Latest news with #WorldEarthDay
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Environment Day 2025: Bengaluru RWAs lead the way with rainwater harvesting, solar power, and eco-friendly cutlery
As the world marks World Environment Day on June 5, communities across the globe are being urged to take action under the 2025 theme 'Ending Global Plastic Pollution'. In Bengaluru, several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are setting examples of sustainable urban living through innovative, community-led green initiatives. Another RWA operates one of the largest residential solar power systems in the city, with a capacity of 178 kW. The clean energy generated caters to common area needs and offsets nearly 50% of the total electricity consumption, substantially reducing the community's carbon footprint. Yet another residential community is focusing on waste management. Garden, floral, and electronic waste are segregated and processed. The community also reuses cutlery, under its in-house initiative, 'Rent-a-Cutlery', which provides reusable utensils for eco-friendly events organized by other residential complexes. In a notable case, one resident has designed an aerated apartment model that impressed the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which is now considering replicating the idea in other developments, Vikram Ray, president of Bengaluru Apartment Federation (BAF), told The model uses water aerator taps that reduce the flow of water and also decrease water consumption. "BAF is supporting the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) Climate Action Cell in celebrating World Environment Day by curating the Bengaluru BluGreen Showcase 2025, an event on June 6, which is a coming together of various RWAs and homebuyer initiatives to display a variety of climate impact initiatives undertaken by them," Ray said. Also Read: World Earth Day 2025: Environmental experts highlight planning as essential for sustainable urban development At Century Saras Apartments, residents can meet the water needs of all 128 units for at least one month during the 3–4 month monsoon season without tapping into borewell resources. "'Every three days, our 1-lakh-litre rainwater tank fills up. This water is then filtered and used for drinking purposes. We also collect greywater, which is treated in our Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), aerated, and purified before being redirected into our water tanks," Shivananda Prabhu, president of Century Saras Apartment Association, told Through these efforts, the residents save around 1.25 crore litres of water annually compared to other apartments. Considering that, as per BBMP guidelines, each apartment typically consumes 3 lakh litres of water per year, we are saving nearly 30% of our water usage across the entire apartment complex," he said. Also Read: Act against environment laws violating projects: NGT to Greater Noida authority Sowmya Raghavan, who oversees waste management at White House Apartments, shared that the project has one of the largest residential solar plants in the city with a capacity of 178 kW. The power generated is used for common areas and contributes around 50% of the total power consumption. "Beyond power, the residents have also implemented a comprehensive waste management system. Garden, floral, and electronic waste are segregated and processed separately. We use reusable cutlery, supported by their in-house brand, Rent-a-Cutlery, which provides reusable utensils to other communities organizing eco-friendly gatherings and replaces the disposable ones,' said Raghavan. The cutlery initiative, originally run by the RWA, was later shifted under a trust set up during the COVID-19 period for better accounting and fund management. Revenue from the initiative is directed toward welfare activities. For instance, the community recently purchased laptops worth ₹36,000 for underprivileged children, partially funded through the ₹25,000 raised from renting and selling cutlery. Their cutlery bank has even supported sustainable weddings, powering two such events so far in Bengaluru. Environmental experts say that resident welfare associations (RWAs) are playing an important role in driving change at the community level in terms of environmental conservation. "However, it is essential for RWAs to not only focus on what they are already doing but also to educate members about traditional practices and their long-term benefits. Their vision must go beyond the boundaries of their housing societies. Instead of limiting their efforts to internal water harvesting systems, which are often minimal, they should become active stakeholders in preserving larger ecological assets like wetlands, lakes, and reservoirs," Akash Vashisht, advocate, National Green Tribunal (NGT) said. Experts say that RWAs, by virtue of their representative structure, have access to skilled individuals, committed leadership, and a sizable population. Their participation is urgently needed, especially as Indian cities continue to struggle with ecosystem degradation and increasing pressure on natural resources, Vashisht said.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Experts call for environmental justice
Experts from diverse sectors, educationists and students pledged to uphold the principles of environmental justice, equity, and sustainability in their daily lives and corporate operations, and promised to support and engage in efforts that promote climate resilience, nature conservation, responsible consumption and environmental education. Their commitment included complying with national and international environmental laws, and support actions that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The pledge also included recognition of indigenous knowledge and local communities' role in environmental stewardship and support for their participation and leadership in Earth care initiatives. The participants also committed to adopting the Zero Waste philosophy - to redesign resource life cycles so that all products are reused, and no trash is sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean, and to refuse what they don't need, and reduce what they do need, reuse or recycle what is consumed. The Earth Care Pledge for a Zero Waste Pakistan was organised by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) to mark the World Earth Day on Tuesday at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) with the support of Health Safety Environment and Quality Department of Oil & Gas Development Company and Capital Smart City. Speaking at the national launch of the Zero Waste Pakistan campaign under the Earth Care Pledge to commemorate Earth Day, the Focal Person for the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, Syeda Amna Batool, emphasised the critical role of youth in driving sustainable development and environmental stewardship. She lauded the initiative as a timely and much-needed step towards promoting waste reduction, responsible consumption and environmental awareness at the grassroots level. Highlighting the Zero Waste Pakistan campaign as a national call to action, she urged young people to take ownership of climate and environmental challenges and become champions of a cleaner, greener Pakistan. Devcom-Pakistan founder and Executive Director Munir Ahmed said, "With over 140 million young people in the country, we have the largest human capital in our history. If engaged meaningfully, youth can transform Pakistan's waste crisis into a circular economy opportunity. The Earth Care Pledge is a call for action - not just to reduce waste, but to rethink our consumption patterns altogether." He said, "Devcom-Pakistan's annual World Earth Day event focused on the launch of the Zero Waste Pakistan initiative. A Zero Waste Pakistan is not just a visionit's a necessity. Through collective action, innovation, and policy reforms, we can break free from plastic pollution and safeguard our environment for future generations. Empowering youth with the concepts of waste segregation, reuse and recycling at the source of the waste generation such as homes and institutions will lead the society to a zero waste Pakistan." The guest speakers included President Alpine Club of Pakistan Abu Zafar Sadiq, Capital Smart City General Manager Sustainability Muhammad Ali Naseer, OGDCL In-charge HSEQ Ashfaque Ali Khan, Technical Team Leader, Climate Resourcing Coordination Centre Sohail Maqbool Malik, Environmentalist Aliya Agha, FJWU assistant professor Dr Abida Sharif, Institute of Regional Studies Research Fellow and World Bank Public Sector development expert Kiran Afzal. They recommended introducing zero waste principles, environmental ethics, and sustainability practices in school, college and university curricula.
Business Standard
05-05-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Bisleri International Marks World Earth Day 2025 by Collecting More than 4.40 Metric Tonnes of Plastic Waste
NewsVoir Delhi/ Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 5: In its continued efforts to promote environmental stewardship, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd, through its flagship initiative, Bottles for Change' marked World Earth Day 2025 bringing together communities, students, volunteers, and local champions in a united call for sustainability. The celebration spanned over 36 cities across 16 states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Karnataka, United Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Bisleri collaborated with 13 public and private organizations and institutions to engage citizens. The celebrations included activities such as tree plantation drives, used plastic collection campaigns, awareness rallies, poster-making competitions, street plays & cultural performances, human chains, and expert-led symposiums on the theme of environmental preservation. One of the key highlights of the campaign was the enthusiastic participation of the Indian Army's 137 CETF BN (TA) 39 Gorkha Regiment, showcasing their unwavering dedication to the cause of environmental protection and reinforcing the spirit of collective responsibility. From Leh to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the campaign witnessed widespread engagement. Over 6,000 interns and volunteers participated in the campaigns, directly engaging more than 1,14,000 individuals. A total of 234 events were conducted, including 177cleaning drives, 49 awareness sessions, and 8 creative competitions like poster making. The collective efforts of the participants led to the planting of 510 trees and the collection of more than 4.40 Metric Tonnes of plastic waste, showcasing the impact of citizen-driven sustainability efforts. Speaking about the initiative, K. Ganesh, Director - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, "World Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our planet. At Bisleri, we translate our commitment to sustainability into tangible actions. Through our 'Bottles for Change' initiative we have engaged with the government, community academic and private institutions and taken decisive steps towards creating a cleaner, greener future. These initiatives prove that every action matters and collective efforts by citizens can shape a world that is cleaner and greener." This significant celebration was a part of Bisleri's Greener Promise, a commitment to build a circular economy through sustained efforts in recycling, plastic neutrality, and environmental education. Bottles for Change continues to be a platform that educates citizens on the value of plastic as a resource and the need for responsible disposal. With a legacy of over 54 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country's largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water. Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and neighboring countries. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavors, such as Pop, Rev, Limonata and Spyci Jeera. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform - Bisleri @Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep. The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating a greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Students of BVB Tirupati contribute 5.6 tonnes of used books for recycling
Students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Sri Venkateswara Vidyalaya, Tirupati, joined the 'WOW Recycling' initiative taken up by the Academy of Gandhian Studies, in collaboration with the ITC and contributed 5.6 tonnes of material for recycling. The WOW (Well-being Out of Waste) Recycling program began as part of the 'Save our Planet' initiative, coinciding with World Earth Day (April 23). As part of the inter-school recycling championship, the students were informed about the event through fliers and awareness sessions. At the end of the academic year, the students brought their used notebooks in designated WOW bags, which collectively weighed 5.6 tonnes, and handed the same over to the organisers. The recyclable paper material was later sent to ITC. Interestingly, the students received books made of recycled paper as a 'return gift', as a token of appreciation of their efforts towards making the earth green. Bhavan's honorary director N. Satyanarayana Raju lauded the organisers for promoting sustainability and also instilling a sense of environmental consciousness in the young minds.
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
SMC chief calls for unified action towards sustainable development in Sibu
Ting in a group photo with the participants during the event. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (April 27): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting has called for concerted efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and make Sibu a better place. Speaking when officiating at the World Earth Day celebration at Permai Lake Garden here today, he emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with the community, in moving towards that goal. 'During our Earth Day celebration, as organising chairman (Cr Toh Yong Kiang) has already highlighted various points, one crucial aspect remains: it is essential for all groups – including the government, companies (private sector), and residents of Sibu, to collaborate. This ensures that no one is excluded. 'And we bring everybody together to develop our society. Today, on Earth Day, we gather as a symbolic gesture to express our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. 'Our aim is to ensure that the Earth we inhabit now is left in a better state for future generations, including our children and grandchildren, through our everyday actions. I hope that everyone present here, along with the government and companies, will work together to make Sibu a better place. Now, isn't that a wonderful dream?,' enthused Ting. Additionally, he encouraged those present to spread awareness about proper waste disposal and reducing plastic usage. 'Do more recycling. Help this world. Because SMC is working with you. SMC wants to tell people that SDG is very important to us.' On another note, he delved into upgrading the facilities in the park, which included a new parking area and improved walkways. Ting also urged the public to act as the council's eyes and ears by reporting any acts of vandalism in the park so that appropriate measures could be taken. Meanwhile, Toh highlighted that the Earth Day is not just a date on the calendar. 'It is a reminder that we all share one home and it is our duty to protect it,' he stressed. Activities held during the event included cycling, brisk walking, tree planting, mini exhibitions and recycling initiatives. Also in attendance were SMC secretary Yong Ing Chu, councillors Christopher Kelebit Ansa, Jiram Mardan and Sami @ Sammy Ngelambai.
