World Environment Day is the most renowned day for environmental action. Since 1974, it has been celebrated every year in more than 100 countries; engaging governments, businesses, celebrities and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue. Above all, the Day offers a global platform for inspiring positive change. It recognises that global change requires a global community. It pushes for individuals to think about the way they consume; for businesses to develop greener models; for farmers and manufacturers to produce more sustainably; for governments to safeguard wild spaces; for educators to inspire students to live in harmony with the earth, and for youth to become fierce gatekeepers of a green future. It requires all of us for creating awareness about the conservation of our environment.
Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL)
Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited (REEL), a leading provider of comprehensive environment management services in India and Asia, launched several citizenship initiatives that strengthen REEL’s commitment to the environment and the communities where it operates.
With the aim of building awareness and spurring action around protecting the environment, Ramky Enviro’s employees across 25 different locations in both rural and urban India today engaged in a range of activities, including:
- Planting trees: REEL employees planted 200,000 saplings across various sites to promote environmental regeneration;
- Neighbourhood clean-up: the REEL team led the cleaning and sanitisation of 100 villages to help them become waste-free, and implemented a plan to help them minimise pollution going forward;
- Digital webinars: 15,000 students from both government and private schools participated in a REEL-sponsored webinar to raise awareness around the importance of personal hygiene, cleanliness and social-distancing to combat the spread of Covid-19; and
- Compost distribution to villagers: 2,000 tonnes of compost generated from various REEL sites were distributed free of cost to local farmers in nearby villages.
Goutham Reddy, Managing Director & CEO of REEL, said, “The environment’s deterioration is the leading concern of our time, and we as humans have an unwritten contract with the universe to protect the environment. A number of ongoing – yet addressable – issues have contributed to the problem, including the increasing amount of waste which we are unable to dispose of, to global warming and rising greenhouse gas emissions, among many other reasons. It is more important than ever to protect the environment by adopting to Best Environmentally Available Technology while managing the environment and spread awareness to encourage environmentalism and natural preservation. With this in mind, the Ramky Enviro team is proud to support communities across India and contribute to a cleaner and safer environment by supporting important sustainability initiatives.”
HCL Foundation
Every year, June 5 is celebrated as the World Environment Day (WED) globally to promote environmental protection and awareness and this year – the theme was ‘Biodiversity’ with the slogan ‘Time for Nature’. HCL Foundation, the CSR arm of HCL Technologies, organised a series of virtual workshops to mark the day. Through these virtual workshops and sessions, eminent environmentalists and conservationists shared their learnings through various sustainable activities with the aim to encourage individuals to live in harmony with nature.
There were three workshops and one discussion session planned for the day. The first workshop was held on story writing through comics to engage participants in capturing stories around the environment. The second workshop was on upcycling which enabled participants to change their approach towards the ever-growing waste and encouraged them to replace the usage of plastic bags in dustbins, by learning how to make bin liners with old newspaper followed by the third workshop which demonstrated how to build a bird nest from readily available resources at home. And to wrap up, in the evening, there was a discussion session with the Dr Rajendra Singh, the Waterman of India, which gave the audience valuable insights on his work towards environment and water conservation.
Nidhi Pundhir, Director HCL Foundation, said on the occasion, “HCL Foundation is aimed at creating clean, green and healthy communities. On World Environment Day, we urge everyone to work towards conserving the environment at individual and institutional levels. Through our Environment vertical, we have significantly scaled up our ‘Green’ initiatives across the country and aim to do more in future, as part of our CSR work.”
Environmental conservation has always been a core focus of HCL Foundation’s CSR programmes. Under Harit – The Green Spaces Initiative, HCL Foundation aims to combat climate change through environmental conservation and restoration. Through active participation and efforts in protecting the environment, 4.5 Ha of land has already been converted into an Urban Mini Forest in Noida. HCL Foundation further strengthened efforts to protect, restore and enhance diminishing green cover, biodiversity, water bodies and responding to climate change in a holistic manner. 1,03,284 trees were planted in schools, residential spaces and public spaces, and at the urban forest sites are known as Uday Upvan and 67 water bodies were also taken up for restoration and rejuvenation, that will result in an increase in their water holding capacity to around 2mn m3.
The other achievements at the community level in FY 19-20 include the construction of 35 compost pits which helps in reducing 1,000 tons’ stubble burning: ~1,20,000 Kgs CO2 sequestration and emissions reduction annually. 5,046 animals have been treated for their betterment and four Government MoUs have been signed to transform 35 ha of land through mass afforestation with the support from NGO partners, local communities and HCL volunteers. HCL Foundation is committed towards sustainable development and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the focus on SDG 15: Life on Land through its Uday – Harit initiatives and addressing SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals by partnering with NGOs and Government Agencies.
ITC Limited
ITC Limited, one of India’s leading multi-business conglomerates and an exemplar in environment sustainability said that it is rapidly scaling up its highly acclaimed Integrated Watershed Development and Environmental Resources Replenishment initiatives through partnerships with various State governments. These partnerships will be largely focussed on water stewardship and biodiversity conservation.
Over the past decades, ITC has demonstrated environmental stewardship by not only ensuring efficient use of resources but also by augmenting precious natural capital. ITC has the distinction of being the only company in the world to be carbon positive for over 14 years, water positive for over 17 years and solid waste recycling positive for over 12 years. Over 41 per cent of the energy consumed by ITC is met through renewable sources. ITC’s afforestation programme has greened over 7,76,000 acres. Its watershed development initiatives have covered over 1 million acres, whilst its solid waste management programme Well Being out of Waste (WoW) covers over 1 crore citizens across the country. ITC is also a pioneer in green building movement in the country with over 25 Platinum-rated green buildings. Some of its other notable social investment initiatives at scale include women empowerment, primary education, skilling and vocational training, livestock development, health & sanitation and so on. ITC’s businesses have supported over 6 million sustainable livelihoods to date.
Commenting on the company’s resolve to reinforce its environmental sustainability initiatives, Chitranjan Dar, Corporate Management Committee Member of ITC responsible for overall supervision of Quality Assurance, ITC Life Sciences & Technology Centre, Central Projects Organisation and Environment, Health & Safety said, “Going forward, our focus on sustainability and environment stewardship would gain larger significance in the post-COVID-19 period. The lockdown period has witnessed nature healing herself and going forward, citizens will expect corporates to demonstrate larger steps to replenish and preserve the environment. At ITC, we believe that expanding interventions in environment replenishment and addressing climate change will be critical for a sustainable future. An enterprise of tomorrow is one that pursues competitive growth to create larger value for society even as it enriches the environment and creates opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Our Integrated Watershed Development programme, large scale afforestation programme, our renewable energy and green buildings footprint are some of the successful pivots in our strategy to pursue ‘Responsible Competitiveness’ – a socio-economic construct that underpins the ITC’s objective to be future-ready whilst ensuring that growth is sustainable and inclusive.”
It is also ITC’s strong belief that Biodiversity conservation and water stewardship are extremely critical aspects of environment protection as forests and other biomass are natural sponges which improves groundwater recharge and sub-surface flows. Such focus is even more relevant today when the world is increasingly imparting a renewed focus on biodiversity conservation as a means to maintain vital ecological balance.
Water Stewardship Initiatives
ITC’s extensive watershed programme today covers more than 1,000,000 acres across India. Under this program, the company has adopted a comprehensive approach focussed on supply augmentation and demand-side management. Supply augmentation covers area treatment, water harvesting, groundwater recharge and biodiversity conservation and demand-side management aim at improving water use efficiency in principal crops of area. ITC’s Kovai Paperboards factory in Tamil Nadu has earned the unique distinction of being the only facility in India to be awarded the Alliance for Water Stewardship Platinum-level certification – the highest recognition for water stewardship in the world.
The success of ITC’s integrated water management approach has not only benefitted farmers by enhancing crop yields and expanding cultivation area but has also led to large savings through efficiency in water usage.
ITC’s Water Stewardship programme is also a community based participatory approach. It employs low-cost technologies to arrest erosion, enhance moisture, conserve rainwater and recharge groundwater. The benefits of ITC’s water stewardship programme are multiple and multidimensional.
With water scarcity increasingly becoming an area of concern, ITC continues to focus on an integrated water management approach within the fence that includes investing in water conservation measures and rainwater harvesting initiatives at its units. For larger coverage and scale, ITC has also partnered with various State Government departments and programmes such as MGNREGS programme and NABARD for watershed development in 5.6 lakh acres area.
Similarly, as part of demand management, ITC has entered a novel partnership with Water Resources Department of Maharashtra to improve water productivity in 2.42 lakh acres of command area which is under four irrigation schemes spread in 4 districts of the state. This partnership aims at supporting the Government’s ‘More Crop per Drop’ credo and reduces crop water demand in the dams.
These large scale interventions will serve as meaningful examples and inspire many more such fruitful programmes in this area to benefit farmers.
Biodiversity Management Initiatives
To improve biodiversity, ITC is partnering with the forest departments in Maharashtra and Telangana to improve forest cover through soil moisture conservation and fringe area development. The Company is also partnering with Wasteland and Pastureland development board of Rajasthan for the regeneration of pasturelands in the State. These partnerships will help impact 79,000 acres of forest land and 2.47 lakh acres of pasturelands in 11 districts.
As a responsible Corporate, ITC is committed to continuing to strengthen and scale up its environmental sustainability interventions through-and post the pandemic. The company believes that business is an integral organ of society that can bring about transformational change in social value creation, besides enriching the environment. It is with this conviction that ITC continues to pursue business models that envisage the creation of social and environmental capital and economic wealth as a unified strategy.
Mahindra Racing
To mark World Environment Day, Mahindra Racing is extending its Season 6 tree planting initiative to the ABB Formula E Race At Home Challenge. The Race at Home Challenge sees Formula E drivers compete in an esports competition during the red flag period of racing due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of Season 6, the team announced that for every FANBOOST vote received by the team’s drivers Pascal Wehrlein and Jerome D’Ambrosio will convert into a tree planted; meaning fans have a direct positive impact on the environment by voting.
Now, as part of this initiative, for every viewer tuning into Twitch at www.twitch.com/fiaformulae for the Race At Home Challenge finale weekend on June 13, 2020, starting at 3:30 pm BST, Mahindra Racing will plant a tree with a commitment of up to half a million trees.
The initiative is a measure that Mahindra Racing is taking as it continually strives to make positive changes for the environment. A fully mature tree can provide year-long oxygen supply to a family of four and can absorb as much as 48 pounds of CO2 per year.
Mahindra Racing was the first and remains the only, Formula E team to achieve FIA Sustainability Accreditation. The squad first successfully attained its two-star rating in November 2016 and, following a periodic audit in February 2019, Mahindra Racing maintained its status in the framework, with the aim of being carbon neutral by 2020.
The team is committed to the FIA environmental certification programme by minimising its environmental impact and working towards achieving carbon neutrality. It also takes learnings from advanced technologies in its race car to apply it to its road cars within its Race to Road initiative, developing and promoting more sustainable transportation solutions.
Dilbagh Gill, Ceo & Team Principal, Mahindra Racing: “We have made very clear that sustainability is very important to us and is a key principle for Mahindra Racing. We were very pleased ahead of the season to be able to confirm our tree planting initiative and wanted to find a way to bring that to the Race At Home Challenge, and we’re happy to have found that way with Twitch. We head into this weekend second in both the team and driver’s battles and will be gunning for glory on the virtual streets.”
Farhan Ahmed, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Twitch: “Our community notoriously loves gaming, community and charity. Here we see the perfect combination of all. We’re excited to see them embrace this initiative – let’s see how many trees we can plant!”
Helo and Waste Warriors
Continuing with its commitment towards users and the society-at-large, Helo, India’s leading regional social media platform, has launched first-of-its-kind digital environmental awareness initiative to mark the World Environment Day. As part of its community empowerment initiative, Helo Care, the platform launched a two-day long #NamasteNature campaign in partnership with Waste Warriors, a solid waste management NGO.
Between June 4 and 5, 2020, as part of the #NamasteNature campaign, users participated in Environment day in-app quiz, the #SafaiSuperheroes went live from Waste Warrior Helo account on June 5, 2020. During this session, the #Safaiheros shared insights around solid waste management, invited them to post and share updates, photographs, videos and other content to spread awareness amongst friends and communities, while staying safe at home.
Additionally, the Waste Warriors live-streamed the launch of Swachhta Kendra (SK), its first Material Recovery Facility in Dehradun. The Swacchata Kendra is built specifically for plastic waste management and will expand its efforts to uplift waste pickers in Dehradun through better livelihoods, formal employment, training and empowerment.
As a responsible platform, Helo is always striving to play a significant and meaningful role in conversations around supporting the needs of the larger community/society. The #NamasteNature campaign is aligned with the UN theme for World Environment Day 2020 – ‘Time for Nature’.
Mahindra Lifespaces
The World Economic Forum’s global risk report 2020 ranked loss of biodiversity as one of the top five risks in terms of impact and likelihood over the coming decade. Human activity has wiped out 83 per cent of wild mammals, half of all plants, three-fourth of ice-free land and two-third of marine environments. Now is the time to wake up and take inventory of our natural environment – the biodiversity of our planet. The time to move towards embracing the wealth of nature and creating a regenerative economy is now.
At Mahindra Lifespaces, we are mindful of the risks that climate change, resource scarcity and other environmental issues pose to our business. Therefore, we are committed to integrating sustainability in every aspect of our business. Below are some of the initiatives that we have undertaken across our sites:
- At the land acquisition stage, we undertake an environmental impact assessment that aids in developing strategies for biodiversity conservation.
- We protect and retain as many trees on site as possible.
- Landscape is integral to our residential business. It not only enhances the beauty of a project but also helps to create a microclimate, preserve soil and reduce air pollution. We also protect natural grass and minimise the use of artificial pesticides/fertilisers.
- Create eco habitats and urban forests: Focus on native species and arrest invasive species. We are actively looking at deploying Miyawaki forests across our projects which act as carbon sinks as well as a rich habitat for birds and small animals while enhancing the air quality.
One of India’s largest urban forest projects at Mahindra World City, Chennai marks an important milestone in our journey of sustainability Urbanisation:
Mahindra World City, Chennai is a pioneering integrated city built on the ethos of Livelihood, Living and Life. The City has been designed for holistic and balanced community living at one with nature. It is also home to one of India’s largest and most impactful planned urban afforestation drives. As part of planned efforts to grow the green cover at Mahindra World City, Chennai, 4 lakh saplings have been planted so far across 150 acres using the Miyawaki Method developed by globally renowned Japanese botanist and blue planet award winner Akira Miyawaki. Thousands of volunteers have come together to plant native species of trees to enrich the biodiversity in MWC Chennai.
The urban forest at MWC Chennai will help reduce the carbon footprint of the surrounding areas as well. Potential environmental benefits to residents and surrounding communities include a reduction in temperature (cooling effect -> quality of life), prevention of soil erosion (this can help reduce damage from rainwater) and a boost to groundwater levels.
MWC Chennai is also India’s first IGBC Gold (Stage 1) certified Green Township and home to corporate India’s first operational SES. Its journey of sustainability includes many pioneering initiatives, including an off-grid solar power plant with the capacity to generate 1,16,000 units of clean electrical energy annually and a bio-CNG plant which fuels buses and tractors, and powers street lights within MWC Chennai.
Sunita Purushottam, Head – Sustainability, Mahindra Lifespaces said, “As a responsible real estate developer and pioneer of the green homes movement in India, we are mindful of the impacts of our operations on the environment. We are striving towards being a nature-positive developer by integrating biodiversity conservation, resource efficiency and climate change abatement through all stages of our product.”
BMW Group Plant Chennai
At BMW Group Plant Chennai, sustainability is a top priority. Through a host of initiatives, BMW Group Chennai is taking an active lead towards a green and sustainable future. While significant savings have been already been achieved with dedicated efforts, the plant is committed to convert to 100 per cent green electricity by end of the year and has launched new initiatives for water conservation and tree plantation/biodiversity.
Thomas Dose, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai said, “For BMW Group Plant Chennai, the term ‘sustainable production’ means investing in our future. Since 2007, our plant has consistently reduced its consumption of non-renewable resources through modern technology, stringent processes and efficiency. This commitment is integrated through clear actions in our business model as well as production processes and has helped us in significantly reducing our footprint. We know the challenges and are rising to meet them by continuously setting higher goals. For BMW Group Plant Chennai, this is the key to a green future.”
Mr Dose further added, “A strong culture at BMW Plant Chennai further promotes sustainability. Respect for resources is a part of BMW values and a principle we live by every day. While the management is taking steps to introduce sustainable innovations throughout the infrastructure and facilities, associates are playing an important role by promoting an attitude that is pro-conservation and makes a huge difference in day-to-day working.”
BMW Group Plant Chennai is constantly focusing on the increasing use of renewable energy to meet its requirements. Over the last few years, it has steadily replaced conventional energy sources with sustainable alternatives. Presently, the plant takes care of up to 40 per cent of its electricity requirements through a 1350 kW Solar Photovoltaic system. BMW Group Plant Chennai is working towards becoming a 100 per cent green electricity plant by the end of 2020. By introducing multiple simple and smart solutions, the plant has further reduced its electricity consumption. Up to 50 per cent savings have been achieved in light usage through LED lights installation. Besides this, fresh air fans have been replaced by energy-efficient high-volume low-speed (HVLS) fans, saving 30 per cent electricity in the ventilation system.
In Chennai, water shortage is a serious issue. BMW Group Plant Chennai has continuously been working on long-term solutions to minimise the impact by acting responsibly. The plant’s water conservation measures are based on three pillars: use of rainwater, conservation of freshwater and water treatment. BMW Group Plant Chennai has rainwater harvesting ponds at two locations with a total capacity of 14,25,000 litres. Tanks have been installed across the site to collect rainwater for this purpose. More than 3,40,000 litres of rainwater has been collected so far and utilised for water leak test and other requirements. The process water used in production is fully recycled at the plant’s treatment facility and fed back into the process. Water used for cleaning is also treated and reused in gardening and landscaping. Sensor-based taps installed across the plant save up to 8 per cent water. In combination, these three pillars have helped reduce water consumption by more than 45 per cent – from 40825 KL to 20594 KL (Period 2016 to 2019).
A new Rainwater Harvesting Project implemented at the beginning of 2020 stores up to 2,000 kilolitres and caters to up to 40 per cent of plant’s requirements. The team is also currently working on a recharge injection well project at 10 sites in Mahindra World City which will be scaled up later. Instead of withdrawing water, this type of well injects rainwater into the ground in a controlled manner to bring the water table back to normal levels. Other water conservation plans underway include advancement in sewage treated plant in order to use the recycled water for toilet flushing and greywater utilisation for landscaping.
BMW Group Plant Chennai has a green area of 7.7 acres, which is around 25 per cent of the total area. A green belt has been set up with around 2,000 trees of 31 different species as part of a biodiversity pilot project. In another recent tree plantation drive, around 4,000 local species trees are being planted in 0.5 acres at the plant with Miyawaki forest technique that helps build dense, native forests with 10 times faster growth and 30 times denser plantation than usual. This will lead to annual C02 savings of 4,000 tons. On World Environment Day every year, the entire team comes together to plant trees inside as well as outside the facility.
BMW Group lays equal importance on both the products and the process when it comes to green manufacturing. To achieve this, processes are optimised and investments are made in more efficient, state-of-the-art technologies. In line with ‘Design for Recycling’ approach, BMW / MINI vehicles are created in a way that their components can largely be reused or recycled efficiently throughout their whole life cycle. Some decisive influencing factors are the choice of materials, production technologies, supplier selection, the choice of drivetrain types and the recyclability of the vehicle’s components. All BMW Group vehicles brought onto the market since 2008 meet the requirements for the recycling of end-of-life vehicles, components and materials (95 per cent total recycling, 85 per cent reuse and material recycling).
BMW Group Plant Chennai has implemented the Environmental Policy under the Integrated Management System which is aligned with IS0 14001: 2015 requirements. A dedicated team has been appointed to ensure environmental management and best sustainability practices. Associates are encouraged to follow and promote basic measures such as reduction of printing, switching off lights, air-conditioners, laptops when not required, appropriately segregating waste and reducing food wastage. The canteen food waste is processed and converted to manure. In 2019, 6,500 kg waste was converted to manure.
Safal
In the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, considering the importance of immunity-boosting measures being undertaken by the Ayush Ministry, Government of India, Safal took the initiative to provide 1000 Tulsi (Basil) plants to its select shoppers on the occasion of World Environment Day, June 5, 2020. Holy Basil plant is found in almost every house in India. While it has religious beliefs on one hand, according to experts, it is also used in the treatment of many diseases. Basil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and due to these qualities, Tulsi proves to be beneficial for human beings. According to Hindu scriptures, it is believed that the basil plant keeps the home environment pure.
Speaking on the occasion, Pradipta Kumar Sahoo, Business Head – Safal, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd. said, “In view of the importance of immunity-boosting measures, Safal intends to promote the use of ayurvedic herb by distributing Holy Tulsi (Basil) saplings across Delhi NCR. In the lockdown, Safal has introduced Immunity combo pack comprising giloy, lemon, turmeric and ginger and sold thousands of packets so far. This initiative is also aimed to promote sustainable and safer environment by inculcating love for nature amongst people. On this occasion every year, Safal organises plantation of neem trees in its 22 acres Plant premises in Delhi. This World Environment Day, Safal wishes a greener and safer environment for the future.”
Welspun
Welspun Group, one of India’s fastest-growing global conglomerates, has announced the release of a song titled “Ek Soch Hai Jaagi” in collaboration with Padma Shri Award winner and leading playback singer, Kailash Kher, to commemorate the World Environment Day. In line with Welspun’s core ethos of ensuring sustainability in every facet, through this song, it aims to encourage people to introspect on their role in shaping the environment and steer them to build a better tomorrow. Sung in Kailash Kher’s quintessential melodious and earthy voice, the song celebrates the metamorphosis of nature as it recuperates and replenishes during the lockdown.
The Earth and its residents have always been co-dependent and mutually sustainable. Individual, as well as collective acts, have a significant impact on the environment, which in turn reciprocates with the same denomination. An ideal exemplification of this is currently being witnessed by all as they see the Earth heal itself – right from greener pastures to clearer skies and reduced pollution. Taking cognisance of this, Welspun urges every citizen to imbibe these learnings, reflect upon their actions and as we brace ourselves for the lockdown being lifted, emerge as more conscious beings with focus on a sustainable future.
Composed and sung by the iconic Kailash Kher, the song tugs at every individual’s heartstrings. Rekindling the childhood memories, it connects and draws us towards nature and its all-consuming beauty; something that humans have taken for granted amidst their busy lives. The film features blooming flowers, chirping birds, the innocence of children’s laughter and plays along with a glimpse into Welspun’s myriad efforts in preserving the environment over the years. It not only spreads positivity and hope but also encourages each one to nurture nature with simple acts – big or small.
Speaking on the launch of the song, Dipali Goenka, Jt MD and CEO, Welspun India Limited said, “At Welspun, sustainability is not just a component of our business philosophy, it is an ethos embedded in every aspect of our value chain. We have always championed the cause of building a greener tomorrow. Extending this tenet, we have launched a heartwarming song called “Ek Soch Hai Jaagi” with an aim to inspire people to adopt measures that will help create a sustainable future. A perfect fit for this rendition, we are delighted to collaborate with the eminent singer, Kailash Kher, for this song.”
“During the lockdown, as we practised social distancing and reduced our movement, the earth has recuperated without any human intervention. We urge citizens to take notice of this and reflect on the consequences of their actions as we gear up for a ‘new normal’ life,” she added.
Speaking on the creation of the song, Kailash Kher said, “I am extremely delighted to have partnered with Welspun, a company that walks the talk when it comes to sustainability. Through this special song, borne of the positive effects of social distancing during the lockdown, we wish to encourage every citizen to rally for the environment and understand its role in shaping up the future. With its heartening lyrics and video, we aim to reconnect humans with its environment.”
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74sbc3RYssE&feature=youtu.be
Nestlé India – Project HILLDAARI
Nestlé India in collaboration with Stree Mukti Sanghatana and RECITY have released a poetry film, ‘Let’s imagine a healed world’ as part of Project HILLDAARI on World Environment Day. The poem recited by Anamika Joshi, a popular spoken word performance artist, urges people to collectively imagine a cleaner environment that helps biodiversity flourish, similar to what we are experiencing these days during the lockdown. Through its lyrics, the poem motivates people to recalibrate their actions to ignite hope for a newer and a healed world.
Commenting on this unique initiative, Sanjay Khajuria, Director – Corporate Affairs, Nestlé India said, ‘’During the pandemic, Nestlé India through its Project Hilldaari and in collaboration with local stakeholders has reached out to waste professionals in the select tourist towns of India and enabled them to face the crisis by providing essentials, creating awareness and equipping them with safety gears. On the occasion of World Environment Day, the HILLDAARI poetry film also encourages collective efforts for a better tomorrow and resonates the need for respecting the environment.’’
Adding to this, popular spoken word performance artist, Anamika Joshi, said, “Art has the power to change the world and given the current situation, the world is in dire need of a positive change. This poetry film aims to bring hope amidst the current challenging times along with a sense of reflection to pause and think for a better tomorrow. It highlights the power of imagination and empathy in changing the world.”
HILLDAARI is an initiative supported by Nestlé India to develop inclusive, contextualised and resilient models for solid and plastic waste management, in the tourist cities of the country. It is currently being implemented in Mussoorie, Nainital and Dalhousie by Stree Mukti Sanghatana, with Recity Network Private Limited as the technical partner. The initiative is progressively working towards professionalising 220 waste collectors and informal waste pickers towards segregation of waste at source through a multi-collaborative approach with municipal councils, citizens, contractors, waste workers and influencers.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/EojFpssYrh8
Kansai Nerolac
Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. (KNPL), one of the leading paint companies in India has unveiled a new digital film to celebrate ‘World Environment Day’. The digital film extends the thought of Nerolac’s recently launched brand campaign #AajCarefulTohKalColourful and is the third film in the continuing series. Through the digital film, Nerolac aims to raise awareness on the importance of environment conservation for a brighter and colourful tomorrow.
Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. recently launched the new campaign, ‘Aaj Careful Toh Kal Colourful’ with an intent to underline the importance of taking necessary precautions in the current Covid-19 situation to ensure a colourful future. The new thought-provoking film encourages citizens to take positive actions for the betterment of the environment and showcases how people can do their bit by taking small steps such as switching off fans/lights when not in use, conserving water, planting trees, contributing to cleaner air in minimal ways and more.
Through the years, Nerolac has consistently driven initiatives towards a greener environment. The film further highlights steps taken by Nerolac such as a continuous focus on energy security to reduce carbon footprint, planting over 40,000 trees across factories, 22 per cent recycled water consumption and increasing renewable energy contribution in its overall energy consumption. The brand was also the first to launch Low VOC and Lead-free paints.
Speaking on the occasion, Anuj Jain, Executive Director, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. said, “Our campaign ‘Aaj Careful Toh Kal Colourful’ has been created with an intent to spread awareness on the necessity of precautions in the present situation. The storyline of our campaign is based on our brand philosophy of ‘Colours that Care’. We at Nerolac, have always believed that acting responsibly today will lead us to a viable future. We are extremely conscious of our responsibility towards sustainability and building a healthier tomorrow for future generations. We are positive that the film will resonate with our audience.”
The digital film has been conceptualised and created by FCB ULKA and directed by Kashif Memon.
Keegan Pinto – National Creative Director, FCB Ulka (West) said, “We are facing more environmental challenges than ever. Our actions have far-reaching consequences than we realise. As a creative guy, I firmly believe in finding creative and sustainable solutions to conventional problems. And it brings pure joy to work with brands that share a similar philosophy. Nerolac’s World Environment Day campaign is based on the same thought but backed by real facts. This film beautifully conveys how a little care and change in approach can help us make sustainable choices to protect the environment.” Watch the digital film here: https://youtu.be/aNElLheBep4