World Environment Day – A Day of Reflection, Responsibility, and Realism

"Ban plastic or make efforts to reduce its use or recycle it…"

This is not just a theme chosen by the United Nations for 2025 it is a call to action. A wake up call.

Plastic pollution has now reached our rivers, streams, seas, and even our food chains. From marine life to birds to human health, the consequences are visible and alarming.

And yet let's not forget the story of plastic is not purely evil.

For over 70 years, plastic has been a key building block in the progress of modern civilization. From pens to packaging, phones to furniture, cars to aircraft—plastic is everywhere, and for a reason. It is durable, versatile, and inexpensive.

So how do we balance this paradox?

A Reality Check

Every Environment Day, we are reminded to reduce, ban, or recycle plastic. But here's the real paradox:

The top producers, users, and exporters of plastic—China, the USA, the UK, France, and Russia—are the same ones that shape global environmental policies.

The USA uses 110 kg of plastic per person per year.

India, in contrast, uses only 13.6 kg per person.

China alone produces 32% of the world’s plastic.

Isn’t it ironic? It feels like liquor shop owners preaching prohibition while continuing their business behind closed doors.

India’s Dilemma

India’s plastic problem isn't just about volume. It’s about mismanagement, lack of awareness, and weak enforcement.

Despite bans, single-use plastic is still produced in illegal units, distributed in local markets, and ultimately dumped into rivers and oceans—no segregation, no recycling.

And yes, we pay the price. Not just environmentally, but in our global reputation.

A Silver Lining

But here lies a massive opportunity—especially for Indian startups and researchers.

Can we innovate eco-friendly alternatives using ethanol, agro-waste, or even new-age petrochemical technologies?

Can we become global leaders in biodegradable packaging or plastic alternatives?

We absolutely can.

This is where our youth, entrepreneurs, and scientists can rise with purpose—turning crisis into opportunity.

Final Thoughts

World Environment Day should not be another date in the calendar. It should be a reminder of our shared responsibility.

Let’s support and celebrate those who are:

# Conserving energy

# Planting trees

# Innovating with green hydrogen

# Fighting for clean air and water

# Working toward net zero emissions

Every drop of effort counts. Every voice matters.

Let’s move from slogans to solutions.

Prafulla Wankhede

Founder, Chairman and Managing Director