World Consumer Rights Day 2021: All you need to know

World Consumer Rights Day is observed every year on March 15 across the world. It is celebrated to empower consumers around the world to fight for their rights and highlights that power is in the hands of the consumers and they should know what is good for them. 

The Government of India protects all the consumers in the country under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The day is mainly aimed to raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs. The day is to make sure that all the consumers are respected and protected. 

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History behind World Consumer Rights Day:

Former US president John F Kennedy gave a special message to the US Congress on March 15, 1962. Kennedy asked everyone to address on the issue of consumer rights. The message brought the consumer movement into motion and in 1983, the international portal of consumers decided to dedicate the day to consumer rights. 

Theme for 2021:

The theme for this year is “Tackle Plastic Pollution”. The world is in a battle against plastic pollution, and this year, the day will be dedicated to highlight the power of consumers and their rights for a safe, fair and sustainable marketplace.

Plastic is a big problem that the world is facing right now, it is a material that constitutes almost every object in the daily life of humans. It is not good for the environment as it takes years to decompose and has adverse impacts on the nature. The pollution caused by plastic affects the health of humans and harms animals as well.

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The Director-General of Consumers International Helena Leurent said that, “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.”

This year, the portal gathered photographs to show how the 7 R’s- replace, rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair play an important role in limiting plastic pollution.