For many years, the environment was neglected as a facet which would self-correct, despite unending damage. Consequently, society found itself in the middle of strife due to climate change and resource scarcity. As famine abounds and water stress increases across the globe, there is growing realization that we cannot wait any longer.

World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on 5 June each and every year and this year 2022 the focus is on the fact that we only have one planet and we must take good care of it in order to avoid being in dire straits.

Everyday life revolves around the environment. Food is grown on the vast plains of lands that are offered by nature, Textiles come from growing crops such as cotton. Fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel come from the deeper precincts of the earth’s crust.

As humanity becomes more sophisticated, the demands for more products is growing. As a result of the situation, an environmental crisis continues to brew. It is high time that we realize that we have one planet. If it is damaged, there is no replacement or Plan B.

Mining should be sustainable and address environmental justice. It should facilitate rehabilitation of damaged land. Construction should adopt green building codes and be environmentally friendly on materials. The journey to sustainability may take long to be realised, but it is a necessary path which we must trod.

The action starts at individual level and cascades at family level and furthermore at community level. At the same time, we cannot leave our little children from the discourse. The future is in our hands and we must begin to change the narrative. Procurement should lean towards cleaner products and those which are more sustainable. At all levels of government, private sector, civil society and communities, we must come together and save our environment. As we mark world environment day in the month of June, let it be a time for renewed commitment to success on the green trajectory

Author

  • Tawanda Muzamwese

    Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including: 1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency 2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field 3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems 4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series 5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship. His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives. A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.

    View all posts