June 5 marks World Environment Day which is the United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
Since it began in 1974, it it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in more than 100 countries. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” is a call to action for all people to come together to combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time. Chosen by this year’s host, India, the theme of World Environment Day 2018 invites people around the world to consider changes they can make in their everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on the health and well-being of the planet, wildlife, and human beings.
AMS support several local projects that focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. In the Philippines, the Women’s Ecological Sanctuary which provides protection, healing and rehabilitation of abused women and their children recently installed solar panels to help reduce their ongoing operating costs as well as reducing their environmental impact. In Bougainville, St Joseph’s College has operated since 1999 with the aim to educate young people, following the 10-year civil war in the region. The school is currently undertaking the process to install solar panels to power their computer room.