and governments, to ensure sustainable consumption is accessible to all.”

The 7 R’s

Now, in this we need the following 7 R’s to take care of our Mother Earth, if not for your children, then for ourselves at least:

Replace
Rethink
Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Repair

Social Media

The hashtag #WorldConsumerRightsDay was trending on Twitter earlier this day.

Summary of the tweets: While most tweets were along the expected lines showcasing and encouraging to refrain from plastic usage and also follow the 7 R’s, some netizens, especially those who speak Kannada are demanding that every commercial enterprise interact with them in Kannada, while another section are sharing satire on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The tweets:


Trending