World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, serves as a global platform to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment. Established by the United Nations in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, this day has grown to become a pivotal event observed by millions worldwide.
DATE AND THEME FOR 2025
In 2025, World Environment Day falls on Thursday, June 5th. Each year, the celebration revolves around a specific theme that highlights pressing environmental issues. The theme for 2025 is ‘Ending Plastic Pollution,’ emphasising the urgent need to address the pervasive problem of plastic waste that threatens ecosystems globally.
“Modern beauty consumers are thoughtful and discerning; they care not just about how well a product works, but also about its ingredients, its production process, and the impact it has on people, animals, and the planet. This shift is pushing the industry to embrace cleaner, toxin-free formulations, cruelty-free practices, and verified ethical standards. It’s a necessary evolution, reminding us that true innovation in beauty is as much about integrity as it is about aesthetics.”, Saahil Nayar, Co-Founder and CEO at Mila Beaute – a skincare-infused makeup brand
HISTORY OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
The inception of World Environment Day dates back to 1972, following discussions at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm. The first official celebration took place in 1973 with the theme ‘Only One Earth.’ Since then, it has been hosted by various countries, each bringing attention to different environmental challenges and showcasing their commitment to sustainable development.
“At The Body Shop, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from how we source our ingredients to how we package our products. Our long-standing partnership with Plastics For Change has enabled us to support over 2,000 waste collectors with fair prices, better working conditions, and access to education and financial services. Together, we’ve helped build a more inclusive, ethical waste management ecosystem in India.”, said Harmeet Singh Chief Brand Officer, The Body Shop – Asia South
He added that this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our belief that business can be a force for good, not just through what we sell, but in how we source, produce, and impact the world around us.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DAY
World Environment Day serves multiple critical functions:
- Awareness: It educates the public about environmental issues, from climate change to biodiversity loss.
- Action: The day motivates individuals, communities, and governments to take concrete steps toward environmental preservation.
- Policy influence: By highlighting specific themes annually, it influences policy decisions and encourages political leaders to prioritise environmental concerns.
- Global collaboration: It fosters international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges that transcend national boundaries.
The 2025 theme, ‘Ending Plastic Pollution,’ underscores the necessity of reducing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging the development of sustainable alternatives to plastic products. This focus aims to mitigate the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on marine life, wildlife, and human health.
“Sustainability in beauty is not just about keeping up with trends, it’s about safeguarding the future. The beauty industry, once driven purely by aesthetics, is now embracing responsibility by re-evaluating its environmental footprint. Consumers today expect more than just performance from their beauty products; they expect purpose. Brands are responding by rethinking their formulations, packaging, and processes. For instance, Swiss Beauty is gradually moving towards vegan formulations, reflecting a broader industry shift towards conscious, cruelty-free beauty. It is a small but significant step in ensuring that what makes us feel good shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet,” Vidushi Goyal- Chief Marketing Officer at Swiss Beauty
World Environment Day 2025 calls upon everyone to reflect on their plastic consumption habits and to participate actively in efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
By embracing sustainable practices and supporting policies aimed at environmental conservation, individuals and communities can contribute significantly to the health and longevity of our planet.