Bhoomika Singh
World Environment Day (WED), observed annually on June 5th, is a global platform that encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. This year, World Environment Day 2023 focuses on the critical issue of plastic pollution under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
As the world grapples with the alarming consequences of our plastic consumption, this occasion serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to tackle this pervasive environmental challenge. On this World Environment Day, marked with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” entrepreneurs from around the globe are taking centre stage in the battle against one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Plastic pollution has become an increasingly urgent issue in recent years, with devastating consequences for ecosystems and human health. Every year, an estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste find its way into our oceans, causing irreparable harm to marine life and ecosystems. The world cannot afford to ignore this crisis any longer, and entrepreneurs have risen to the occasion, bringing forward innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution.
With plastic pollution reaching alarming levels, these innovative thinkers are spearheading groundbreaking initiatives to mitigate its impact on our planet. Through their collective efforts, they are demonstrating that sustainable business practices and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.
One such visionary entrepreneur, Pradip Shah, Co-founder and Director of grow-trees.com believes that the theme of this year’s World Environment Day is another reminder that we are way behind in finding solutions to this ever-increasing problem of plastic pollution. He says, “While plastic is affordable and versatile, we can’t ignore its hazardous impact on the environment, wildlife and mankind. India generates about 3.5 billion tons of plastic annually; this figure should be a compelling force to take the right actions to combat plastic pollution.”
“One of the most efficient ways to reduce that pile of plastic waste is to adopt nature-based solutions. Trees can help us replace plastic with tree-based alternatives like bamboo, cork oak, hemp, agave, etc. which are durable and sustainable and offer value for money and the environment. Plastic pollution often finds its way into water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, leading to severe ecological damage. Plastic production and disposal processes generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, and trees can help absorb significant CO2 and other pollutants,” Shah added.
Their plantation projects in 23 states of India are a robust reforestation attempt to counteract plastic pollution and improve the ecosystem services so that the environment can recuperate effectively from pollution and ecological degradation.
Alongside individual efforts, entrepreneurs are also collaborating through various networks and partnerships to amplify their impact. EXZOD is one such platform whose Founder and MD says, Nitin Kalla, “One of the key advantages of partnering with Exzod for your pallet pooling needs is our commitment to sustainability. We firmly believe that prolonging the lifespan of pallets is not just economically beneficial but also a vital step towards conserving natural resources.”
Kalla further adds, “It is also important to work with partners and educate them about the larger societal impact of pooling pallets. It’s not about monetary savings and protecting the bottom line but more important is to save the planet.”
E-commerce biggies like Flipkart are also contributing their bit in beating the plastic pollution by taking sustainable initiatives, as Hemant Badri, Senior Vice President and Head of Supply Chain, Customer Experience, and ReCommerce, Flipkart Group affirmed, “At Flipkart, we are deeply committed to addressing this global challenge head-on. Our sustainable packaging journey stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment, to delivering a positive environmental impact.”
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“Through the complete elimination of single-use plastic from our own supply chain, a feat we achieved in 2021, we are working towards ensuring responsible sourcing of sustainable packaging and man-made cellulosic fibres, promoting the use of renewable and environmentally viable resources,” he added.
There is another entrepreneur who is taking big steps towards beating plastic pollution with Aava Natural Mineral Water, Where they are proud to say that they have recycled upwards of 850 tons of plastic or nearly 75 million bottles, helping them achieve a recycling rate of nearly 75 per cent of their consumption.
“We are happy to inform you that 2023-24 will be the year when we will be recycling up to 100 per cent of the bottles we produce. Our latest step towards sustainability has been taken this year with the induction of our Electric Fleet to decarbonize the Aava Water Delivery chain today i.e. World Environment Day,” told Shiroy Mehta, Director & Promoter of Aava Natural Mineral Water.
As we commemorate World Environment Day 2023, let us celebrate the tireless efforts of these visionary entrepreneurs who are spearheading the fight against plastic pollution. Their dedication and ingenuity remind us that the business world has a vital role to play in preserving our planet for future generations. Together, through collaboration, innovation, and education, we can “Beat Plastic Pollution” and create a more sustainable and plastic-free world.
