With World Environment Day (June 5) just around the corner, we take stock of sustainability initiatives practised by corporates in and around the city
Lighting Lives
‘Lighting Lives’, the CSR project of Henkel India, has seen the installation of solar cells in three villages situated in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. Solar power thus generated has supplied electricity to the homes of 150 people as well as to the schools attended by about 1,600 children. The project will be expanded to include other villages and public facilities in the future.
Cutting-edge Green Technology
APM Terminals Inland Services South Asia, part of AP Moller Maersk, recently collaborated with Dr. Sharad Kale, Padma Shri, Scientist and Head - Nuclear, Agriculture and Biotechnology Division at BARC, Mumbai, to introduce In-situ Biodegradation, a safer, faster, more efficient way of treating the perishable cargo. For example, through this initiative APM Terminals Inland Services South Asia will be able to curtail approximately 7.5 metric tons of carbon di oxide emission per container of potatoes. Other benefits include natural decomposition which reduces the risk of emission of any poisonous gases being released in the atmosphere.
Powering up Villages
DP World Nhava Sheva, a leader in container handling, has installed a solar-powered water pumping system at Tukaram Hari Wajekar Higher Secondary School at Phunde, Uran. A solar-based grid tied power plant system has also been installed at Veer Wajekar Arts, Science and Commerce College, again in Phunde village. Over 4,000 students stand to benefit through these projects, thus indirectly reaching out to over 4,000 families in the years to come.
Cleaning up beaches
The Institute for Technology & Management (ITM) Khargar’s Eco Club is known for its several sustainability initiatives, including organising flash mobs, skits, Unnat Bharat and Jagrut Bharat Abhiyan to spread awareness about environmental concerns. Last year, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, a group of 60 students cleaned up an 800-metre stretch of beach at Chaitya Bhoomi, Shivaji Park, Dadar, after seeking permissions from the BMC and the Shivaji Park police station.
An entire Month Dedicated to Environment
April being Environmental Awareness Month across Marriott Hotels, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar conducted activities like a plantation drive, PUC drive for guests and associates and reducing the consumption of electricity on its property. These activities were conducted from April 25–30. The activities were undertaken as a continuous commitment towards a green sustainable future. The business mandate at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar involves green and environment preservation practices.
Tapping Rainwater
Through Project Asha, Siemens has been improving the living conditions of the rural community in the tribal hamlets of Mokhada and Palghar. Under this project, Siemens has installed solar power stations for electricity for home use, solar-driven irrigation pumps for fields, community water filters for potable water and agriculture support for improved livelihood. In addition, rainwater harvesting initiatives by Siemens in Mokhada Block and Marathwada have increased the capacity of water reservoirs through various watershed interventions, ground water recharging and strengthening the existing water system.
Special mention: Products with a Conscience
HomeStop is giving its customers a chance to give back to the planet by introducing the ‘Back to Earth’ collection. It offers eco-friendly items across categories such as home décor, storage solutions, kitchen accessories, furniture and bed and bath accessories, amongst others. The products are made from environment-sensitive materials such as recycled wood, dead wood, recycled paper, bamboo, jute, natural fibre and organic cotton.
Join hands for the greens: Step up for the Mangroves
A human chain will be organised by Save Our Land on June 5 at Malad Marve Road, near St. Anthony's Church, Malwani, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The organisers are hoping that this activity will raise awareness about the mindless destruction of mangroves. The event is supported by Watchdog Foundation, Bombay East Indian Association, Sahar Citizens Forum and Guardians United.
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