World Environment Day: From Plastic Panic to Planet-First Practice
World Environment Day is no longer just about raising awareness. It's about building models of change that can be scaled, shared, and sustained
This World Environment Day, the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution" may sound familiar—but behind the buzzwords, something different is taking shape. Across India, a quiet revolution is underway. Not through headline-grabbing events or symbolic gestures, but through integrated, community-rooted, and purpose-driven action. From forest lodges that tread lightly to lab-grown diamonds redefining luxury, a new generation of brands, thinkers, and changemakers are transforming sustainability from a compliance checklist into a living philosophy.
Here's how leaders across sectors: from travel and tech to packaging and rural development are shaping a regenerative future that's not only greener, but more just, inclusive, and imaginative.
Eco-Travel, Ground Up
For brands deeply intertwined with nature, sustainability isn't an initiative, it's a way of being.
'At Jungle Camps India, every decision- how we build, power, hire, and serve is anchored in respect for the wild and responsibility toward the future," says Gajendra Singh Rathore, Managing Director. 'We operate in India's most sensitive ecosystems, and our presence must heal more than it harms. Through conscious hospitality, we aim to inspire guests, uplift communities, and conserve landscapes—creating living sanctuaries, not just scenic backdrops."
For Intrepid Travel, a global leader in responsible tourism, the fight against plastic began nearly two decades ago. 'We've said no to plastic in India for over 18 years—offering every guest a reusable tote and working with hotels to replace plastic bottles with glass ones," says Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager. 'We believe small, consistent actions lead to big change."
BLS International's Shikhar Aggarwal echoes the shift, pointing to a generational change: 'Sustainability is no longer an afterthought. Today's travellers—especially millennials and Gen Z—seek authentic, untouched destinations. Tourism, when done responsibly, becomes a tool for preservation, not disruption."
Packaging a Planet-First Future
Plastic, once hailed as innovation's miracle, has become one of our greatest environmental burdens. But companies are now reengineering not just their products, but the systems behind them.
'At DS Group, we embraced recycled PET in packaging back in 2021, long before it was mandated," shares Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman. 'Our #SaveTheFuture campaign aims to go beyond awareness—to provoke action and shift consumer mindsets. This year, we're planting 10,000 trees and continuing to build LEED-certified green buildings. Our ambition is to be a force for ecological and cultural regeneration."
Tetra Pak, too, is betting big on breakthrough innovation. 'Sustainability for us means rethinking every stage of the lifecycle," says Cassio Simões, Managing Director, South Asia. 'From plant-based polymers to fiber-based barriers, our goal is to lead a system-wide shift—delivering recyclable, renewable, and low-impact packaging while working with partners on ground-level collection and recycling."
Circular Thinking in Rural and Urban India
Plastic pollution isn't just an urban story. Rural India, once grounded in low-waste traditions, is now grappling with plastic's silent invasion.
'From blocked drains to plastic-fed livestock, the problem is urgent," says Omkar Hande, Junior Researcher, Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR). 'But clean, plastic-free villages are possible. Community ownership is key—through awareness, waste segregation, and incentivised local systems like 'Give Plastic, Take Gold' in Jammu or upcycled plastic livelihoods in Kerala."
That philosophy is echoed by Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation: 'Our rural programs empower communities to lead their own transformation—waste segregation hubs, door-to-door collection, and composting run by local women. Plastic isn't just a pollutant—it's a social challenge. Solutions must be local, inclusive, and lasting."
Carbon, Consciousness, and the Circular Economy
Climate action today needs to move beyond offsetting and into active regeneration.
'At MMCM, we view waste as a resource," says Yashodhan Ramteke, Head, Carbon Business Unit. 'From recycling to carbon reduction, the road to net-zero is about transparency, scale, and inclusive innovation."
1M1B's youth-led model is leading this charge. 'India's young changemakers are not just spreading awareness—they're building solutions," says Manav Subodh, Founder and Chief Mentor. 'Our Changemakers World Cup gives these initiatives a global platform—from village actions to the United Nations. Real change begins locally."
Luxury With a Lighter Footprint
In the jewellery world, Solitario Diamonds is rewriting the narrative of what luxury means.
'Lab-grown diamonds offer all the brilliance without the environmental cost," says Anurag Lunia, COO. 'To us, sustainability isn't a trend—it's our north star. Every piece we create reflects elegance with empathy. That is the true sparkle of conscious luxury."
Where Do We Go From Here?
top videos
View all
The message from India's environmental vanguards is clear: The age of performative sustainability is over. Whether in the wild, in the city, or in the boardroom, action must be systemic, consistent, and rooted in long-term impact—not optics.
World Environment Day is no longer just about raising awareness. It's about building models of change that can be scaled, shared, and sustained. And as these voices show, it's already happening—quietly, powerfully, and purposefully.
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
cnn-news18 environment Environment (Protection) Act environment conservation Environment Day environment friendly environment news environmental damage latest news lifestyle
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 05, 2025, 06:32 IST
News lifestyle World Environment Day: From Plastic Panic to Planet-First Practice
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
How Indians in Their 20s Are Using Option Trading to Beat the Market
Just a few years ago, if you were in your early 20s and said you wanted to trade options, most people would either laugh or warn you about losing money faster than you can say 'expiry.' Today, walk into any co-working space in Bengaluru, scroll through a Telegram trading group, or peek at reels from creators breaking down candlestick patterns and you'll find 20-year-olds casually discussing long calls, bull spreads, and the Bank Nifty like it's no big deal. It's not about being reckless. It's about taking control. The traditional route—SIPs, mutual funds, long-term equity—is still there. But for a generation used to 'on-demand' everything, waiting 25 years to see 'compounded wealth' feels disconnected. It doesn't need lakhs of rupees. A few hundred can get you started. You can learn by action, even if you're just paper trading at first. The upside (and downside) is fast, visible, and, if understood correctly, manageable. And most importantly, it feels empowering. For once, you're making the calls, not just handing your money to a fund manager. There's a clear behavioural shift in how younger Indians view money. Instead of locking ₹ 5,000 into mutual funds and waiting for the long haul, they're asking: Can I learn to manage this on my own? What if I test my hypothesis for the next expiry instead? It's not a rejection of traditional investing—it's a desire to participate more actively. Today, it's easier than ever thanks to platforms that simplify option chains, strategy diagrams, and even backtesting tools. Let's kill the myth upfront: not every 20-something is making crores in options. Most aren't even profitable. And that's okay. Starting small, with long calls or puts Learning how price, time, and volatility move together Using tools that simulate trades before they go live You don't need a finance degree or Excel modelling skills to understand what you're doing anymore. You just need intent, time and patience to observe. Say you believe Bank Nifty might go up this week, owing to your market news research and deep dive of the online chatter, especially after a strong Friday close. You buy a Bank Nifty 57200 Call Option expiring on Thursday. Premium: ₹ 200 200 Lot size: 15 units Total capital used: ₹ 3,000 By Tuesday, Bank Nifty moves as expected and the premium rises to ₹ 350. You close the trade and exit with a gain. But here's the catch, this is just one outcome. In another scenario, the market could have stayed flat, eaten into the premium, or moved against your view entirely. That's why this kind of hands-on experience—win or lose—matters. It helps traders understand how markets behave, how timing plays a role, and why risk control is just as important as strategy. Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube are playing a huge role in how Gen Z traders learn. A 30-second reel showing 'how I made ₹ 600 in options' gets numerous views. 600 in options' gets numerous views. Telegram groups share daily support-resistance levels and expiry bets. YouTube channels explain option strategies in plain Hindi or Hinglish and now, even in other regional languages. While not all of this content is reliable, it's undeniably pulling young Indians into the good part? Modern platforms give these users a sandbox to test things out for themselves. With tools like the Trader's Diary and paper trading, they're able to verify before they commit real capital. Most young traders aren't jumping into complex plays like Iron Condors or Ratio Backspreads. They're sticking to the basics—and that's smart. Here's how they usually start: Buy a call when they think a stock or index will go up. Buy a put when they expect it to fall. They know their loss is limited to the premium they pay. There's no scary margin call. It's a calculated risk, not a shot in the dark. Once they've seen a few trades play out, some move on to bull call spreads—a safer, lower-cost version of the long call. It reduces risk even further, especially when trading high-volatility instruments like Bank Nifty. What's powering this new wave of confident traders isn't just access—it's clarity. For example: Option Chain Tool shows real-time open interest, volume, and premiums at different strikes. The Trader's Diary lets you track your trades like a gym log — what worked, what didn't, what needs adjusting. Even if you're not placing live trades, paper trading tools help you test your setups with zero risk. That mix of real-world feedback and low-pressure learning is what makes it work. Let's not sugarcoat it. According to LiveMint, a SEBI study revealed that 9 out of 10 individual F&O traders lose money. But if you talk to these traders, many don't regret entering the space. Why? Because they're not all-in gamblers. They're learning, experimenting, and applying that knowledge across investing, personal finance, and even careers in finance. Limit trades to a small chunk of their capital. Avoid trading emotionally. Not treat one loss as the end of the world or one win as proof that they're the next Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. You won't always find big profits, but you will find something more valuable: young traders who spend their Sundays backtesting Bank Nifty charts, others who quietly paper-traded for six months before placing a single ₹ 600 trade, and those who lost ₹ 3,000 early on only to come back with stricter rules and smarter decisions. It's not glamorous, but it's real. And in many cases, it's more disciplined than what you'd expect from people twice their age. If you're in your 20s, curious about the markets, and have ₹ 1,000 you're willing to lose in the name of learning, option trading might just be the perfect classroom. But, don't skip the homework. Take time to understand the basics of options, learn how option chains and premiums really work, start with paper trading to test your strategies risk-free, and track every move like you're building a long-term skill. Option trading isn't just about chasing quick returns anymore. For many Indians in their 20s, it's become a tool to understand risk, timing, and discipline. It's a fast lane to market knowledge, if you're careful and committed. From charts to strategies, modern online trading platforms are built for this exact journey. Whether you're starting with ₹ 500 or just testing the waters in demo mode, it's never been more accessible. Because the smartest money move in your 20s might just be learning how to risk a little—albeit wisely.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Costa Coffee FY25 sales jump 31%; company expands footprint to 220 outlets
NEW DELHI: Costa Coffee, the British coffee chain, reported a significant increase in its India operations, with revenue climbing 30.76% to Rs 198.5 crore in FY25, while profit increased by 28.4% to Rs 149.7 crore. The company expanded its presence from 179 to 220 outlets in FY25, contributing to this growth, as detailed in Devynai International Ltd's (DIL) annual report. For the financial year ending March 31, 2024, the company recorded revenue from operations of Rs 151.8 crore and profit of 116.6 crore. The company experienced a slight decrease in gross margin to 75.4% from 76.8% in FY24, due to increased costs of coffee beans and other raw materials. "The brand contribution margin came down from 17% to 16.1%, with average daily sales (ADS) per store declining from Rs 33,000 to Rs 27,000, translating into a reduction of same store aales growth (SSSG) from 8.7% to 4.1% during this period," said DIL. DIL, a prominent QSR chain operator, manages Costa Coffee's Indian operations through a franchise agreement. In April this year, Costa Coffee's Global CEO Philippe Schaillee informed PTI during his visit that India would become one of the brand's top five global markets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo The coffee brand, currently under Coca-Cola's ownership, ranks among the top ten markets globally. "Costa Coffee is aggressively expanding in India, targeting 40-50 new outlets annually despite global economic uncertainties. DIL sees India as a high-potential market, driven by a growing preference for premium coffee among millennials and Gen Z," said DIL. The coffee sector in India is experiencing growth rates of 10 to 12%, twice the global average. The report indicated that India, currently among Costa's top 10 markets globally, could advance to the top five markets within five years. DIL noted that India, traditionally a 'chai' consuming nation, is witnessing a significant shift in beverage preferences, particularly among younger generations influenced by Western culture. Costa Coffee faces stiff competition in India's growing café market, not only from global players like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, McCafé, and Dunkin', but also from homegrown brands such as Café Coffee Day, Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee, and Barista, which are all expanding their presence. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Costa Coffees India FY25 sales jump 30 pc to ₹198 cr; gross margin declines marginally
New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI) British coffee chain brand Costa Coffee's India revenue from operations surged 30.76 per cent to ₹ 198.5 crore in FY25, and its profit rose 28.4 per cent to ₹ 149.7 crore. The growth was driven by store expansion, as the number of outlets increased from 179 to 220 in FY25, according to the latest annual report of Devynai International Ltd (DIL). Its revenue from operations was ₹ 151.8 crore, and profit stood at 116.6 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2024. Costa Coffee's gross margin declined marginally to 75.4 per cent from 76.8 per cent in FY24, primarily because of inflation in coffee beans and other input materials. "The brand contribution margin came down from 17 per cent to 16.1 per cent, with average daily sales (ADS) per store declining from ₹ 33,000 to ₹ 27,000, translating into a reduction of same store aales growth (SSSG) from 8.7 per cent to 4.1 per cent during this period," said DIL. Costa Coffee is operated in India through its franchise partner DIL, a leading QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chain operator. Earlier this year, in April, Costa Coffee's Global CEO Philippe Schaillee, who was on a visit here, told PTI that India is going to be among the top five global markets for the British coffee chain brand. The coffee brand, now owned by beverage major Coca-Cola, is currently among the top ten global markets. "Costa Coffee is aggressively expanding in India, targeting 40-50 new outlets annually despite global economic uncertainties. DIL sees India as a high-potential market, driven by a growing preference for premium coffee among millennials and Gen Z," said DIL. This trend is manifest in the fact that the coffee space in the country is growing at 10 to 12 per cent, double the rate of global markets. "India, which is among Costa's top 10 markets globally, has the potential to get into the top five markets in five years, and Costa Coffee is just the sweetly aromatic spot to seize this strong opportunity," the report said. According to DIL, India, which is largely a 'chai' (tea) loving nation, is becoming a country of a growing populace of coffee lovers, with a massive cultural shift in its drinking habits over the years. Coffee is now the first love of many Gen Z Indians influenced strongly by Western culture, which is often a part of their work ethos. "At Costa Coffee, this has actuated a strong focus on expanding the brand's presence in high footfall locations, such as airports and multiplexes," said DIL. In the Indian cafe market, Costa Coffee competes with international chains such as Starbucks, Tim Horton, McCafe, and Dunkin'.
