He is one of the most popular businessmen of India. The social media following of Anand Mahindra is formidable (7.2M Twitter followers); the kind that any celebrity would be envious of. As importantly, what he says counts. His followers respect what he says and he is often seen using his social media celebrity statuts to try and bring about positive change.
It is a small step and one boardroom is not going to make much difference, but it does send out an important message about curtailing single use plastics.
As this twitter user pointed out, the manufacturers aren’t producing water; they are producing plastic bottles. It is a simple matter for all of us to stop buying bottled water and to carry a small reusable bottle which can be refilled as and when possible.
Humankind has used clay containers for ages. We can switch to these earth friendly products again.
Some people responded with appreciation; others such as this Twitter user responded with yet another alternative to plastic.
Corporates are trying to spread awareness and bring about change within their own organisations.
It isn’t just that heaps of plastic are an eyesore and difficult to dispose of. The breakdown of plastic into microplastic is also hazardous to us all.
The important thing is that awareness is rising slowly but surely. People are thinking about the problem and trying to find ways to make a difference at their own personal level.
Mumbai’s beaches are among the most polluted in the world. Many B town celebs are now throwing their weight behind beach cleanup initiatives and this inspires thousands to join in.
Companies such as Amul use recyclable plastic for some of their milk pouches. Many supermarkets now use paper bags or bio-plastic packaging. As consumers, we can make informed buying choices that will encourage and bring about such corporate change.
It is not enough that we use recyclable materials. We have to reduce use. We have to find alternatives and simply be more aware.
Simply refuse to accept polythene bags from grocers and vendors. Carry your own. Fold it and tuck it into a handbag, car glove compartment or boot or two-wheeler dickie.
Ice cream in a coconut shell, leaf plates, steel straws – eateries are coming up with environment-friendly ideas.
Many Indian communities have traditionally eaten off banana leaves. We are now revisiting this widely available option.
We can refuse to go to restaurants that use disposable plastic or at least request a policy change when we go there.
This Twitter user also appealed to politicians to make more earth friendly choices for their rallies, publicity and promotional material.
Thinking that one person cannot bring about change is a fallacy. Change has to start at a personal level. If each of us resolves to reduce plastic use, this firstly makes a change at home, then in the family and then in the community. This positive change will spread outward and make a difference. We just have to be more aware and sacrifice just a bit of convenience for this.
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