Today 15th March, 2021 marks World Consumer Rights Day with theme, “Tackle Plastic Pollution”.
In a message to commemorate the day, Helena Leurent, Director-General of Consumers International, the membership organization for consumer groups around the world, revealed that there is a plastic pollution crisis:
“We are currently facing a global plastic pollution crisis. Although plastic can be a highly useful material in everyday life, our consumption and production of plastics have become unsustainable.
“Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet. Consumer awareness of the plastics crisis is growing around the world.
“Consumers have a critical role in shaping the marketplace, and we must support them to mobilize businesses and governments, to ensure sustainable consumption is accessible to all.”
Today marks #WorldConsumerRightsDay! Over 200 consumer organisations around the world are united in amplifying the consumer voice and the importance of #NoPlasticPollution.
See what actions are being taken in your region: https://t.co/a9IsIkWr7h #SustainableConsumer #SDG12 pic.twitter.com/XOkkthQAoz
— Consumers Int (@Consumers_Int) March 15, 2021
On this day every year, various organizations like Consumer International hold events and campaigns to inform more and more people about consumer rights.
Celebrating the day is an opportunity to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights.
The World Consumer Rights Day is commemorated every 15th of March with the aim to raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs. It has been observed since 1983.
The day was inspired by President John F Kennedy’s special message to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, in which he addressed the issue of consumer rights and laid emphasis on its importance and became the first world leader to talk about consumer rights.
Amaka E. Nliam
