Mahindra Group joins BMC to fight plastic pollution
30 May 2018
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The Mahindra Group, in collaboration with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has, undertaken a drive to build awareness about the impact of plastic and to collect plastic waste.
This is a part of Mahindra's sustainability efforts, as environment forms a critical element of Mahindra Group’s focus from a business and social good perspective.
More than 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated in India every day, of which 6,000 tonnes remain uncollected and littered.
Mumbai generates 7,500 metric tons of waste every day, of which nearly 9 per cent is plastic waste according to a 2014 study.
Kiran SDighavkar, assistant commissioner, BMC, said, “This is a great source of encouragement. Such associations result in better implementation and outcome. Plastic pollution is a rising concern and BMC needs the support from corporates and the public at large to address it.
"Human beings, wildlife, land and waterways are under serious threat due to plastic pollution which has various adverse impacts on their existence.”
Given the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, the World Environment Day this year is themed around “Beat Plastic Pollution”, with India being the host country.
Run across all locations in Maharashtra, this drive was initiated on 22 May and will culminate on World Environment Day (5 June).
Over 150 kgs of single-use plastic have been collected by Mahindra Group, which the BMC, will responsibly reprocess into useful products.
Mahindra has also partnered with NGO Goonj for recycling other forms of plastic. Mahindra Group aims to encourage its employees to give up single use plastic and is reaching out to, its employees across the state, to take the initiative.
To instill a fundamental behavioral change towards plastic pollution and the environment, Mahindra also educates local communities about plastic pollution. For this, the group, under its Rise for Good initiative, has also brought on board artistes from Vishwa Cine Productions Pvt. Ltd. to perform a street play at the BDD Chawl.
Anirban Ghosh, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mahindra Group said, “We enjoy the convenience of plastic bags but must also take note of the havoc it causes to the environment. The destruction of ocean ecosystems, threat to lives of cattle and pollution of public spaces must be stopped."
