RSS's Green Initiatives Save ₹3.5 Crore Daily by Tackling Single-Use Plastic
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Synopsis
The RSS has successfully launched multiple green initiatives, including the 'Ek Thali Ek Thaila Abhiyan', significantly reducing single-use plastic and saving ₹3.5 crore daily. This effort involved community participation, educational competitions, and collaborations with NGOs, highlighting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- RSS launched the 'Ek Thali Ek Thaila Abhiyan' to combat single-use plastic.
- Over 2,241 organizations participated, collecting steel plates and bags.
- Estimated savings of ₹3.5 crore daily from reduced disposable item usage.
- National Students Environment Competition engaged 709,000 students from 681 districts.
- HARIT initiative aims to end crop residue burning.
New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) With a strong emphasis on environmental protection, the RSS launched national initiatives like the zero-budget 'Ek Thali Ek Thaila Abhiyan' (Plate and Bag) to combat single-use plastic and plastic bags through community involvement.
In total, 2,241 organizations took part, collecting steel plates and bags at 7,258 locations. To replace single-use plastic, 1,417,064 steel plates, 1,346,128 bags, and 263,678 steel tumblers were distributed.
The campaign 'Paryavaran Ke Anukul Kumbha' raised awareness among millions of families, while the social media initiative 'Harit Kumbha Swachha Kumbha' further supported these efforts, according to the Annual Report 2024-25 of the RSS.
“The use of disposable items was effectively reduced by 80-85%. It is estimated that Rs 3.5 crore was saved each day. This program has introduced the concept of 'Utensil Banks' for future community projects,” stated the report.
Great importance was placed on maintaining cleanliness in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
The RSS also collaborated with non-governmental organizations from across India by inviting them to the Delhi-based Khatu Shyam Dham. A total of 44 organizations shared their experiences during this exchange program, as noted in the report.
Moreover, the RSS and its affiliates arranged the National Students Environment Competition in educational institutions, which took place from July 1 to August 25, 2024, with 709,000 students from 45,022 educational institutions across 681 districts participating.
Students from 107 nations also took part online.
The RSS's environmental initiatives also reached Harvard University, where the ‘HARIT’ initiative has become a university-approved, registered, student-led organization.
During COP-29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan, a small group of 11 members from 7 countries gathered to discuss and develop HARIT techniques and indigenous methods for addressing climate change, as mentioned in the report.
HARIT, which stands for 'Harnessing the power of Agricultural Residues through Innovative Technologies', aims to end crop residue burning by promoting the use of Happy Seeders and ensuring ongoing dialogue between farmers and experts.
