TheGlitz Environment Warriors are people, initiatives and brands who are striving to make the earth more liveable. There are many woes that plague planet Earth. This World Environment Day, TheGlitz picks sincere and dedicated environment warriors who pledge to make the environment pollution, plastic and carbon-free.
Buddh Jyoti Foundation is beating plastic pollution with cloth bags
Going with the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, #BeatPlasticPollution, Buddh Jyoti Foundation (BJF), a Delhi-based NGO, is running a one month campaign to distribute cloth bags in major markets in Delhi NCR. “More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. If we could stop the use of single use plastic, half of the battle is won. Keeping this in mind, BJF is starting a one month campaign to generate awareness among the consumers about the hazards of single use plastics”, Says Kapeel Barsaiyan, President, BJF.
“The awareness drive will include visits to the main markets of Delhi NCR and initiating a dialogue with the consumers and presenting them with a Cloth Bag to replace their single use plastic. Awareness is the key to reducing the menace of single-use plastic. Plastic clogs our landfills, leaches into the ocean and is combusted into toxic smoke, making it one of the gravest threats to the planet”, adds Kshipra Simon, Secretary General, BJF. These Cloth bags have been made by the marginalised section of the society.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Medtech Life‘s revolutionary Electrical Needle Burner and Syringe Destroyer offer a compelling solution to this pressing problem. This cutting-edge technology provides a safe and efficient method for the disposal of used needles and syringes. By incinerating needles and melting syringes at high temperatures, the device ensures complete destruction, eliminating the risk of accidental injuries and infections.
Uzma Irfan, Founder Sublime and Director Corporate Communications, Prestige Group avers, “On the occasion of World Environment Day, we express our solidarity with the global community in the mission to combat plastic pollution. We understand the urgent need to tackle the plastic pollution crisis and its devastating impact on our ecosystems. With unwavering commitment, we have taken significant strides to minimize single-use plastics in our restaurant – Maayaa and Falcon café, part of Sublime. From eco-friendly packaging to implementing refillable options, we are determined to be a force for positive change. In the heart of our culinary journey, we recognize the pivotal role of sustainable practices and the preservation of nature’s delicate balance. From sourcing local and organic ingredients to minimizing food waste, we strive to create a harmonious relationship with the environment. Together, we can create a world where sustainability and gastronomic delights thrive in perfect harmony.”
Shalini Goyal Bhalla, Managing Director International Council for Circular Economy is a post-graduate environmentalist. TheGlitz picks Shalini because she has been a Climate-Change visionary. She is the author of India’s first book on Circular Economy- “Circular Economy- (Re) Emerging Movement” and also the editor of India’s first journal dedicated to policy, research and innovation in Circular Economy.
Nirmalaya, recently featured on Shark Tank season 2, initially started with six fragrances in incense sticks, cones, Dhoop sticks, and Havan cups, Nirmalaya now boasts over 15 fragrances. Their products are 100% charcoal-free and made from recycled flowers, promoting sustainable practices while delivering delightful aromas. From essential oils to backflow idols, Nirmalaya offers a range of products that appeal to environmentally conscious individuals.
Nourish Mantra embraces an Ayurveda-inspired approach to beauty. Their mission is to recreate ancient skincare formulations suitable for modern lifestyles, offering a range of products that promote well-being for the body, mind, and soul. Nourish Mantra is a brand that has taken responsibility for adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Firstly, they prioritize the use of eco-friendly and ethically sourced ingredients, ensuring their formulations are free from toxins. Additionally, they actively contribute to the community through various social programs. Another significant stride they have taken towards sustainability is implementing planet-friendly packaging for their hero products, utilizing materials such as aluminum, glass, or post-consumer recycled plastic. They are also actively working towards extending this sustainable packaging approach to all their product offerings.
Qaadu as the name itself reveals what the brand thrives for. Qaadu in South India is known as forest and this brand lives by its name by using natural and pure ingredients that produce vegan products based on herbal remedies. Qaadu has a unique and authentic green concept following which it gathers its raw materials from the deepest forests or specially planted roots in dedicated herbal gardens. Their holistic approach to personal care and good health for the whole family shines through in all the products. Founded in 2020 by the visionary Shafin Kalathingal, QAADU is headquartered in Calicut, Kerala. All raw materials used in their production go through a rigorous quality control process to ensure their efficacy and consumer safety. The brand also makes a green promise to never harm Mother Earth and it fulfills this promise by not using harmful chemicals and initiating a drive for environmental conservation through sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Amouve is an organic bedding, bath and home furnishings brand that sources its organic cotton directly from farmer cooperatives. What started as a range of bed sheets and towels has now grown into blankets, comforters, duvet covers, pillows, mats and mattresses, curtains and table linen. The idea has been to source toxin-free cotton in a way that farmers directly benefit, so as to escape the rigmarole of GMO debt and pesticides. Says Ami, founder, Amouve “India has been the largest producer of organic cotton. However, more of that is consumed abroad than domestically. As brands, it is imperative for more players to come forward and create a circular economy that benefits all stakeholders. The socio-economic impact of growing organic is large. I also believe that incentivising the export of made-ups as compared to just cotton would give a thrust to our indigenous mills as opposed to the ones abroad who buy our cotton and then weave them in their countries only to sell it back to us.”
Many SMEs or startups are developing and implementing green technologies to reduce carbon emissions. “Climate change poses a formidable and urgent challenge in our era, wherein the agricultural industry emerges as a notable contributor to the release of greenhouse gasses. Population growth has fueled higher food demand, leading to emissions from various agricultural activities. At SLCM, we recognize the importance of going green and have implemented initiatives like Agri Suraksha and solar cameras. These measures have saved 72 tons of CO2 emissions annually. We are committed to taking further actions to ensure the safety and security of agricultural produce while progressing towards sustainability,” says Sandeep Sabharwal, Group CEO, Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM).
Rajamanohar Somasundaram, Founder and CEO, Aquaconnect adds, “With world population having crossed the 8 billion mark, the pressure on food systems is intense, pushing us to redefine the way we produce and consume. Farmed seafood, one of the most sustainable forms of protein production, is steadily emerging as a viable alternative to meet the nutritional requirements of this rapidly growing population. Aquaconnect is focused on building scalable tech models that leverage artificial intelligence and Geo-Spatial technology to decarbonise the seafood value chain. From quantifying emissions and measuring carbon footprints to strategising countermeasures. We believe that the strides we make today can help consumers make responsible choices tomorrow, thereby making the seafood sector a significant player in the global combat against climate change.”
“Packaging is one of the industries that generate maximum plastic pollution and needs to work on more sustainable options that are as durable as plastic and are the best alternative to plastic. Achieving a complete sustainable alternative to plastic is not going to be easy but at Bambrew we aim to do so and are working towards it. The packaging that we have developed is 100% sustainable and decomposable and in many ways are as durable as plastic. To date, at Bambrew we have been able to save more than 20,000 tonnes of plastic and we aim to save more as we strive to grow and are able to replace plastic with our sustainable business model, ” says Vaibhav Anant, Founder, and CEO, Bambrew.
Dr Vibha Tripathi, Founder & MD, Boon (a water tech startup), says “Indian start-ups and SMEs are leading a green revolution by promoting energy-efficient technology, supply chain management, waste reduction, and production processes. We being a water-tech startup are pioneering the NetZero Water Initiative. Under this initiative, Boon is replacing plastic water bottles with sustainable glass water bottles across sectors including hospitality, corporates, and government. We have been able to save 548,459 kg of carbon emissions equivalent to planting 26144 trees. We are on a mission to beat plastic pollution while making drinking water accessible and affordable.”
Anand Chordia, Director, Technology & Innovation, Suhana Masala, and Founder, The Eco Factory Foundation (TEFF). After distributing 75,000 saplings to mark the 75th year of Indian Independence in 2022, Anand Chordia, has come up with another interesting project – they will be giving away almost 1 lakh free saplings of native tree species to mark World Environment Day on June 5, 2023. “We are coming up with our initiative called ‘Vrukshdaan’ (tree donation)”, says Anand Chordia, popularly known as ‘The Green Warrior’! Vrukshdaan Drive intends to create a greener and healthier environment by planting trees throughout several cities. This program environs to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and enhance biodiversity. Giving details about this idea, Anand Chordia elaborates, “TEFF will set up 15-20 cool spots (distribution points) across different cities, from where interested citizens can collect a sapling to be planted in the area of their choice. In addition, a seed collection drive will also be implemented, which will be developed into saplings for further distribution. This initiative intends at increasing the green cover in and around the city and thus, reduce the existing levels of pollution.” Starting on June 1st, this sapling distribution and seed collection drive will continue throughout the rainy season, almost three months, he added.
Log9 Materials, a leading deep-tech battery technology company, is making significant strides in the fight against climate change and revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Their innovative batteries are designed to exceed expectations, offering unparalleled performance, safety, and environmental benefits. Their widespread reach allows them to address critical environmental challenges and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Log9’s recent milestone of launching India’s First indigenously-developed cell manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, alongside the introduction of India’s first indigenous battery cell, TiB, is a testament to their dedication to an energy-independent nation. By reducing dependence on imports and championing homegrown technology, Log9 is fostering a self-reliant ecosystem that prioritizes sustainability.
Mona B India is dedicated to bringing about a revolutionary change through an unparalleled amalgamation of courage and belief. Their products are made out of recycled waste transformed into durable materials for bags and other accessories. Mona B offers a range of bags, handbags, duffel bags, and other decor items, replacing traditional leather with sustainable alternatives and utilizing natural and vegan dyes to leave zero carbon footprint.
Raw Beauty started with Sunayana’s homemade tooth powder, which gained tremendous popularity among her community. Today, Raw Beauty boasts over 50 products catering to various skin and hair care needs. With a focus on minimal, honest, and slow living, Sunayana has built a brand that resonates with conscious consumers. They’re largely vegan, cruelty-free and 95% plastic free at present. They aim to be 100% plastic free in the coming years.
Priya Prakash is a seasoned entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the pallet industry through her company, Eco Pallet. Her vision is to revolutionize the way pallets are manufactured and used globally, with the aim of promoting sustainability and reducing waste. Despite facing several challenges along the way, Priya has never lost sight of her vision and has used every obstacle as an opportunity for innovation. Her entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, but her perseverance and passion for sustainability have made her an inspiring role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Window Magic is the primary manufacturer of uPVC Doors and Windows. They push the limits of technology to create effective and visually appealing products of the utmost quality with an understanding of environmental preservation. Window Magic has also launched their first-ever sustainability manager, Mr. HOS – High on sustainability. Additionally, they accept full accountability for the waste material produced throughout the manufacturing process and have tied up with GGEPIL, a waste management company. Mr. HOS is helping Window Magic to become a company that genuinely cares about the earth and is responsible.
The Rug Republic – a home-fashion brand that is known for creating eco-friendly rugs. The Rug Republic is motivated by the idea of reducing, recycling, reinventing, and being creative while saving the planet. The brand supports this revolution by creating amazing products from recycled materials and fabrics such as used Denim, PET plastic bottles, etc., and directly or indirectly supporting around 5,000 families.
Blend It Raw, a one-stop pure ingredients natural self-care brand has announced its partnership with the farmers of Uttarakhand to provide the purest unrefined best quality of Rosemary range of products to its consumers. The products are harvested, sourced and produced directly from small farmers of Yamunotri district of upper Uttarakhand, India.
Anousshka, founded by Anousshka Sadarangani, comes with the philosophy ‘everyday essentials and timeless products are designed to last a lifetime and hold gratitude for everything Earth gives us. Anousshka says, “Quality over quantity. Period: Buy better quality, more sustainable pieces. It is likely to cost you more in the short-run but it is always better than buying a cheap high-street product that doesn’t last long. Buying a few high-quality items in a year, rather than lots of cheaper, less eco-friendly pieces, will dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. Get a good tailor (or learn how to repair your clothing). Be more informed: The first things to building a sustainable wardrobe is knowing where to shop from! Amala Earth, No Nasties, AnousshkaOfficial and Okhai are some brands that you can check out for staple sustainable finds! Thrift Shop: A very good sustainable alternative is to do your future shopping in second-hand shops.”
Ilesh Ghevariya, Founder and CEO of French Crown– a homegrown global D2C fashion brand says, “World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder that our collective actions hold the key to combating climate change. It transcends a single day of tree planting and demands a profound shift in our everyday practices across all aspects of life. As custodians of the fashion industry, we recognize the imperative to drive ethical change. By manufacturing sustainable clothes, we not only enhance our own lifestyle but also uplift the lives of our customers, touching the lives of 2000 individuals daily. Let us weave sustainability into the very fabric of our business, embracing transparency, fair labor conditions, and eco-friendly materials. Together, we can revolutionize the fashion industry, forging a path toward a greener future. We can reduce our carbon footprint through conscious consumption and production and inspire others to do the same. World Environment Day beckons us to rise above token gestures, embedding sustainability into our core ethos. Let our collective commitment be the driving force that shapes a thriving, eco-conscious world for generations to come.”
Pakka Limited, India’s pioneer of sustainable packaging was founded in 1981. The company aims to bolster a sustainable ecosystem in the country and globally, through business collaborations and adoption of alternatives to plastic in everyday use cases. Jagdeep Hira, Business Head of Pakka Limited shares his views on World Environment Day: “It is of supreme importance to us that the environment is taken care of because the singular objective of the existence of Pakka is a cleaner planet. In our product development process, we ensure that we minimise waste generation. We’re steadily moving towards the goal of net zero carbon emission, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, we have also undertaken several steps through our CSR initiative Pakka Foundation, enabling us to work towards environmental upkeep in towns and villages around our factory premises. It is encouraging to see that days such as World Environment Day are gaining popularity and is being celebrated, as they help in increasing awareness about our environment.”
