"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#SustainableIndia

Good News

Wrapping Up a Greener Future: Mariel's Ease Wrap Revolutionizes Notebook Covers

Mariel Susan Alexander, a 15-year-old Class 10 student from Thiruvananthapuram, has created a game-changing solution to reduce plastic waste in schools. Her brainchild, 'Ease Wrap', is a plastic-free notebook cover made from virgin kraft papers with a biocoating derived from vegetable oil, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic-coated brown papers.The Birth of a Brilliant IdeaMariel's journey began with a realization that plastic-coated brown papers were not only harming the environment but also posing health risks to children. Determined to find a solution, she developed Ease Wrap, which is perfectly sized for each book, eliminating the need for measuring and cutting. This ingenious design makes it a time-saving and efficient option for students.Ease Wrap: The Eco-Friendly SolutionEase Wrap is an example to Mariel's creativity and commitment to sustainability. The biocoating made from vegetable oil ensures that the paper remains durable and resistant to wear and tear, much like plastic-coated papers. What's more, the production process is environmentally friendly, and the product itself is biodegradable. With Ease Wrap, students can now protect their books without contributing to the staggering 24 tons of plastic waste generated by traditional brown papers in Kerala each year. Mariel's initiative, 'Gen Z Nova', has already generated a revenue of Rs 10 lakh since its launch in February. The project received a significant boost after being launched by Minister Muhammad Riyas and writer Benyamin at DYFI's startup event, 'Mawazo'. With its growing popularity, Ease Wrap is set to be available online priced between Rs 8 to Rs 12, making it an affordable option for students across the state.Inspiring a New GenerationMariel's achievement serves as a shining example of innovation and sustainability. As a student at Kazhakkoottam St Thomas Public School, she has proven that age is no barrier to making a difference. With the support of her family, including her mother Lini, who started ByLin Medtech, and Varsya Eco Solutions, Mariel is poised to make a lasting impact on the environment. Looking ahead, it’s heartening to see how simple ideas—like Mariel’s Ease Wrap—can spark meaningful change. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of what passion, creativity, and determination can achieve. Thanks to her innovation, students now have the chance to make small, conscious choices that help the planet—starting with something as everyday as a notebook cover. As Ease Wrap continues to grow and inspire, Mariel’s story gives us hope for a more sustainable future—led by young minds with big dreams.Ease Wrap: The Details- Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large- Price: Rs 8 to Rs 12- Material: Virgin kraft papers with biocoating made from vegetable oil

25 Apr 2025
Good News

How Surat Became the World’s First City to Trade Particulate Pollution — and Win!

The city of Surat in Gujarat, India, has been a hub of industrial activity for decades, but with it came a significant increase in air pollution. To combat this issue, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) launched the Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2019, a pioneering market-based approach to reduce particulate matter emissions. The scheme allows industries to buy and sell permits for emissions, providing a financial incentive for them to reduce their pollution levels.How the Scheme WorksThe Surat ETS is a cap-and-trade system, where industries are allocated a certain number of permits based on their emissions potential. Those that stay within their limits can sell their unused permits to others that exceed their limits. This approach has been used in Europe for greenhouse gases and in China for carbon emissions, but the Surat ETS is the world's first-ever market for trading in particulate matter emissions. A recent study published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics found that the plants participating in the ETS reduced particulate matter emissions by 20-30% while lowering pollution control costs by 11%. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago, Yale University, and the University of Warwick, used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of the scheme. The results showed that plants in the ETS had permits to cover their emissions 99% of the time, compared to plants outside the market, which failed to meet pollution norms for nearly a third of the study period.The BenefitsAccording to Michael Greenstone, study co-author and Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics at the University of Chicago, “The market delivered a rare win-win-win by reducing pollution, decreasing abatement costs, and raising the government's success at enforcing the law.” The success of the Surat ETS has far-reaching implications for environmental policy in India and beyond. The scheme has already been expanded to include plants originally left out of the pilot experiment, and a second market has been launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat's largest city and a major industrial hub. The research team is working with other Indian states to develop statewide markets for sulfur dioxide emissions and providing strategic advice to several other Indian state governments.Rohini Pande, study co-author and Professor of Economics at Yale University, notes, “The exciting part of the emissions trading scheme that we did for particulate matter is that it provides a proof of concept that even in a setting with lower state capacity, a compliance market can work, and often will outperform the command-and-control approach.”Key Takeaways- The Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) has reduced particulate matter emissions by 20-30% among participating industries.- The scheme has lowered pollution control costs by 11% for participating industries.- The ETS has improved compliance, with plants holding enough permits to cover their emissions 99% of the time.- The success of the Surat ETS has implications for environmental policy in India and beyond.The Surat ETS is a groundbreaking initiative that has shown that market-based approaches can be effective in reducing pollution while promoting economic growth. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, innovative solutions like the Surat ETS can provide valuable lessons for policymakers and industries alike.

17 Apr 2025
Good News

Bengaluru's Metro Medians Get a Green Makeover: Compost Gardens

Imagine zipping through Bengaluru’s bustling metro lines and catching sight of vibrant green gardens blooming in the middle of concrete medians. In an exciting move towards urban sustainability, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has joined hands with Pelican Kenterra and Wipro Foundation to roll out India’s first soil-less, compost-based gardens along metro corridors. Not only do these lush green pockets add beauty to the cityscape, but they also champion a powerful environmental cause—reducing soil mining from farmlands and mountains, curbing construction waste dumping, and creating a sustainable outlet for compost use.A Sustainable Solution for Waste ManagementThe project involves collecting reject compost and garden waste including fallen palm tree leaves and garden clippings from residential communities and commercial establishments. This waste is then used to create a soil-less gardening material using proprietary technology. Eco-friendly microbial inoculants help decompose the waste and convert it into nutrient-rich, low-salinity planting material that's ideal for growing plants without soil. The result is a vibrant and thriving garden that not only beautifies the metro medians but also provides a sustainable solution for waste management. The project's success has been evident in the 100-metre trial stretch installed by Kenterra near the Manjunath Nagar metro station, where over 20 metric tonnes of compost were used to fill the medians between five pillars.Transforming Metro Medians into Green SpacesKenterra's innovative approach to compost gardening has transformed the metro medians into lush green spaces. The company's proprietary technology has enabled the creation of a soil-less gardening material that is not only sustainable but also aesthetically pleasing. The gardens are planted with ornamental plants, adding a touch of beauty to the metro medians. The success of the trial stretch has led to the BMRCL allotting an additional five kilometres of metro medians between HSR Layout and Bellandur for compost gardening.The BMRCL's commitment to sustainability is evident in its collaboration with Pelican Kenterra and Wipro Foundation. The project's focus on reducing soil mining and promoting sustainable waste management practices aligns with the BMRCL's core goal of promoting efficient public transport, reducing private vehicle use, and ultimately lowering emissions. A BMRCL spokesperson said, "We never imagined that our medians could serve as a solution for waste management in the city. The BMRCL is committed to supporting such green initiatives."A New Era in Urban PlanningThe compost gardening project in Bengaluru's metro medians marks a new era in urban planning. By incorporating sustainable practices and innovative technologies, the project has transformed the metro medians into vibrant green spaces. The project's success has the potential to be replicated in other cities, providing a model for sustainable urban planning. As cities continue to grow and develop, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

14 Apr 2025
Good News

India’s Climate Win: A 33% Drop in Emissions Intensity!

In a groundbreaking achievement, India has successfully reduced its emissions rate by a staggering 33% over the past 14 years. This impressive feat not only puts India on track to meet its United Nations goal of reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 but also sets a shining example for the rest of the world to follow. A Decade of ProgressBetween 2005 and 2019, India's rate of emissions intensity  the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted for every unit increase of gross domestic product (GDP) – fell by 33%. This remarkable decline is a proof to the country's concerted efforts to promote renewable energy generation and increase forest cover. As of 2019, forests and trees covered a whopping 24.56% of India, spanning over 80.73 million hectares.India's push towards renewable energy has been a key factor in its emissions reduction success story. The government's initiatives to promote non-fossil generation and target emissions in industrial, automotive, and energy sectors have yielded impressive results. Today, non-fossil fuel-based power accounts for 25.3% of India's total power generation, up from 24.6% three years earlier. A Win-Win SituationIndia's progress in reducing emissions intensity is a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy. By decoupling its economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, India has demonstrated that sustainable development and economic prosperity can go hand-in-hand. This achievement is expected to help India avert pressure from developed nations to stop using coal, while also promoting green hydrogen and other clean energy initiatives.A Brighter Future AheadAs India continues on its path towards a cleaner, greener future, the world is taking notice. The country's commitment to reducing emissions intensity is a ray of hope in the global fight against climate change. With its sights set on achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, India is poised to become a leader in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.India's remarkable achievement in reducing its emissions rate by 33% is a proof of the power of sustainable development. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, India's success story serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, innovation, and a commitment to a greener future.

3 Apr 2025
Good News

Goodbye Diesel: India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train is Set to Hit the Tracks!

With millions of passengers, the Indian Railways network is among the biggest in the world. For the comfort of its passengers, Indian Railways is also launching new trains and modernizing its existing coaches and trains. An excellent illustration of this is the Vande Bharat Express trains. Furthermore, Railways now intends to launch a revolutionary train that runs without the need for energy or diesel. Soon, this "water-powered" train will be able to travel on railroads. Here are the forthcoming hydrogen train's routes, top speed, and special characteristics.Train Powered by Hydrogen~Let's Avoid The Smoking Engines For Better Future ~ (Source: Google Images) When it comes to the development of the Indian Railways, like in other nations, it started with steam engines before switching to coal. The train engines were switched to diesel, a fossil fuel that produces electricity but also emits pollutants. Electricity, which is also produced by burning coal, powers modern trains. Amidst these developments, an important turning point for India was reached when a train powered by water was introduced, ushering in a new era.The hydrogen-powered train operates differently from conventional diesel or electric engines by using hydrogen fuel cells to produce the electricity needed to move. When hydrogen combines with oxygen in these cells, it creates electricity without emitting pollutants, making this train one of the most eco-friendly travel options. With no emissions and minimal noise, it offers passengers a cleaner and more peaceful journey.The hydrogen-powered train is set to begin its trial run on the 90-kilometer Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. This inaugural journey will highlight the train’s impressive capabilities, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h and demonstrating its efficiency as a fast, eco-friendly mode of transportation.      Hydro-Driven Technology For The Save ! (Source: Google Images) The hydrogen-powered train marks a major advancement for Indian Railways, combining sustainability with modernization. By replacing fossil fuels with clean hydrogen fuel cells, it offers an eco-friendly, quiet, and efficient travel experience. As trial runs on the Jind-Sonipat route begin, this initiative could set a new standard for green transportation across India’s rail network.

15 Nov 2024
Good News

Thiruvananthapuram Shines Bright: India’s First City to Win a Global Sustainability Award!

The victory of Thiruvananthapuram represents a turning point for India's sustainable urban development and a potent illustration of how cities may strike a balance between expansion, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.  The Shanghai Municipality and UN-Habitat's accolade highlights Thiruvananthapuram's commitment to innovative projects that emphasize inclusivity, renewable technology, and the welfare of its residents.                                                                              A Greener and Efficient Ways Of Infrastructure is Being Reflected  (Source: Google Images) The city's sustainability accomplishments stem from many innovative projects.  Among these are the implementation of pollution-reducing electric transportation systems and the creation of smart highways that increase commuters' efficiency and safety.  The city's goal of creating a cleaner, more interconnected urban environment is in line with these programs.  Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram has made investments in community-focused neighborhoods and green public spaces that foster social cohesiveness and cultural heritage, making the city hospitable to both locals and tourists. The fact that Thiruvananthapuram was chosen over cities from other regions, such as Agadir, Melbourne, Doha, and Iztapalapa, is evidence of the sustainable model's worldwide applicability.  These cities were acknowledged for their distinct approaches to common problems, highlighting the necessity of a variety of approaches to meet the infrastructure, social, and environmental demands of metropolitan centers around the globe.Bottom Line ~ Thiruvananthapuram's dedication to establishing a sustainable, environmentally friendly urban environment and its leadership in executing green programs are highlighted by this award. In addition to giving Thiruvananthapuram international recognition, the UN-Shanghai Global Award encourages more sustainable growth in India.  Other Indian cities are encouraged by the city's accomplishment to include sustainable methods into their urban development.  A greener, more resilient India where cities prioritize sustainability without sacrificing their own cultural identities may be possible as long as Thiruvananthapuram continues to provide a prime instance.

11 Nov 2024
Good News

Making its campus a green zone

If you are at Institute of Chemical Technology then there are very few chances of wasting anything. Recycling waste water, generating electricity and composting the biodegradable waste, with all this under one roof, ICT is making its Matunga Campus a complete green zone, which avoids wasting anything under the sun. With 16 acre campus and 11 academic departments, five hostels, 800 students and four specialised centres, the institute is blending traditional and modern methods to reuse waste.  By accumulating waste from the canteens and hostels for the last five years, the institute is converting it in compost which is in return used for the 800 trees on campus.  The dry garden waste, which doesn’t decompose, is pulverised in a crusher, converted into briquettes and used as fuel in the hostel mess. Different types of metal, wood, plastic are again recycled and used for construction.  The institute’s next project is to install solar panels to generate 750kW of electricity. By generating this electricity it will be sufficient to take care of the half of its electricity requirement and will save Rs 15 lakh annually. While all the hostels in the campus have solar water heater and one of the buildings also has solar air conditioner and heating systems.  Already having auto-indicators that prevents water in the tanks over flowing the institute also uses borewell and now it is all set to reuse the waste water by recycling it.  Currently, it is working to install facilities to treat chemical-laden ‘grey’ water from laboratories and sewage water from residential areas. What special is the technology to recycle sewage water has been developed by researchers at the institute’s DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Bioscience. With the help of this technology, various species of algae are used to treat sewage water. The algae treatment plant is expected to treat an estimated 20,000 litres of water daily.

4 Apr 2017
Good News

Star Citizens

How Craste is Turning Waste into Wealth for a Sustainable Future!

During his postgraduate studies in chemical engineering at the Imperial College in London, Shubham Singh was struck by a disheartening news report: Delhi had become one of the most polluted cities in the world. This information sparked Singh’s determination to explore the root causes of this environmental crisis, leading him to identify crop burning as a major contributor. Singh noted that crop burning is a significant problem in India, particularly in the northern regions. He cited the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which reported that the country generates an average of 500 million tonnes (MT) of crop waste annually, compared to the global plastic waste generation of 300 MT each year. With a research background in sustainable materials, Singh saw crop waste as a crucial opportunity and became dedicated to the idea of utilizing it. The Inception of Craste In 2017, after winning a grant from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Singh returned to Pune with a clear mission. By 2018, he and his sister, Himansha Singh, had founded Craste, a company dedicated to transforming agricultural waste into valuable products. Craste utilizes waste from rice, millet, sugarcane, and barley to produce boards for furniture, construction, and sustainable packaging materials as alternatives to plastic. The company's first manufacturing hub in Morena, near Gwalior, has already made a significant market impact. Singh noted that they are ramping up and expect to generate good revenue this fiscal year. Transforming Challenges into Opportunities Singh explained that at Craste, their vision is to convert an environmental challenge into a socio-economic opportunity. He mentioned that they provide high-quality sustainable packaging products and eco-friendly particle boards crafted from crop waste. According to him, for each particle-board panel measuring 8ft x 4ft and 18mm thickness, they anticipate reducing 30kg of CO2 emissions. Support for Craste’s innovative approach has poured in from various organizations, including the Pune International Centre and Swissnex. The company is expanding its footprint, planning to establish 10 small factories across India and set up an office in Bengaluru. Source: Google Images Roots of Social Commitment Shubham Singh’s dedication to societal improvement began early. At 19, he founded Gramiksha, a non-profit organization focused on educating underprivileged rural children. “That motivated him to work towards society, especially in rural communities. Within two years, Gramiksha was operating in six cities. I realized that there was no point cribbing on social media about the country’s problems. It is better to go out and be a solution provider,” Singh reflects. Understanding the Farmer’s Plight Singh’s journey with Craste included hours of research at the Venture Centre in Pune, trying to understand why farmers resorted to burning crop stubble. He mentioned that farmers have very limited time, only 15 to 20 days, to handle the stubble. According to him, burning is the most cost-effective and quickest method for them, as the fire spreads naturally and avoids labor costs. He added that using machinery to clear the stubble would incur hourly labor and rental expenses. Recognizing the inefficiencies in the biofuel industry, Singh aimed to create high-value products that would offer farmers better margins without exorbitant costs. Today, Craste’s manufacturing process has garnered interest from countries with large agrarian societies, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Source: Google images Craste’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has been recognized widely. The company was selected as a finalist for the prestigious Sustainability Awards 2023 in the Renewable Materials category. Celebrating their achievements, Craste recently announced their first commercial packaging product—a 6-beer crate pack made entirely from barley straw, designed for Corona India. This packaging is not only sustainable but also completely biodegradable. Looking ahead, Craste envisions creating affordable, high-value products that transform agricultural waste into a socio-economic opportunity. Singh’s journey from a concerned student in London to a pioneering entrepreneur in India serves as an inspiring example of how environmental challenges can be transformed into impactful solutions.  crop waste, sustainable packaging, eco-friendly, Shubham Singh, Craste, agricultural innovation

18 Jul 2024
Star Citizens

Meet the "Green Champion" Crafting a Zero Waste Legacy on Instagram!

'Zerowasteadda', Pankti Pandey, an Ahmedabad-based proponent of sustainable living, posts green living advice on Instagram. After reading an article about managing landfills during her pregnancy, she adopted a minimalist and zero-waste lifestyle. She now works as a composting educator and encourages workshops and waste audits. Pankti Pandey, an Instagram user from Ahmedabad, describes herself as a "zero waste practitioner" and "slow fashion advocate" and has amassed 255K followers. She produces content that offers straightforward do-it-yourself methods and hacks so that individuals may make sustainable decisions in their day-to-day lives, mostly based on lessons she has learned from her personal experience. What Made Her Click?   "I had some free time during the lockdown to browse Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites." The majority of the shared content encouraged consumption. People continued to promote the consumerism mentality even throughout the pandemic. All of this encouraged her to post her internet habits and sustainability tips. As she started, people began to enjoy her content and ask for more advice. She believed that this platform's power could be exploited to spread awareness of sustainability. Auditing her house and monitoring her behaviors was how she started her trip. Pankti has always prioritized reducing and reusing; recycling was never an option. She discovered that kitchen waste, empty shampoo cleaning bottle bottles, and grocery bags produced the most waste. On Her Pursuit to Promote Sustainable Living ~  ( Source: Google Images)   Here’s how Pankti handled the situation ~  Groceries were now bought in containers instead of plastic bags. In case of no other option, she used to buy them in bulk quantities to avoid the consumption of multiple bags.  The kitchen waste was composted, which turned into fertilizer for her garden. Pankti also began community composting in her society.  She made her natural cleaners, and personal care products to avoid any waste of empty bottles. The Influencer Journey ~ “Sustainability is more than a mere passion; it is our profound responsibility” ( Via A One on One Interview with Femina)  You will find influencers that motivate you to buy stuff and try them in today’s time. Pankti is the type of influencer who tells you to reduce your consumption and reuse whatever you can. Her Instagram handle is filled with tons of DIYs that will help you make your life more sustainable and eco-friendly. Pankti began sharing about sustainability on Instagram during the pandemic and here’s what she has to say about this new beginning,   In an exclusive conversation with Femina, she unveils her zero-waste secrets. According to her, the definition of sustainability is very simple. It entails adopting a mindset where we prioritize the planet – a coexistence that goes beyond human interests, encompassing the well-being of our environment and its diverse species.  Adding to this notion, she strongly believes that the ethos of resource-consciousness has always been an integral part of our Indian society. However, her journey down this path only began when she came across an article on landfills, particularly its creation and management. She realized that conscious living was merely the beginning, a more profound shift towards adopting a low-waste lifestyle was imperative. A Camera's POV in Her Recent Workshops ~  (Source: Google Images)  Introspecting yourself goes a long way in initiating a lifestyle change, and that’s exactly what she did. She began with a waste audit of her household to assess the amount of waste generated and how it could be reduced. Later she delved into composting through trial and error, which paved the way for her current role as a composting educator, conducting sessions and workshops. Initially, it was difficult as she was often met with remarks like "Can the actions of a single individual truly have an impact?” Her intention, however, was clear: to chronicle her journey devoid of any preachiness and that is how her page 'Zero Waste Adda' came into being. If her experiences could, in turn, ignite inspiration within others, that would be an added source of fulfillment.  Three tips for individuals aspiring to adopt a sustainable lifestyle ~ People need to understand that sustainability is not just about living a plastic-free lifestyle or about composting. It is related to a lot of different parameters : Incorporate local foods like millet into your diet. Opt for local/native clothing, particularly handloom, which reduces carbon footprint and supports the economy. Be very conscious of your waste, both in terms of proper segregation and disposal.   Takeaway ~  A Tip For Beginners In The Sustainability Journey:  There Is Always A Judicial Way To Consume Resources ~  ( Source: Google Images)  Here, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Pankti is adamant that each person's path toward sustainability is unique and influenced by a variety of circumstances, including their lifestyle, work history, place of residence, and many others. The aim should be to find ways to cut waste and your carbon impact while assessing your lifestyle. Soon, Pankti will be observed holding a professional position in the field of sustainability. Regarding sustainability, she wants to be the voice for change. Her goal is to preserve our world for future generations by doing everything within her power. “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” - Howard Zinn

3 Jun 2024
Star Citizens

Archives