World Environment Day, held every year on 5 June, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and driving action for the health of our planet. Recognised worldwide, it serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment.
In 2025, the theme Beat Plastic Pollution calls on individuals, governments, and industries to confront one of the most widespread and harmful environmental issues facing our world today.
Launched by the United Nations in 1972, World Environment Day has become the leading international platform for environmental awareness and action, engaging millions of people across more than 150 countries. As the planet faces mounting challenges, including climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this day encourages reflection, awareness, and decisive action to protect ecosystems and human health.
Why plastic pollution matters
This year’s theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, highlights a critical and urgent issue. In 2024 alone, over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A significant amount of this waste ends up in oceans, rivers, and natural landscapes, harming wildlife, contaminating food chains, and accelerating climate change.
In March 2022, 175 nations agreed to create a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, marking a pivotal step toward global accountability. Yet, without further action, plastic waste is projected to nearly triple by 2060, potentially reaching one billion tonnes annually.
What you can do
You don’t have to be an environmental expert to make a difference. Small changes in everyday habits can spark powerful, lasting impact. Here are some practical actions you can take:
Reduce your use of single-use plastics—carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Say no to disposable bags, straws, cutlery, and bottles.
Recycle properly by following local guidelines and avoiding contamination.
Support brands and businesses that prioritise sustainable packaging and practices.
Educate others about the impact of plastic pollution and advocate for systemic change.
Participate in local clean-up efforts, environmental events, or social media campaigns to raise awareness.
Even small changes in daily habits can create powerful ripple effects.
A future without plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it threatens human health, food security, and climate stability. Yet, it remains one of the most solvable environmental challenges of our time.
Let 5 June be more than just a date on the calendar, because when we choose to beat plastic pollution, we choose a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
Our impact
As a member-owned bank, we’re always striving to make a positive impact, and we are committed to a more sustainable future for our members and their communities. We recognise the importance of sound practices as part of our responsibility to members, employees and the communities in which we are part of. One way we seek to do this is by trying to reduce the environmental impact of our business operations, via a number of key initiatives:
Introduction of recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral across the G&C Mutual Bank suite of debit and credit cards, with plans to extend this to Unity Bank cards in the future.
Development of our Responsible Banking Policy, guiding our approach to lending and investing with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy.
Undertaking a Greenhouse Gas Assessment to better understand and reduce our emissions.
Comprehensive recycling program at our Elizabeth Street Head Office through our building management operating a four-bin waste system: dry waste, organics, mixed recycling, and paper and cardboard.
Together, through conscious action and collective effort, we can help protect the planet and shape a brighter tomorrow.