7 June 2024: PepsiCo India, in collaboration with Plan Foundation, Recity Network, and Mathura Vrindavan Nagar Nigam (MVNN), celebrated World Environment Day by installing recycled plastic benches at Gandhi Park, Vrindavan, as an extension of its Project Purna—Unnati ki Sajhedaari. These recycled benches are made with recycled plastic waste and carry beautiful artworks made by the children on the theme of ‘cleanliness and waste’ as part of previously held art competitions organized under Project Purna.
Four benches were installed at the event, each made of 70 kg of recycled plastic waste, and 46 more such benches will be installed across the city under the project. The initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire action from citizens and tourists to curb the menace of waste and improper waste disposal. With an endeavor to make Mathura-Vrindavan one of the cleanest holy cities of India, PepsiCo, along with Recity Network Private Limited and MVNN, launched ‘Purna: Unnati ki Sajhedaari,’ in the year 2022.
The event witnessed participation from key officials, including Mr. Mukesh Saraswat, Deputy Mayor, Mathura Vrindavan Nagar Nigam, and Mr. CP Pathak, Addnl. Municipal Commissioner, Vrindavan. Mr. Anuj Kaushik, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Vrindavan, joined with ward councilors, members of NGO-PProject Mathura, members of market associations, temple associations, self-help groups, and the community.
During the event, representatives from PepsiCo India emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering a cleaner and greener future. They also highlighted the critical role of community participation and the support of local authorities in achieving these environmental goals.
“Guided by pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), our comprehensive business strategy, we aim to drive positive social, environmental, and economic change. We are committed to making a positive impact both locally and systemically by operating within planetary boundaries to foster positive change for the planet and its people. As we celebrate World Environment Day, we are inspired to deepen our commitment to conserving nature’s precious resources and creating a more resilient world for future generations. Our teams have been diligently developing innovative solutions that promote plastic circularity and adhere to the principles of a circular economy by reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste. On this important day, we call on everyone to unite in combating plastic pollution and work towards a greener future for all generations.” Yashika Singh, Head of Corporate Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability, PepsiCo India,.
Underscoring the objective behind the initiative, Mr. Anuj Kaushik, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Vrindavan, said, “The initiative highlights Mathura’s leadership towards the vision for Swachh Bharat and inspires citizens and tourists to stop littering and practice segregation. We are happy to partner with Purna and to see this Environment Day serving as a platform to showcase the momentum in behavior change community initiatives taking place in the city.”
The event witnessed the participation of the school administration, children, their parents, and members of the community. The participating school was Kanha Makhan Public School, Vrindavan. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Vinay Sharma, Principal at Kanha Makhan Public School, Vrindavan, said, “Children are so excited to see their paintings and names on the public benches and are inspired to do for the environment and the city. It’s a great opportunity to mobilize the people of Mathura and highlight the potential waste segregation holds in the city’s waste management system. We are fully supportive of such initiatives as Project Purna.”