Mumbai, June 06, 2023. In a bid to combat the escalating plastic pollution crisis, PNB Housing Finance, a prominent housing finance company in India, has unveiled a new eco-friendly initiative on World Environment Day. The company, in collaboration with the Khushiyaan Foundation, launched its innovative project to install 16 PET bottle crusher machines across Mumbai, with a focus on key metro stations.
Plastic waste has reached alarming levels in India, with more than 14 lakh tonnes of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) plastic waste being consumed and generated each year, according to recent statistics. Shockingly, despite a commendable global recycling rate of 80%, approximately 2.8 lakh tonnes of used plastic bottles are left uncollected. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, PNB Housing Finance aims to encourage consumers to participate actively in the recycling process. By collecting and recycling plastic bottles, the company hopes to prevent a minimum of 8,000 kg of plastic waste from finding its way into the ocean or landfills annually.
Speaking about the groundbreaking initiative, Mr. Girish Kousgi, the Managing Director and CEO of PNB Housing Finance, emphasized the company's commitment to making a positive impact on society. He stated, "Through our CSR arm, Pehel Foundation, we implement several programs that focus on critical areas such as environment, health, education, and women empowerment. With the visible effects of climate change, it has become increasingly crucial to raise awareness about the plastic waste crisis and promote sustainable living. We are proud to launch this unique and eco-friendly initiative of installing plastic bottle crushing machines in the bustling city of Mumbai. We firmly believe that small actions today can pave the way for a better tomorrow, and we are delighted to contribute to a cleaner and healthier future."
Dr. Chinu Kwatra, the Founder of the Khushiyaan Foundation, also expressed his support for the collaboration, stating, "World Environment Day serves as a reminder for all of us to make conscious efforts to conserve our surroundings and adopt sustainable living habits. We are pleased to partner with PNB Housing Finance and Pehel Foundation to install PET bottle crushing machines in some of the busiest areas of Mumbai. We hope this initiative will spread awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic waste and inspire individuals to embrace environmentally friendly practices."
To commemorate the launch of this eco-friendly project, an awareness ceremony was held at the DN Nagar Metro Station. Local representatives enthusiastically showed their support for the cause. The first phase of the initiative has already seen the installation of machines at Chakala, Sakinaka, Andheri, DN Nagar, and Versova metro stations, strategically chosen to maximize accessibility and impact.
