22nd September 2025: On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, Honda India Foundation, the CSR arm for all Honda group of companies in India, organized a beach cleanup drive at Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai, as part of the campaign ‘My Beach, My Responsibility.’ This marked HIF’s first coastal-led CSR engagement, reflecting its commitment towards community-led environmental action.
The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from Mr. Yoshihiko Matsumoto, Director – General Affairs & IT, Honda Cars India, and Mr. Piyush Mittal, Vice President– Corporate Affairs, Honda Cars India, along with associates from Honda, including their families in Chennai. Together, they collected and segregated waste, demonstrating their commitment to maintain a cleaner and greener environment and protecting the ecosystem.
Coastal areas in India face significant environmental challenges, and plastic pollution continues to be one of the pressing concerns. A study shared by the Ministry of Earth Sciences 1 through the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) revealed that plastic’s share of beach litter decreased from 67% in 2018 to 43% in 2024. Major sources of beach litter are related to tourism and recreational activities. Efforts are needed to spread more awareness regarding marine litter and microplastics and involve the public in such cleanup drives.
Adding to the spirit of the occasion, a Honda sand sculpture was created on the beach, serving as a reminder of the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The event concluded with a memorable group photo, capturing the collective dedication of the participants. To celebrate teamwork and camaraderie, the participants engaged in fun sports activities, promoting team engagement and community participation.
Through this initiative, Honda India Foundation aims to encourage collective participation, reducing single-use plastic waste, and nurturing a cleaner ecosystem.