With the aim to raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs, World Consumer Rights Day is observed every year on March 15, since 1983. The day was inspired by President John F Kennedy’s special message to the US Congress on March 15, 1962. Kennedy addressed the issue of consumer rights and laid emphasis on its importance and became the first world leader to talk about consumer rights. On this day every year, various organisations like Consumer International hold events and campaigns to inform more and more people about consumer rights.
The theme of the World Consumer Rights Day 2021 is ‘Tackle plastic pollution’. “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 mobilise businesses and governments, to ensure sustainable consumption is accessible to all,” Helena Leurent, director general of Consumers International, said in a message on World Consumer Rights Day.
To highlight the importance of controlling the use of plastics, Consumers International gathered photos from across the world to show how the 7 ‘R’s of replace, rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair play an important role in the world’s fight against plastic pollution.
Based on the above principles, the Consumer Union of Tajikistan calls on all consumers of the country to adhere to them and contribute to solving the problem of plastic pollution of the planet. The more we learn about the dangers of microplastics and about alternatives that can be used instead of plastic packaging and products, the more actively the consumption of plastic products will decrease.
And in the end, we want to congratulate all of you, dear consumers! Know and defend your rights when buying goods and using services. If you have questions about obtaining the necessary information about your rights, advice or legal assistance to protect your rights as consumers, you can visit our website and write to us: www.istemol.tj