ICRISAT; Hyderabad, April 21, 2024

Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, announced the initiative timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22. "In a week's time, we will eliminate all single use plastic items across our campus, and minimize the use of any disposable plastic items. This action underlines our commitment to this year's Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics," stated Dr Hughes.

In recognition of Earth Day 2024, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has taken another noteworthy step towards strengthened environmental stewardship by launching a significant waste and plastic pollution reduction initiative at its headquarters in Hyderabad.

The new thrust was kicked off during an awareness session on 18 April 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices in waste management.

Mr Pillay detailed upcoming changes in the Housing and Food Services department, such as discontinuing single-use plastic bottles and polythene bags, which will be replaced with environmentally friendly alternatives. He also emphasized the correct disposal of materials in Research Fields, such as nets, pegs, labels, selfing covers, gloves, etc.

The event, which began with an awareness talk by Dr S Vinaykanth, Senior Manager, Health & Safety – Farm Medical Unit, concluded with an awareness walk led by Dr Hughes, during which ICRISAT staff actively participated in cleaning up any waste items found, symbolizing their commitment to the initiative.

See https://pressroom.icrisat.org/icrisat-celebrates-earth-day-commits-to-reduced-plastic-use