No. PR- 266
March 15, 2021
New Delhi
The consumers need to be conscious about their ecosystem: Ms. Leena Nandan World on Consumer Rights Day 2021
PHD Chamber stands for progress, harmony and development is debating on how to take forward these various measures for tackling the menace of plastic because they need for harmony is worth appreciable. We need to strategize the plan and take forward the principles. Consumers need to be conscious of their ecosystem. The decision has to go forward beyond the industry too, we need to make awareness and be conscious intact which is linked to sustainable choices, mentioned Ms. Leena Nandan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, & Public Distribution at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s celebration of World Consumer Rights Day 2021 Themed Tackling Plastic Pollution.
Ms. Leena Nandan mentioned that India is looking a leap forward in terms of regenerating our environment and revisiting our way of doing business. Plastic is a danger to the environment and constant innovation, R&D needs to be done in terms of compostable plastic and here the role of BIS is very proactive, which has mentioned the quality of various packaging materials, classifications. The industry needs to put the commitments into the quality of packaging material.
She emphasized that we need to have consumer awareness and the dialogue with MSMEs is pivotal for standardized products and have a cutting edge in being environmentally meaningful. The consumer has to demand it and the producer has to deliver it and as a nation, we need to talk and think about how we dispose of our products.
Mr. Peter Rimmele, Resident Representative to India, KAS mentioned that the capitalist approach hampering the environment is leading to depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation that has led to humanity experience climate change which can damage the part of civilization. He also mentioned that usage of plastics has a role in the degradation of the environment and various ecological systems especially the marine ecosystem.
While talking about tackling plastic pollution in Germany, he discussed that Germany focuses on reuse, recycle and reduction of industrial waste as well as cutting environmental pollution from various waste management operations which are regulated in the acts. The government is been focusing on plastic waste reduction for years now and they have proposed measures for the same which are obligatory and voluntary measures.
Mr. Sanjay Aggarwal, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his presidential address wished everyone World Consumer Rights Day 2021 and deliberated about the plastic pollution which is hampering the environment and ecosystem where the customers are taking the action upon. But as a global consumer movement, we play a critical role in tackling plastic pollution and promoting sustainable consumption.
He mentioned that our Hon’ble Prime Minister has announced ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Vocal for locals. The Government is promoting, supporting, and handholding startups to come in front and work for biodegradable products as an alternate solution to plastic. Some startups are working in a very innovative manner for the existing plastic waste management. The government encourages such small players and handhold them. There are several success stories on how MAKE IN INDIA products and services are known globally.
We must make our Indian Standards country-specific but also adopt and promote more sustainable practices always taught to us by our ancestors and traditional culture, which we need to harmonize globally to be made acceptable and in demand by the consumers, said Mr. Aggarwal
Prof Bejon Kumar Misra, Chairman- Consumer Affairs, PHD Chamber in his theme address mentioned that plastic has not been good for the environment and it needs to be reduced in the environment and replaced with environment-friendly materials. while giving the example of Germany’s approach towards plastic pollution, he mentioned that India needs to change its habits and mindsets and move towards a green environment.
Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber while proposing a formal vote of thanks to all the delegates and participants mentioned that the consumer is becoming environmentally friendly and so their preference is shifting to look for alternative solutions to the plastic. Industries need to have the alternate solution to plastic and the initiatives of Indian Government via Make in India, we need to adopt and promote more sustainable practices which we need to harmonize globally so that it is acceptable and will be in demand by the consumers.
The session was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Assistant Secretary-General, and was attended by many industry stalwarts pan-India. The session has been sponsored by Electra Kokotawa Weld Private Limited.
Ends
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry