World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5. This year, the event took place at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended as the chief guest. The theme for 2025 is ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’, set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) organised important technical sessions at the event. These sessions focused on the recycling economy and the management of compostable plastics. Senior policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators came together to discuss Gujarat’s resource efficiency and waste management journey.
The first session talked about transitioning from multi-layered plastic packaging to mono-materials. It also covered the expansion of certified compostable packaging and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Key speakers included P.P. Divasali from CIPET Ahmedabad, Romil Dalal from S.B. Constantia, Divya Shah from S&P Global, Mayur Mandhani from Total Energies, Sanjay Nayak from Banyan Nation, and moderator Krunal Goda, founder of Anant Tatva Pvt. Ltd.
The second session focused on the circular economy in areas like used oil, e-waste, lithium-ion batteries, and solar waste. Discussions included policy, support, ESG integration, financial tools for the circular economy, and the creation of green jobs. The main speakers were Dr. Anurag Kandiya from PDEU, Prof. Praveen Nahar from NID, Dr. Ajay Maheroytra, former director of MoEFCC, Dr. Ankasha Tyagi from CEEW, and Bhuvan Purohit from Rubamin.
GPCB played a crucial role in both sessions, particularly in efforts related to EPR enforcement, pilot projects for compostable packaging, and systems for tracking plastic waste. These discussions aligned with global frameworks such as the UNEA Global Plastics Treaty, Mission LIFE, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, positioning Gujarat as a role model for environmental management and circular policy implementation.
Local institutions, policymakers, industry groups, startups, researchers, and professionals working in sustainable development actively participated in the sessions. World Environment Day aims to raise awareness about environmental protection and the impact of human activities on nature. It provides a platform for governments, NGOs, and citizens to come together to promote actions that benefit the environment.
The first World Environment Day was celebrated in 1974, creating a global platform for positive change in the environment. Its themes have evolved over the years, addressing various environmental challenges such as marine pollution, population growth, global warming, and wildlife crime. Each year, over 143 countries participate, making it a significant event in the global environmental calendar.
As we look forward to 2025, it is essential for everyone to contribute to ending plastic pollution. This year’s theme encourages individuals to take responsibility for their impact on the environment. Programs and initiatives are being planned worldwide to ensure that the message reaches every corner of the globe. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.
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