Being human beings — the climax of the creation of the Creator who created this beautiful world — we have a huge responsibility to take care of not only humans but also natural resources and other creatures as well (“World must ‘work as one’ to end plastic pollution, says UN Chief Guterres,” June 5, Gulf Today website).

Plastic pollution is harming oceans, rivers, and lakes all over the world, which resulted in the heavy loss of sea species, putting the existence of many seas species at alarming stake.

According to the report, as international negotiators committed to hammering out a draft treaty by November on ending plastic pollution, the UN chief stressed in his message for World Environment Day on Monday the importance of curbing the “catastrophic” consequences of plastic waste, the UN News Centre reported.

“Every year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide — one-third of which is used just once,” said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The waste of tonnes of plastic products is harming the oceans, rivers, and lakes which is risky for human health. Unfortunately for a small gain we made this beautiful world a materialistic world. It’s the need of the hour for all of us to realise the importance of cleaning the oceans, rivers, lakes and play our role in the right direction.

The groups of individuals and private organisations who are spending their treasured time cleaning the oceans, rivers, and lakes are no doubt doing a noble work for them and for the coming generations. We as human beings have a responsibility to avoid using excess disposable plastic products so we can participate in the noble cause.

Usman Aslam,
By email