Earth Day 2024 is celebrated annually on April 22. (Image: Shutterstock)
As we commemorate World Earth Day, let us celebrate the efforts of these companies and reaffirm our commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
On the occasion of World Earth Day, it’s heartening to witness a growing number of companies making significant strides towards sustainability, embodying the spirit of environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. From reducing plastic waste to promoting renewable energy and embracing eco-conscious initiatives, these organizations are leading the charge in protecting our planet for future generations.
Coca-Cola India, in partnership with India’s largest retailer, Reliance Retail, has launched the “Bhool Na Jana, Plastic Bottle Lautana” initiative. This collaborative effort aims to address the issue of post-consumer PET bottle waste by installing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) and collection bins in Reliance Retail stores. By incentivizing consumers with discounts on Coca-Cola products in exchange for used PET bottles, the initiative not only encourages recycling but also contributes to the vision of a circular economy.
Meanwhile, Flipkart, one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms, has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts within the retail sector. Having achieved the complete elimination of single-use plastic from its supply chain in 2021, Flipkart continues to prioritize responsible sourcing of sustainable packaging materials. Through initiatives like Flipkart Green, an online store dedicated to environmentally and socially sustainable products, the company aims to empower conscious consumers and promote sustainable consumption habits.
KFC India has also made significant commitments to sustainability, particularly in reducing plastic usage and transitioning to recyclable and compostable packaging materials. Moksh Chopra, our General Manager at KFC India & Partner Countries, says, “By partnering with franchisees, suppliers, and industry stakeholders, KFC India is on track to achieve 100% sustainable packaging by 2025, setting a high standard for the quick-service restaurant industry.”
Tetra Pak South Asia’s “Go Green with Tetra Pak” program exemplifies the importance of community involvement in sustainable initiatives. Juhi Gupta, Head, Sustainability, Tetra Pak South Asia, says, “Another impactful initiative, Alag Karo, in partnership with NGO Saahas in the NCR, champions the promotion of 3-way waste segregation at the source. This collaborative effort has resulted in a remarkable diversion of 60 tonnes of waste per day from landfills—organic waste is composted or processed into biogas, while dry waste is sorted and sent for recycling.” This program has demonstrated substantial social value, generating INR 2.77 and INR 2.95 for every INR 1 invested in its first and second phases, respectively.
Zoomcar, a pioneer in shared mobility solutions, is revolutionizing urban transportation with its focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and car-sharing platforms. With over 170,000 EV bookings to date and plans for further expansion, Zoomcar is not only reducing carbon emissions but also promoting a shift towards sustainable transportation options.
Lastly, BACARDÍ, a global leader in the spirits industry, is championing sustainability in event management and consumer engagement. By adopting reusable and compostable materials at their events and eliminating single-use plastics, BACARDÍ is setting a new standard for responsible celebration, inspiring both consumers and industry peers to embrace sustainable practices.
These initiatives collectively demonstrate the power of corporate responsibility and collaborative action in tackling environmental challenges. As we commemorate World Earth Day, let us celebrate the efforts of these companies and reaffirm our commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
