Page 9 - Platics News June 2022

A Call For LiFE

On the occasion of the 50th World Environment Day, observed on June 5, this year Prime Minister
Narendra Modi launched a global initiative called ‘LiFE’, short for 'Lifestyle for the Environment
Movement', to invite ideas and suggestions from scholars around the globe on ways to adapt an
environmentally conscious lifestyle.

e Prime Minister’s o ce released a statement saying the launch is to initiate “‘LiFE Global Call
for Papers’ inviting ideas and suggestions from academics, universities and research institutions alike
to in uence and persuade individuals, communities and organisations across the world to adopt an
environment conscious lifestyle”. According to the statement, the initiative will promote the much-
needed environment-conscious lifestyle that focuses on "mindful and deliberate utilisation" instead
of "mindless and destructive consumption".
Global icons such as Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, climate
economist Lord Nicholas Stern, Nudge theory author Cass Sunstein, World Resources Institute
CEO and president Aniruddha Dasgupta, UNEP global head Inger Andersen, UNDP global head
Achim Steiner and World Bank president David Malpass, among others participated in the event.

Maharashtra, under the MVA’s regime, has also joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global
Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) as part of its e orts to combat plastic pollution.
Now, if one is to read between the lines then the Prime Minister has, time and again , reminded
citizens about their moral responsibility especially in terms of waste management, and to dig a bit,
Plastics waste categorically when he says "mindful and deliberate utilisation" instead of "mindless
and destructive consumption".

I think we all, including the state government and industry stakeholders need to take this in larger
perspective and work with a holistic approach for the better future of the industry. e applications
of Plastics is growing tremendously across the spectrum and with stream of Engineering Plastics
taking the lead Indian Plastics industry is all set to grow in leaps and bounds.
India has already achieved the target of 10 percent ethanol blending in petrol, ve months before
schedule, thereby managing to cut down carbon emissions by 27 lakh tonnes. Ethanol blending
enables the nation to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on fuel imports, save foreign
exchange, and address environmental issues, while also boosting domestic agriculture – the sector
that has wider plastics application for all its day-to-day equipment and otherwise.

Taking a cue further, higher rising disposable income in emerging economies will continue to drive
demand and Plastics will lead across the sectors for its greater applications and higher utility value.
Like it or not, the increasing stringent regulations and changing consumer habits shall drive demand
for more a ordable, lightweight, and fuel-e cient vehicles and Plastics shall drive the way towards
a successful LiFE.

Rajiv B. Tolat
Hon. Editor
publication@aipma.net

9 PLASTICS NEWS June 2022