COLOMBO (News 1^st) – Today (April 22) marks the 48th Earth Day. Earth Day has become a global celebration now recognized in more than 193 countries, with events held to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

This year’s Earth Day is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to eventually end plastic pollution. The Earth Day Network has called the management of plastic waste a “global crisis.”

An estimated 275 million metric tons of plastic waste was generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million metric tons entering the ocean, according to findings in a 2015 study led by Jenna Jambeck, an environmental engineer at the University of Georgia.

This year, the Earth Day Network will mobilize its global network of non-governmental organizations and grassroots groups, as well as local elected officials, faith leaders, artists, athletes, students and teachers “to build a world of educated consumers, voters and activists of all ages who understand the environmental, climate and health consequences of using plastic.

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