PHM-Exch> Yes to Breastfeeding, No to Plastic Pollution!

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Pei Ching Chuah <peiching.chuah at waba.org.my>



*Yes to Breastfeeding, No to Plastic Pollution!“Beat Plastic Pollution”,
the theme for World Environment Day 2018
<http://worldenvironmentday.global/>, is a call to action for all of us to
come together to combat one of the greater environmental challenges of our
time. The theme invites us to consider how we can make changes in our
everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution on our
natural places, wildlife and our own health. Researchers estimate that more
than 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced since the early
1950s. About 60% of that plastic has ended up in either a landfill or the
natural environment. To beat plastic pollution, WABA
<http://waba.org.my/>believes that we need to rethink our approach and
inspire the kind of solutions that lead to sustainable behaviour change
upstream.Breastfeeding <http://waba.org.my/warm-chain/> is a prime example
of the deep connections between human health and nature’s ecosystems.
Breastmilk is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe and
green. By contrast, artificial feeding leaves a major environmental
footprint that contributes to a depletion of natural resources,
environmental degradation and climate change in a number of ways. Dairy
farming as well as production, packaging, storing, distribution and
preparation of infant formula cause emission of greenhouse gases and water
scarcity that further aggravate climate change. Meanwhile, breastfeeding
produces zero waste in comparison to artificial feeding as there is no
waste from packaging, plastic feeding bottles or plastic water bottles.
Plastic feeding bottles and teats take a very long time to break down when
disposed and contribute directly to plastic pollution worldwide.Thus,
breastfeeding is a climate-smart decision
<http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/actionfolder/> that helps ensure food
security even in times of crisis. Protecting, promoting and supporting
breastfeeding as a sustainable natural resource is crucial for the health
of our planet and its people. Breastfeeding – which comes ready-made, ready
to feed and requires no packaging is a huge saving in terms of carbon
footprint and beats plastic pollution to the core. It also impacts
positively on maternal and child survival, health, wellbeing and the
environment.For more information, contact:Revathi Ramachandran,
 revathi at waba.org.my <revathi at waba.org.my>*


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