CSR And Waste Management

India's first garbage cafe is a unique concept that aims to tackle the issue of waste management and promote sustainability. The concept involves using recycled or repurposed materials to create a cafe where customers can exchange their plastic waste for a free meal or a discounted price on their food. The idea behind the garbage cafe is to encourage people to reduce their plastic consumption and promote recycling. Customers bring in a certain amount of plastic waste, which is then weighed and exchanged for food or beverages. The collected plastic waste is then sent for recycling or used for other purposes, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes the environment. The garbage cafe not only helps in waste management but also raises awareness about the importance of recycling and reducing plastic waste. It serves as a platform to educate people about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and encourages them to adopt more sustainable practices. India's first garbage cafe, located in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, was launched in 2019 and has gained attention and appreciation for its innovative approach to waste management. The success of this initiative has inspired similar projects in other parts of the country, with the hope of creating a positive impact on the environment and promoting a sustainable future. comment your opinion on this.

Today is World Cleanup Day. One particular type of waste is the fastest growing one - e-waste. Over 50 million tons of e-waste are generated each year globally, with less than 20% being properly recycled. The environmental and health impacts are alarming—harmful chemicals pollute our air, soil, and water. Businesses can make a big difference - here's how: 1️⃣ Adopt a Circular Economy: Design products for durability, repair, and recycling. Keep electronic devices in the loop longer! 2️⃣ E-Waste Recycling Programs: Partner with certified e-waste recycling companies to ensure proper disposal and recovery of valuable materials. 3️⃣ Go Digital: Reduce paper use and unnecessary hardware purchases by leveraging cloud storage and digital collaboration tools. 4️⃣ Employee Awareness: Encourage responsible e-waste management among your workforce—host e-waste collection drives or offer incentives for recycling old devices! #ReduceEWaste #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #GreenTech #EcoFriendlyBusinesses

Inspiring Change to Fight Human Trafficking Human trafficking is a dark stain on our society, a crime that preys on the vulnerable and exploits their most basic rights. Yet, in the face of this daunting challenge, there are individuals and organizations around the world working tirelessly to inspire change, shining a light on the path to a world free from human trafficking. What are they doing? Raising Awareness: One of the most powerful tools in the battle against human trafficking is awareness. People like you and me, becoming informed and sharing information, are the first steps towards change. Awareness campaigns, documentaries, and grassroots initiatives have ignited a spark that fuels the fight against trafficking. Advocacy and Policy Change: Change often begins at the legislative level. Advocates and organizations have successfully pushed for stronger anti-trafficking laws, tougher penalties for perpetrators, and better support systems for survivors. Your voice can be instrumental in driving these changes further. Support for Survivors: Survivors of human trafficking often face a long and difficult road to recovery. Many organizations provide vital support services, including counseling, safe housing, and job training. Your contributions to these organizations can make a significant difference. Education and Prevention: Preventing human trafficking is as crucial as combatting it. Educating vulnerable communities and empowering them with knowledge can act as a deterrent. Support initiatives that work to prevent trafficking before it happens. Technological Solutions: In our digital age, technology can be harnessed for good. Apps and websites have been developed to help identify and report suspicious activities. Personal Vigilance: Never underestimate the power of individual actions. You can make a difference by being vigilant in your own community. If you see something that looks suspicious, report it. Your vigilance could save lives. Inspiring Stories: Sometimes, it's the survivors themselves who inspire the most change. Their stories of resilience and courage serve as powerful testimonials. By amplifying their voices, you can inspire hope and resilience. Volunteer and Donate: Many organizations are doing remarkable work to combat human trafficking. They need your support, whether it's through volunteering, skills, or making financial contributions. Never Give Up: The battle against human trafficking can be disheartening and overwhelming, but we must persevere. Change takes time, but it is possible. By staying committed, spreading awareness, and supporting the countless individuals and organizations working to end trafficking, we can create a brighter, trafficking-free future. Let us unite our efforts, work together, and never stop fighting for a world where every individual can live a life free from the chains of exploitation and fear. #linkedinforcreators LinkedIn for Creators #humantrafficking #modernslavery #india    

Disability is like any other complex relationship, filled with highs and lows. Some days are easy, some days are challenging, and some days we triumph over societal barriers—lack of access, accommodations, empathy, or compassion. And then there are days when we’re simply too exhausted to fight and need time to recoup. We don’t owe anyone 24/7 optimism, even during Disability Pride Month, but that doesn’t mean our lives hold any less value. My entrepreneurial father Craig Honick once told me, “Advocate so well you put yourself out of business.” It’s a lofty goal I still think about often. Ideally, we’d live in a world where disability awareness is ingrained in our societal fabric. But we’re not there yet. So, we fight. The progress we’ve made excites us, but the fight is exhausting, and we feel it deeply. As the calendar flips to a new month, we’ll still be here, fighting, and we’ll still be disabled. Throughout this month, I and other advocates have spotlighted daily examples of our community’s struggle for basic equity and inclusion. But awareness without action is empty. Now that you’re aware of the struggles, what are you going to do? Too often, our voices are drowned out by our non-disabled peers. So here’s our ask: pass the mic when you can, amplify our stories, and when you see something wrong, speak up. We need your allyship not just in July, but all year long. Emily Ladau put it best on the latest episode of The Accessible Stall podcast: “Sometimes I just don’t feel like practicing [Disability Pride]. I’m exhausted.” This sentiment resonates deeply. Pride in our disability is indeed an ongoing practice, a muscle that needs stretching. Awareness is step one. What will you do to be a better ally once the spotlight dims? Here are some actionable steps to support disability advocacy and inclusion: • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the issues facing the disability community and share this knowledge with those around you. • Amplify Disabled Voices: Use your platform to highlight the stories and experiences of disabled individuals. Folks like Kristen Parisi, Tiffany A. Yu, MSc, Alexa Heinrich, Marisa Hamamoto, Margaux Joffe, CPACC, 🦻 Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf), Keely Cat-Wells, Julie Harris, Jamie Shields, Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC, Donna Cruz Jones, Sheri Byrne-Haber (disabled) and so many others who do amazing work. • Advocate for Accessibility: Push for accessible practices in your workplace, community, and beyond. Accessibility benefits everyone. • Offer Genuine Support: Ask disabled people what support looks like for them and follow through. • Speak Up: When you see discrimination or inaccessibility, don’t stay silent. Use your voice to advocate for change. Let’s move beyond just awareness. Let’s take action together to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Your allyship matters every day. #DisabilityPride #Inclusion #Equity #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #Allyship #DisabilityAdvocacy #ADA34

Sparkling lights, vibrant sarees, delicious food. Celebrations in India are a kaleidoscope of joy.  Be it weddings, festivals, or the birth of a child, we leave no opportunity to memorialize special events. But beneath these happy moments is an environmental enemy: mountains of disposable plastic. India generates over 25,000 tons of plastic waste every day. That’s enough to fill the Taj Mahal 20 times over!   A staggering 92% of this plastic ends up littering our streets and waterways, as it’s discarded without being recycled. Not surprisingly, weddings, with their heaps of disposable plates and utensils, are major contributors. And given its affordability and convenience, plastic crockery is the go-to option for most families. Many villages across India have been trying to do something about it. One of them is 𝘓𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘪 𝘈𝘩𝘪𝘳, a small village in Rajasthan – trading plastic for steel and convenience for community spirit. Enter: The Bartan Bank This community initiative provides villagers with free steel crockery for their events. Such a simple act, but this act has had a clear environmental impact: ▶️ Dozens of plastic-free weddings ▶️ Thousands of plates, spoons, forks, and bowls saved from landfills ▶️ Revived spirit of sharing, community, and consciousness of wastage. Remember those days when borrowing a cup of sugar meant knocking on your neighbour's door, or shouting across the wall “can I borrow...?” Led by 'Hockey Wali Sarpanch' Neeru Yadav who came on 𝘒𝘢𝘶𝘯 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘨𝘢 𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪, the Bartan Bank brings back that human connection. In a world where disposable culture has seeped into the fabric of everyday life, this initiative draws inspiration from India's past: where borrowing utensils from neighbours and relatives during celebrations was a symbol of community cooperation and shared memories. What other innovative solutions can we use to reshape our communities for the better? Image credit: Asian News International (ANI) #Innovation #India #sustainability #environment #Waste

Materials in Motion. Sustainability remains the hottest topic across the packaging value chain. With climate change becoming a global challenge, it's no longer a trend but a packaging expectation. It's time for brands to step up and do what's best for the good of their brand and the environment. Designers have become a driving force in this movement, connecting science and big ideas to drive change. At the heart of this transformation are next-gen materials—a multi-billion-pound opportunity. Materials are derived from sustainably sourced plants, algae, fungi (especially mycelium, a root-like structure of many fungal species), microbes, cultured animal cells, recycled plastic, textile feedstock, and other sustainable sources. Biomimicry approaches have been used by designers to replicate the positive aesthetic and performance properties of incumbent materials, while eliminating their negative externalities. "Packioli" is a great example—biodegradable soap packaging made from artichoke leaves and pea pods. Alara Ertenü, an industrial design student, brilliantly repurposed agricultural waste from local artichoke farms in Turkey—one person's agricultural waste is another's perfectly suitable biopolymer feedstock. Waste is freeze-dried and blended with natural ingredients, creating a sustainable material in just four days. This includes artichoke leaves, pea pods, water, vegetable glycerin, and alginic acid from brown algae. Packioli is not only water-resistant for up to a week but also features an easy-tear opening. Its versatile material can be shaped for various purposes and biodegrades in just 10 to 15 days. However, amid the influx of new materials, navigating this intricate landscape can be challenging. Emerging materials bring with them a host of questions. What are the upstream impacts of sourcing and manufacturing these alternative materials ? What about the environmental impact? How do you pick the right material for the job? It's a puzzle, for sure. The key is to align the material's function, performance, and characteristics with recycling infrastructure capabilities. Nature's certainly got some mind-blowing materials up her sleeve, especially for packaging. Could these innovations be the big break brands have been waiting for? The journey of discovery unfolds... #packagingdesign #sustainablepackaging #sustainability #sustainabledesign #productdesign 📷Alara Ertenü

3.3 million sanitary pads, 5,000 metres of leather, 50 houses … all made from what we once threw away. A new wave of material innovation may well be transforming waste into sustainable products that could be worth billions. In recent months, I’ve been tracking enterprises rooted in material innovation — not just because they are climate-forward, but because they demonstrate what's possible when design, local sourcing, and business sense come together. Here’s what I found … → Bliss Naturals (Coimbatore) – Using kenaf fibre (a pickle-making staple) to create sanitary napkins. These napkins are 143 times less carbon-intensive than traditional ones. What began as a college project now boasts 3.3 million units sold. Their customer retention rate is 80%. → The Bio Company (Surat) – Transforming tomato waste into biodegradable, PU-free leather. India, the world’s second-largest tomato producer, grows 44 M tons annually. The company transforms 30–35% of this (around 13M tons of waste) into 5,000 metres of leather every month. This addresses both fashion and agricultural waste simultaneously. → Hexpressions (Jaipur) – Building cement-free homes using honeycomb panels made from recycled paper and fly ash. They’re built without cement and with local labour. They’re fireproof, waterproof, and shock-absorbent. They have an 80% lower environmental impact compared to conventional construction. However, these innovations face significant challenges … 📍 Biodegradable materials often have higher production costs and face raw material constraints. 📍 Despite growing consumer demand, regulatory hurdles and limited consumer awareness remain obstacles. At the same time, the sustainable materials market is projected to grow from $357 B in 2025 to $800 B by 2032 (Coherent Market Insights, 2023). In closing, these businesses may not just be solving today’s waste problem. They may well be designing the foundation for tomorrow’s new materials economy. P.S. What other sustainable alternatives like these have caught your attention lately? #MaterialInnovation #CircularEconomy #ClimateEntrepreneurship #Sustainability

🌊 Seaweed based Packaging: Can We Scale It Up in a Sustainable Way? 🌿 Many startups worldwide are developing innovative seaweed-based packaging solutions. In this post, I will explore the exciting potential of these materials and the challenges that lie ahead. Here's why seaweed is making waves in the world of sustainable packaging: 1. Biodegradability: Unlike traditional plastics, seaweed is naturally biodegradable. It breaks down into harmless substances quickly, reducing waste and environmental impact. 2. Renewable Resource: Seaweed grows rapidly without requiring land, freshwater, or fertilizers, making it a sustainable choice compared to petroleum-based plastics. 3. Versatility: From edible wrappers to biodegradable films and coatings, seaweed offers a range of applications that can replace conventional packaging materials. 4. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Seaweed cultivation absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint. However, scaling seaweed-based packaging sustainably presents several challenges and opportunities: 1. Sustainable Cultivation: Implementing responsible harvesting practices and choosing optimal locations for seaweed farms are essential to protect marine ecosystems and ensure resource availability. 2. Technology and Innovation: Advancements in processing technologies and material development are key to improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of seaweed-based packaging. 3. Economic Viability: To compete with conventional plastics, seaweed-based packaging must be economically viable. This involves optimizing production processes and boosting market demand. 4. Regulatory and Policy Support: Establishing standards and regulations for seaweed packaging, along with providing incentives for its adoption, can drive growth and ensure quality. 5. Environmental Impact Monitoring: Conducting life cycle assessments and monitoring the impact of seaweed farms on marine ecosystems are crucial for maintaining sustainability. 6. Collaboration and Partnerships: Industry collaboration and ongoing research are vital for overcoming challenges and scaling seaweed-based packaging effectively. In summary, while seaweed presents a promising alternative to plastic, scaling its use sustainably requires a multifaceted approach. By focusing on sustainable practices, technological innovation, economic factors, and collaboration, we can work towards an eco-friendlier future. 🌍💡 #sustainability #seaweed #ecofriendly #packaginginnovation #plasticalternatives #greentech Image description: Agari Bottle - crafted from agar, a seaweed-derived material, this innovative bottle design rapidly biodegrades, leaving virtually no trace. Credit: Iceland Academy of the Arts.

#GovardhanEcovillage, a spiritual community based on #ISKCON teachings, is not just the ideal spiritual pathway to discover one’s innermost self using the time honoured snaps of Ayurveda, Yoga & Meditation embracing the elements of natural harmony for a journey of inner awakening & transformation GEV is also a #UN awarded pioneering institution dedicated to sustainability & environmental conservation, striving to set up a role model village, nested in an ecological infrastructure amidst a picturesque landscape of the Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra One of GEV’s paramount objectives is aligning with the UN’s #SDG of ensuring access to affordable, reliable & sustainable energy for all GEV’s key sustainability initiatives 🌱Organic Farming Use of 100% natural in-house produced organic fertilizers, insecticides & pesticides for all its farming & agricultural practices using Permanent Raised bed & Ten Drum technology Impact– 1300+ farmers are trained & helped for organic farming across 82 villages 🍛Food Distribution Free full lunch food and meal prasadam for villagers & day visitors Impact– 5.6+ lakhs Annakshetra full prasadam distributed in 2022-23 💧Water Conservation Its rainwater harvesting pond serve a dual purpose of groundwater recharge & water storage to ensure a sustainable & reliable water supply while replenishing the local aquifers ♻️Waste Management Solid: Includes Organic Waste Composting Plant, Cowdung Vermicompost, Agriculture Compost & Plastic Pyrolysis Plant Water: Includes IIT Bombay patented nature-based solution for treating wastewater as resource for agriculture. And 22 m3 Biogas Plants to efficiently convert organic wastes from Goshala into clean energy Impact– Everyday 700+ kgs of food & vegetable and agriculture waste along with cow dung gets converted to nutritious compost. Plastic wastes get converted into oil, which is used in-house as fuel 🌞Energy Conservation 300 KW Solar Power installations producing green energy significantly reduce its reliance on conventional energy sources and lower carbon footprint Impact– 1000+ unit of solar every generated daily. In year 2022-23, 55% of the energy is met by Solar, contributing excess energy back to the grid 🏡Green Building Eco-friendly building construction practices that reduce carbon emissions and preserve natural resources. Received GRIHA 5-Star rating, IGBC Platinum rating for Green Buliding, UN Award Impact– 2.9 lakh sq ft of CSEB block green buildings in GEV premises ✨Biodiversity Conservation 15-acre Vrindävana forest has 100s of species of birds, butterflies & plants. Safe & caring shelter for horses, donkeys, sheeps & goats along with Goshala having 100+ cows to promote animal welfare. In-house nursery boasting 100+ plant variety, playing a vital role in reforestation efforts & beautification of GEV. GEV truly stands as a shining example of a harmonious blend between #spirituality & #sustainability. What’s your key takeaway from GEV?

4 months into my first sustainability job, and I can't believe more companies aren't doing life cycle analysis. I regularly analyse products from start to finish - raw materials, manufacturing, transport, use, and disposal. The insights are eye-opening. Here's what I've learned: Life cycle analysis reveals hidden environmental impacts that companies frequently miss. It can identify cost-saving opportunities and carbon emission hotspots that often go unnoticed. It helps create better products that customers actually want! On the surface, the process isn't complicated: 1. Collect data from supplier/manufacturer 2. Input materials, processes and waste management 3. Analyse and understand impact categories 4. Find improvement opportunities 5. Implement changes Small changes make big differences. One of our recent projects reduced water usage by over 90% AND decreased CO2 by over 50% just by changing the material (yes, I couldn’t believe it either). Don't wait for regulations to force your hand. Start analysing your products now. The data is there, the methods are proven, and the benefits are clear.