World Environment Day 2025: Putting an End to Plastic Pollution

Ridding the planet of plastic pollution is an important contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including those on climate action, sustainable production and consumption, protection of seas and oceans and repairing ecosystems and retaining biodiversity. As, plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet, even in our bodies in the form of micro plastics, World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. By drawing inspiration from nature and showcasing real-world solutions, the campaign aims to encourage individuals, organizations, industries, and governments to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.

Mr. Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India:

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India

 “Plastic pollution is choking our planet, harming ecosystems, well-being, and the climate. Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean, and endangers wildlife. While steps are being taken towards reusability, reducing single-use plastics, and improving waste management, we must go further, faster. GIS can help us achieve more impactful outcomes. Through GIS, we can map plastic pollution hotspots, monitor waste flows, and identify gaps in infrastructure. This location intelligence equips governments, businesses, and communities with the insights needed to act swiftly and strategically. At Esri India, we are committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals by empowering stakeholders with the geospatial tools required to drive impactful, data-driven environmental action. Ending plastic pollution begins with understanding where it exists and how it moves—and GIS helps us do exactly that.”

Dr. Anirban Ghosh, Professor and Head, Centre for Sustainability, Mahindra University:

“The importance of World Environment Day continues to grow as emissions increase every year. The urgency to find an environmentally cleaner way of life has never been greater. The focus must be on climate solutions we can adopt and scale right now even as newer solutions emerge and become economically viable. Academic institutions must ensure that all graduating students understand climate change and have deep knowledge of climate solutions. This is not a competitive game – we will win only if we work together in the true spirit of collaboration.”

Matthew Foxton, India Regional President and Executive Vice President of Branding & Communications, IDEMIA Group:

Matthew Foxton

“At IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST), environmental sustainability is thought into everything we do. On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing environmental impact across our operations, from eco-designed products to improved manufacturing and service processes. Initiatives like GREENPAY and GREENCONNECT reflect how IST incorporates environmental considerations into secure payment and connectivity solutions. We follow a clear path: reduce, reuse and recycle, while partnering with responsible suppliers and driving resource efficiency across our value chain. At IST India, this commitment comes alive through energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and community-driven initiatives.”

Sriram Kannan, Founder & CEO, Routematic:

Mr. Sriram Kannan, Founder & CEO, Routematic

“This World Environment Day, as the global focus sharpens on curbing pollution, we’re reminded that sustainability must be embedded in every layer of business operations, including how we move people. With ESG goals reshaping corporate strategies, businesses are rethinking employee transport and Routematic is proud to lead this shift. As India’s leading AI-driven Corporate Transport-as-a-Service provider, we combine AI powered route optimization, shared mobility, and EV integration to reduce emissions and resource use. Serving 300,000+ users across 23 cities, and targeting 30% EV fleet adoption, we’re building a corporate mobility ecosystem that’s smart, responsible, and truly sustainable.”

Vasudha Madhavan, Founder & CEO, Ostara Advisors:

“On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to driving sustainable change by supporting innovative climate-tech companies.  Our mission is to connect visionary entrepreneurs with the capital they need to build a greener, cleaner future for India and beyond, helping accelerate the journey to net zero. Together, through collaboration and conscious investment, we can speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy and create lasting environmental impact. Let’s use this day to inspire action and embrace sustainability in small day-to-day choices we make in our lives.”