Since 1973, World Environment Day has united people across the globe in a common cause, to protect and restore our planet. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme and observed every year on 5 June, it calls on governments, businesses, communities and individuals to take meaningful action. This year, hosted by Korea, the spotlight is firmly on one of our most urgent challenges: plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution, a global challenge.
It is expected that in 2025, humans across the globe will consume 516 million tonnes of plastic in one year. And despite efforts to the contrary, it is anticipated that this will continue to rise year on year.
In the UK, the 2024 Big Plastic Count revealed that households discard a staggering 90 billion pieces of plastic each year – equivalent to 1.7 million pieces every week.
Despite growing awareness, the findings were sobering: around 50% of post-consumer plastic waste is incinerated, some of it for energy recovery, but only 17% is actually recycled. Government data from 2022 shows recycling rates for household waste have declined, with England recording a drop, while other UK nations made modest improvements.
Although not all waste is plastic, the Construction and Demolition sector also contributes significantly. Between 2019 and 2020, waste recovery in this sector fell from 93.3% to 92.6%, according to Government figures. However, these statistics exclude excavation waste, casting doubt on the full picture – and raising concerns about how much still ends up in landfill.
As landscape architects and part of the wider built environment industry, we must ask difficult questions. Are we specifying materials unnecessarily wrapped in plastic or polystyrene? Are plant suppliers still reliant on plastic pots? Are pallets being shrink-wrapped? Are we using single-use plastic components such as spacers in paving installations?
And more importantly: where do these materials go once the job is done? When plants are in the ground, when furniture is installed, when stone is laid – what becomes of the packaging?
There are practices in the industry already moving in the right direction, but as a sector, we must do more. We must demand transparent waste policies from contractors and suppliers, ensure accountability in recycling practices, and scrutinise exactly what is being recycled – and what is not.
The built environment sector was responsible for 61% of total UK waste in 2020. That figure should prompt reflection – and immediate action.
We have a responsibility as Landscape architects and designers to ensure that we hold our suppliers to account, and that we show due diligence to the management of waste be that plastic or non plastic waste.
The World Environment Day 2025, is focussing on plastic waste, which we all have a shared responsibility to reduce. The facts about this are alarming in terms of the micro and nanoplastics found within all living organisms. We have an opportunity within the landscape sector to ensure that there is accountability on plastic pollution and waste production. I believe that if we as landscape architects are truly passionate about the environment and care about our designs and the legacy we leave behind, then we also must look at the impact of what we remove, and what we have delivered to our sites.
“As a human being who cares about this planet I personally will do all I can to raise awareness about the importance of plastic and waste reduction and will look to actively resolve this in my day to day life.”
Allison Walters
Our Sustainability Pledge
At Awscape, we believe landscape architecture must do more than create beautiful places – it must contribute to a sustainable, resilient future. Our profession sits at the intersection of nature, people and the built environment. With that comes a responsibility we are committed to fulfilling.
In recognition of the environmental challenges we face – from plastic pollution to construction waste – we pledge the following:
1. Minimise Waste, Maximise Reuse
We will actively seek to reuse, repurpose and revamp materials before generating waste. Wherever possible, we will identify ways to extend the life of products, materials and resources involved in our projects.
2. Eliminate Unnecessary Plastics
We will review and reduce the use of plastic across our operations and supply chain, from packaging to product specification. We will question:
- Is this necessary?
- Is it recyclable or reusable?
- What happens to it after use?
3. Hold Suppliers and Contractors Accountable
We will require transparency on waste policies and practices from all suppliers and contractors we work with. Policies alone are not enough – we will expect clear evidence that procedures are implemented and adhered to on site.
4. Specify Responsibly
We will carefully consider the environmental impact of every material specified – including plastic components, packaging methods, and lifecycle implications – to ensure our designs reflect both creativity and conscience.
5. Promote Circularity in Construction
We will advocate for circular practices within the construction and landscape industries. This includes supporting resource recovery, diverting waste from landfill, and encouraging the design of landscapes that can evolve without environmental degradation.
6. Lead by Example
We will reduce waste generated within our own studio and promote environmental awareness across our team. Sustainability will remain an ongoing focus in our internal processes, culture and communications.
7. Educate and Influence
As professionals in a sector with long-term environmental impact, we will use our platform to raise awareness, share insights and encourage others to act with integrity and accountability.
We believe that true sustainability is not a badge – it is a mindset. One that begins with transparency, demands action, and evolves with purpose. Awscape is committed to this journey, for the future of our landscapes, our industry and our planet.
