An e-book, releasing today on Earth Day, shares case studies on innovative eco-friendly measures implemented in various organisations across urban centres of India
Every year, Earth Day is celebrated in 192 countries across the globe with different thoughts and ideas. The theme for this year is Green Cities. Our planet is at a turning point. The massive global migration underway now from countryside to cities will demand huge investments in energy, water, materials, waste, food distribution and transportation over the next 25 years. If the right investments are made now, this unique opportunity will be the catalyst for dramatic changes in the fight against carbon emissions and climate change.
Pathways to Green Cities-Innovative Ideas from Urban India is an e-book with a collection of 24 case studies on innovative green measures adapted and implemented in various organisations across urban centres of India. These stories revolve around eco-friendly topics like waste, energy, water management, sustainability, green construction, pollution and other key areas that need critical attention. Paharpur Business Centre (PBC) in association with Earth Day Network and The Climate Project India (TCPI) will launch the book today.
In the book, read about Rag Pickers Turned Entrepreneurs initiative by South Asian Forum for the Environment. It shows how trash bins can be converted into money-making machines. It has helped rag pickers build a business strategy by recycling waste and shaping it into a micro-enterprise. It has brought social recognition and empowerment to them. The idea has also been recognised by UNEP in their Clean Up the World Campaign.
Earth Day Network runs a fun-filled-student-centric campaign, Backseat Buddies, to encourage car-sharing as a way to ease the problem of traffic congestion near prominent schools in Kolkata. The campaign, which included a lively song, a film, stickers, posters, reached over 70,000 students in 33 schools and culminated in an inter-school competition in the first phase.
The Society for Child Development has mentioned about an economically sustainable way of being eco-friendly. This organisation runs a project named, ‘Avacayam’ that makes natural dyes and colours from the flowers discarded from temples, hotels and other places. It also provides livelihood to differently-abled youngsters. This inspiring story is mentioned in the case study, Gathering Flowers.