Promoting a Plastic-Free Future: Insights from Environmental Week by the Magiligan Foundation

Environmental Week Symposium Highlights

Indore, May 15, 2025 - The second day of the Environmental Week Symposium, organized by the Jimmy and Janak Magiligan Foundation in celebration of World Environment Day 2025, took place at the premises of Raheja Solar Food Processing Private Limited. Dr. Janak Palta Magiligan, the event coordinator, emphasized the need for a plastic-free lifestyle, referencing the global call from UNEP to eliminate plastic pollution.

Achievements in Sustainable Living

Dr. Magiligan shared her success story of transforming the Barli Women Development Institute into a plastic and waste-free environment, inspired by the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil. In 2011, she made her residence in Sanawadia completely self-sufficient, waste-free, and eco-friendly, providing streetlight facilities to 50 neighboring homes and operating on natural resources.

Solar Innovations and Community Empowerment

Varun Raheja, head of Raheja Solar Food Processing Pvt. Ltd., discussed how under Dr. Magiligan's guidance, they have harnessed the potential of solar dryers. This initiative has empowered thousands of farmers while promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste. They are now active participants in the campaign against plastic pollution.

Environmental Costs of Modern Living

Keynote speaker Veerendra Goyal highlighted the hidden environmental costs of modern lifestyles, explaining how food packaged in plastic can introduce microplastics into the human body, potentially leading to long-term health issues.

Creating Access to Organic Products

Uday Bhole, co-founder of Organic Setu, explained how Dr. Magiligan collaborated with Ambrish Kela to create a platform ensuring the availability of clean, organic, and local products. The name 'Organic Setu' was coined by Dr. Janak herself.

Encouraging Personal Development

IAS officer and environmentalist Mr. Pandit encouraged participants to utilize SWOT analysis for personal development and inspired them to bring about positive changes in society.

Shocking Plastic Consumption Statistics

Environmental analyst Tanmay Mukherjee shared alarming statistics, revealing that an average person consumes about 5 grams of plastic daily, accumulating to 250 grams annually. He expressed concern over the increasing sales of external consumer products in the rural economy.

Conclusion of the Symposium

At the conclusion of the event, Varun Raheja expressed gratitude to all speakers and participants, deeming the program meaningful and inspiring.