As the world unites to celebrate World Environment Day 2024, numerous brands and organizations are stepping up with significant initiatives aimed at land restoration, combating desertification, and enhancing drought resilience. As the world grapples with the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation, leaders across various industries are stepping up to drive significant positive change. Through innovative approaches and dedicated efforts, these organizations demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to secure a resilient future for generations to come. Here’s a roundup of notable efforts from diverse sectors:
Dikshu Kukreja, a renowned urban planner and architect in India, emphasizes the critical need for prioritizing land restoration and combating desertification. His approach involves integrating sustainable initiatives such as efficient irrigation systems, water recycling and conservation, innovative soil regeneration techniques, and reforesting degraded lands. Kukreja’s projects, like Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay in West Bengal and Pathways School in Gurugram, serve as exemplary models of how sustainable practices can be effectively employed. His work underscores the importance of corporate efforts in driving environmental sustainability and enhancing community well-being.
Coca-Cola India: Pioneering Water Security
The Coca-Cola Company’s 2030 Water Security Strategy underscores its commitment to sustainable water management. With over 150 community water conservation projects across India, Coca-Cola India has positively impacted 750 villages and over 10 lakh people. These initiatives have replenished more than 200% of the water used in their operations. Coca-Cola India’s efforts earned them the National Water Award 2022.
L’Oréal India: Green Pathways Initiative
L’Oréal India’s Green Pathways project in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, has restored over 2,500 hectares of degraded land, benefiting 1800 farmer families. “We have increased the region’s water storage capacity by over 150 million liters,” said a L’Oréal India spokesperson, emphasizing the project’s role in boosting farmers’ incomes and empowering women.
Mondelez India: Cocoa Agroforestry Program
Mondelez India’s ‘Shubh Aarambh’ program supports sustainable agriculture in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. “We are converting defunct wells into injection wells to effectively replenish underground water tables,” said Ophira Bhatia, Senior Director, India & Lead, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Corporate & Government Affairs. This has shown promising results, especially in Andhra Pradesh’s Pedavegi area.
The Body Shop: Community Fair Trade and Plastics for Change
Harmeet Singh, VP, Product, Marketing and Digital, The Body Shop, Asia South, highlighted the brand’s sustainable efforts. “Our Community Fair Trade (CFT) program supports sustainable farming. Our partnership with Plastics For Change has sourced recycled plastic from waste collectors in Bengaluru, ensuring fair wages and better working conditions for over 2,000 collectors.”
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB): Lake Restoration Projects
HCCB has restored two pivotal lakes in Karnataka, addressing challenges like siltation and invasive vegetation. Their initiatives include de-weeding, desilting, and establishing groundwater recharge wells, significantly revitalizing local agricultural landscapes.
ITC Savlon: Sustainable Hygiene Solutions
ITC Savlon has introduced products like Savlon Powdered Handwash, which features a much lower footprint compared to conventional liquid handwash. Their Recycled Packaging Initiative uses 70% recycled plastic material in packaging, setting a new standard in the industry.
Perona: Project Samarth
Perona’s Project Samarth focuses on education for the children of workers. The initiative offers career and educational counseling, scholarships, and vocational training. “Perona products are manufactured in a safe, fair, and equal working environment,” reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
OPPO India: Technology for a Greener Future
“On this World Environment Day, I am proud to reaffirm OPPO India’s commitment to sustainability,” said Rakesh Bhardwaj, Head of Public Affairs. OPPO’s initiatives include the Battery Health Engine and the ‘3R+1D’ green packaging initiative, aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Embassy Group: EcoGram Initiative
Shaina Ganapthy, Head of Community Outreach, emphasized the practical and results-oriented approach of EcoGram, which includes lake revitalization, water recycling, and conservation efforts, creating a replicable model for sustainable communities.
Beforest Lifestyle Solutions: Permaculture and Rewilding
Sunith Reddy, CEO, highlighted Beforest’s permaculture initiatives, restoring arid land to productive food forests, demonstrating a high level of passion and commitment to environmental restoration.
ITC Hotels: Leading Green Hospitality
ITC Hotels, with 23 LEED Platinum properties, are pioneers in integrating luxury with sustainability. “We continue to create world-class luxury experiences in harmony with the environment,” said HC Vinayaka, Vice President – Technical, EHS and Sustainability.
Reliance Retail (Fashion & Lifestyle): Sustainable Denim
Jayesh Sali, Head of Marketing, shared the launch of the world’s first jeans made of recycled cigarette butts by Lee Cooper, a significant step towards sustainable fashion.
PepsiCo India: Regenerative Agriculture and Water Stewardship
PepsiCo India’s Lay’s Biochar Project and Sustainable Water Resource Development and Management (SWRDM) program showcase their commitment to sustainable farming and water conservation.
Bisleri: Comprehensive Sustainability Initiatives
“At Bisleri, we are committed to sustainable business,” said K. Ganesh, Director Sustainability & Corporate Affairs. The Bisleri Greener Promise campaign includes plastic management, recycling, and water conservation, aiming to create a sustainable future.
ITC Maurya: Pioneering Responsible Luxury
“ITC Maurya’s achievement of LEED Zero Water certification is groundbreaking,” said Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North). The hotel integrates world-class luxury with sustainable practices, including water recycling and rainwater harvesting.
Colgate-Palmolive India: Water Neutrality
Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director – ESG & Communications, highlighted their water augmentation programs that have achieved water neutrality in three plants and replenished over 400 million liters of water, impacting over 100,000 beneficiaries.
Diageo India: Nature-Based Solutions
“As part of Diageo India’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress ESG action plan, we support landscape restoration through Nature-based Solutions,” said Navdeep Singh Mehram, VP-CSR & Sustainability. Their initiatives include water replenishment ecosystems and regenerative agriculture.
ITC Maratha, Mumbai: Comprehensive Environmental Initiatives
Amitava Bhattacharya, Head of Technical Services, emphasized initiatives like extensive tree plantation and rainwater harvesting to ensure land restoration and sustainable water use.
Pizza Hut India: Leading the Way in Water Conservation
Pizza Hut India is actively engaged in water conservation efforts across its restaurants. A notable example is the restaurant in Mahim, Mumbai, where the implementation of eco-friendly practices such as rainwater harvesting, low flow rate taps, and washroom fixtures, along with the reuse of RO wastewater for cleaning, has resulted in saving 3.9 lakh litres of water annually. This initiative is part of Pizza Hut’s broader commitment to long-term sustainability, reflecting a proactive approach to driving positive change for both business and the planet.
Tata Consumer Products: Mobilizing Action Against Climate Change
Puneet Das, President of Packaged Beverages at Tata Consumer Products, highlights the company’s dedication to combating climate change through the Tata Tea Jaago Re campaign. Since 2007, Jaago Re has evolved from a campaign into a movement, addressing critical social issues such as corruption and COVID-19 awareness. The latest edition of the campaign focuses on climate change, encouraging consumers to visit Jaagore.com for simple, actionable ways to contribute to environmental preservation. Das stresses the importance of individual contributions in the fight against climate change, advocating for sustainable living and support for responsible businesses to ensure a thriving world for future generations.
Godrej & Boyce: Innovating to Prevent Land Degradation
Godrej & Boyce is tackling land degradation through several innovative processes and initiatives. By reducing hazardous waste generation by 52% and diverting over 99% of their waste from landfills, the company exemplifies responsible business practices. Their initiatives include establishing integrated municipal solid waste recycling facilities, recycling plastics and other wastes through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, and adopting a robust 5R approach—Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover—in manufacturing. These efforts have prevented approximately 24,000 metric tonnes of garbage from reaching Mumbai’s landfills, mitigating methane emissions and soil contamination. Godrej & Boyce aims to further reduce hazardous and non-hazardous waste by 25% and achieve 100% recyclable plastic packaging by 2031-32.
Their initiatives not only address immediate environmental concerns but also pave the way for a sustainable and resilient future. As these leaders continue to innovate and implement eco-friendly practices, they set a powerful example for other organizations and individuals to follow, reinforcing the collective responsibility towards preserving our planet.
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