Archive for the ‘Make a difference’ Category

#SankalpSeSiddhi

Sunday, August 13th, 2017

IP-3

 

On 15th Aug 2017 the world’s largest democracy – #India turns 70 . We live in an era where we have the opportunity to participate in creating a nation that is truly #SaareJahanSeAccha .

Great citizens make a nation great . We would like to invoke your inner citizen activist by suggesting 70 doable ways in which we can contribute to creating an even greater, joyous , sustainable and #SwachhBharat.

  1. Plant saplings
  2. Eliminate plastic bags from your daily life
  3. Car pool
  4. Compost
  5. Repair the objects you use so that you can use them longer
  6. Help an underprivileged person open a bank a/c
  7. Donate books
  8. Donate toys
  9. Volunteer for a social cause
  10. Pledge never to litter
  11. Help an underprivileged person get insurance cover
  12. Support education for a child
  13. Follow traffic rules
  14. Don’t waste food
  15. Smile – spread happiness
  16. Don’t give bribes
  17. Don’t take any bribes
  18. Encourage people in your vicinity to keep the areas clean
  19. Visit an old relative / neighbour . You will make their day.
  20. Support ‘Made in India’ products
  21. Get off the phone . Spend time with people and make a difference
  22. Enable financial literacy
  23. Create a veg/herb garden
  24. Be kind to animals
  25. Get involved in local civic issues. Write to your local representatives / govt on issues that impact your area
  26. Remember that as an Indian – you are an Ambassador of India – within India & overseas .
  27. Try to learn a new language – an Indian language .
  28. Each time you buy something you are voting for the kind of world you wish to live in. Pl choose consciously .
  29. Help beautify a common space
  30. Each of us has talents and passions . Pl choose causes you resonate with and bring your contribution to it.
  31. Help the elderly go digital
  32. Do fund raising for a cause you believe in
  33. Initiate a collection drive for clothes and donate them to the needy
  34. Walk to places nearby . You’ll save on fuel , money & get fitter
  35. Use public transport as much as possible
  36. Be an engaged , active citizen
  37. Thank 5 people who made a positive difference to your life
  38. Give an unexpected treat to those who work in your home
  39. Let people in your community know they can approach you for help
  40. When you notice awesome service – make it a point to acknowledge it .
  41. Save water
  42. Do your bit to help make India safer for women and children
  43. Save energy – switch off appliances when not in use
  44. Travel to places in #IncredibleIndia
  45. We are a diverse nation – unique in the world . Let’s remember that we are first and foremost – Indians.
  46. Switch to LED lights – progressively
  47. Support the differently abled
  48. Go digital in your payments
  49. Carry a #Reusable Bag – Always while shopping
  50. Inspire people in your family / community to go eco
  51. Create cool stuff with upcycled material
  52. Learn something new every month about India and it’s amazing culture
  53. Dispose electronic waste responsibly
  54. Meditate
  55. Learn Yoga – your body and eventually family will thank you for a healthier , calmer you !
  56. Send a message of support to our Armed Forces
  57. While driving give way to ambulances / fire brigades
  58. Write 10 things you love about India . Share them with your family & friends
  59. Stand up for what you believe in . Make your voice count .
  60. Make sure you vote in the elections
  61. Support green biz
  62. Reuse objects – so that you send out lesser trash to the land fill
  63. Ditch bottled water . Carry your own bottle of water – it is safer , planet and wallet friendly
  64. In your sphere of work – see in what ways you can go eco . Go ahead and make it happen
  65. Don’t spit – in any public space
  66. There are many avenues where you can share your ideas for India – e.g MyGov.in , NaMo app .Your ideas can help shape India.
  67. Support the traditional crafts of India
  68. Our country is our larger home . Treat it with respect
  69. Stop people from defacing national monuments / public spaces
  70. Commit to doing something #IndiaPositive every week

One #IndiaPositive Action a week

One Billion Indians . 52 billion potential #IndiaPositive Actions .

#NewINDIA  #SaareJahanSeAccha

Each One Of Us Can Make A Difference . Together We Make Change.

 

 

 

 

#IndiaPositive

Wednesday, January 18th, 2017

IP-3       #IndiaPositive

What’s a typical routine on #RepublicDay ? Wake up . Watch the #RepublicDay
Parade on TV , buy a flag,  go for flag hoisting in the building or work place , sing 
the Anthem, hear patriotic songs everywhere , feel super patriotic .By evening
it is back to life as usual.How about we change that this year ? 
 
For most of us we are seeing a new sense of pride in India . Across India
and in Indians across the globe. Visionary leadership at the helm is changing
India’s destiny and culture .
 
There are some like Prime Minister Modi who have dedicated their life to
India. There are amazing folks across India who made a huge contribution
to India – dedicated teachers , activists , doctors , philanthropists ,social
entrepreneurs and many more . Every action counts.Gratitude to each of
the unsung heroes for their selfless contribution .
 
There are millions of us who can participate tangibly . What held us back ?
 
- busy in earning a living ?
- feel that it is the job of the govt to build the country ?
- would like to do something..but not sure how ?
- never thought about it ?
 
This #RepublicDay  let’s pledge to consciously and actively work towards
building a nation that is truly ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’.
 
Every week do ONE #IndiaPositive act for India and your fellow citizens. 
 
- A taxi or auto driver can give a free lift to an aged underprivileged person
- a college  student can help a local Ngo
- a working professional could help a student , a bank official  official can make
   people aware about insurance and inspire them to go for it
- a housewife decides to make her home plastic bag free
- appreciate and support the social workers in your area
- pledge to stop littering
- support education for a child
- join the green initiative in your neighborhood
- start a laughter club
- use your writing skills to help a cause
- plant saplings , start a herb garden
- ensure food is never wasted – donate
- car pool
- visit elderly people in your neighborhood and spend time with them
- retired folks can volunteer at a local school
- do your bit to ensure India is a safer place for women and children
- the MasterChefs among us can share healthy cooking ideas to help those around us live healthier lives
- People can use their core skills to make a difference. e.g a doctor treats at least 1 patient a week free of cost ,
a nurse tends extra care to a patient who does not have a family.
Get creative about the ways in which you can help to create a better country with your #IndiaPositive
action.
This is not an elitist initiative only for folks with smart phones and social media profiles . Spread the
word. Involve everyone you know . Kindness has no socio-economic barrier . Think of this as a way
to crowd source ideas by Indians for Indians to make a better India.
 
When a person does something consciously and ongoingly for the country – they will become more
engaged & aware citizens. 
An engaged & aware citizen is less likely to litter India , to let women be brutalised , to watch anti national
elements try to fragment India. Our police and armed forces will have 1 billion new recruits. Today overseas
Indians know that if their message reaches Ms Sushma Swaraj they can expected to be helped . Imagine a
India where Indians in India know that  they can rely on their fellow citizens .
 
Share your ideas . This could be something you already do . It could be something you now commit to doing.
The key is ACTION . We don’t want words that don’t translate into action.
Keep it simple e.g I pledge to never ever litter #IndiaPositive 
 
One #IndiaPositive action a week
One Billion Indians. 52 billion potential #IndiaPositive actions . One Awesome Nation 
 
Each One of can make a difference . Together we make an India that is ‘Sare Jahan se Accha’ .
 
#IndiaPositive #RepublicDay #CleanPlanet 
On 31st Jan 2017 we will gift 50 awesome Indians for their contributions . The real gift , however , will be
a committed you creating a better India one #IndiaPositive action at a time.
Jai Hind .

#DeMonetisation and Sustainability

Monday, December 26th, 2016

CP Poster_01

#Demonetisation taught us a LOT . In one stroke we had to shake off old, entrenched habits and imbibe a new way of living. It was inconvenient. But as a nation we adapted to it .

Pre 8 Nov 2016 it would have been inconceivable that we could do without cash. Now , we reach out for our digital wallets quite naturally. We’re being conscious of what we buy .

It’s time now that we #DeMonetise plastic bags from our lives . There would be temporary inconvenience . Soon , we will remember to carry reusable bags daily .

Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make Change.

 

 

Swachh Ability Run

Friday, November 4th, 2016

swachh-ability-logo-with-twitter-handle

 

A meeting with Major D P Singh in Delhi earlier this year sparked off a discussion on a event to culminate on 3 Dec 2016 which is ‘World Disabilities Day‘ . The idea was to combine focus on needs of differently abled people and SwachhBharat - a cause very dear to us.

We’re happy to partner with Swachh Ability Run – a first of it’s kind marathon and cleanathon that focuses on Differently Abled Persons and Swachhta .

It’s been our pleasure to have designed the logo for SwachhAbility Run.

Not only is the event the ‘first of it’s kind’ – even the collaborators are first of it’s kind : The Indian Army , J.K Cement , Delhi Dynamos – a football team , Clean Planet , Proton Sports , The Challenging Ones – NGO founded by Major D P Singh.

Join us at Chandigarh on 27th Nov 2016 all the way to Delhi on 3rd Dec 2016 to make an #Inclusive and #SwachhBharat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean Planet – Empower

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

fabric-coaster-with-bowl-poster_02

We support livelihood programs for women under Clean Planet – Empower wherein we mentor and train women in crafts for making quality products – in Mumbai and other locations  . It’s been a hugely joyous and enriching experience to see women learn and create .

We’re pleased to share the latest creation – Upcycled Fabric Coasters – colorful , vibrant and eco friendly these delightful coasters can be used on the dining table as also as decor .

These delightful products will soon be available at select outlets .

Made in India. To Make a Better India.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India Positive : a letter to Prime Minister Modi

Monday, August 8th, 2016

Dear Mr Modi ,

Thank you for all that you are doing for India. It is the first time that a Prime Minister has invited citizens to share ideas for the 15th Aug address to the nation. One of the many firsts of this truly inclusive government under your visionary leadership.

I run a business wherein we create eco and handcrafted products that help people bring sustainability and craft into their everyday living. We believe that Each One of Us Can Make a Difference. Together we make Change‘.

This 15th Aug pl invite every citizen to do something positive for India – every week. By 15th Aug 2017 we would have potentially 52 constructive actions for the nation. There are people in India (like you) who have dedicated their life to the nation. We have millions who are focused only on their life. In my work in the space of sustainability i have seen that for a lot of people there is a peculiar combination of apathy & powerlessness. With the rise of social media people voice their views. There is a lot of arm chair activism. Which perhaps (and hopefully ) is the first step towards activism in action.

Doing something for India – is not a call just to citizens with smart phones and access to social media . EVERY citizen should be invited , challenged , inspired to do something tangible and positive for India.

An auto driver may give a free lift to an aged underprivileged person , a college student can help a local Ngo , a working professional may help a student , a bank official official makes people aware about insurance n inspires them to go for it , a housewife decides to make her home plastic free , appreciate and support the social workers in your area , pledge to stop littering. People can use their core skills to make a difference. e.g a doctor treats at least 1 patient a week free of cost , a nurse tends extra care to a patient who does not have a family. Start a hashtag e.g #IndiaPositive. Idea is not self publicity. The goal is for Indians to get inspired by other Indians. As you have seen in your journey so far – once you engage people the outcomes are brilliant. All the astrologers of the world put together cannot predict the outcomes. Think of the hashtag as a way to crowdsource ideas for Indians by Indians to make a better India. Encourage media to run programs every month . In your #MannKiBaat every time remind people to continue their ‘#India Positive’ work , ask schools to get kids to write essays on what they are doing for it. Translate the essence of the Hashtag into regional languages. The spirit of it is more important than the physical words.

1 billion people. 52 billion potential ‘India Positive’ acts . This will bring Indians closer to each other and to India. We have problems of people from some regions not feeling welcome in some places , definitely we have a socio economic divide. Conscious ‘India Positive’ acts can integrate and turbo charge India in ways we cannot even imagine. People in some states feel less of a connection to India. Imagine Indians in Kashmir and N.East thinking about what they can do for India. When a person does something consciously and ongoingly for the country – they will become more engaged & aware citizens. An engaged & aware citizen is less likely to litter India , to let women be brutalised , to watch anti national elements try to fragment India. Our police and armed forces will have 1 billion new recruits. Today overseas Indians know that if their message reaches Ms Sushma Swaraj they can expected to be helped . Imagine a India where Indians in India know that they can rely on their fellow citizens .

Giving & Doing are powerful anti dotes to helplessness . It will connect a person to their inner strength. Let this herald the start of a new tradition in India. The current generation of kids grow up watching their parents consciously doing something positive for India. What a legacy that will be ! Truly it will make India ” Saare Jahan Se Accha”.

Jai Hind

Savitha Rao

Founder , Clean Planet

www.cleanplanet.in

India Kuch Kar – Put a Stop to the Drop

Monday, May 23rd, 2016

Literate littering_A3

Water is a precious natural resource . Essential in every aspect of our lives . Growing population , climate change are putting a big pressure on this life essential resource .

Across India – in homes , offices , public spaces – we have considerable opportunity to save water by being vigilant and pro-active . Conscious effort to fix leaking taps will save liters of water that can help your neighborhood and city .

We cannot afford anymore to be indifferent to the water crisis in India and across the world . Individuals , businesses and governments will need to do everything they can to be water efficient .

In his #MannKiBaat yesterday Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the need to conserve water .

We invite our readers to save water in every way you can . And to spread the message . Pl feel free to share the above ‘India Kuch Kar‘ poster . You can download it from the post or from our twitter handle .

Thank you for choosing to make a positive difference.

 

Ocean of Change

Sunday, March 15th, 2015

water on Earth

 

As mankind we have trouble comprehending what’s going on at land . The oceans have consequently been ignored . On a planet that is 71% water – of which 96% is oceans – ignoring the oceans is not an option anymore .

A recent article by the National Geographic profiles the loss of Oxygen from the oceans and it’s consequent impact on marine life . We would encourage everyone to read it to understand in detail the rapid changes that are taking place in the oceans .

In the last several years there has been a growing understanding of the impact of disposal of waste and pollutants into the oceans. Marine life and birds either undergoing mutation or painful , untimely death as a consequence of mankind’s chosen way of life. The risk to marine life does not end there . Marine life need oxygen which they imbibe from water . Natural changes compounded by climate change are resulting in a rapid increase of low oxygen areas . This is pushing marine life closer to the surface , putting certain species at risk . Imagine if we had a sprawling city – but ALL of it’s residents had to live only in 3 neighborhoods . Something like that is happening in the oceans .

The discussion on this can easily degenerate to allocating how much of this is due to climate change . In doing so we will be deluding ourselves .

Our everyday choices as individuals , households , businesses are shaping the Planet . An Ocean of Change is needed to ensure sustainabilty for mankind and other species .

As individuals and households we can make a vast range of choices that reduce disposable waste which choke the planet . As businesses we have even greater responsibility to make choices that go beyond the next quarter results and nurture the planet. Produce responsibly , sell responsibly , buy responsibly . Let’s take good care of the one Planet that is our only Home .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swachh Citizen

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015
Swachh Citizen

Swachh Citizen

 

As Clean Planet we have been running a civic campaign ‘India Kuch Kar‘ for more than 2 years now . Where we create posters and share with passionate individuals to post them in offices , public spaces , residential building notice boards , on social media – all with the goal of inspiring our fellow citizens to contribute towards a Clean Country . Our campaign has been embraced by people from different parts of India – from Ladakh to Chennai .

The desire to create a Clean Planet has shaped our product design , packaging , promotions  - From Totes to Eco Veggie bags that reduce disposable , plastic waste we have been relentlessly innovating to make it easy for our customers to create a Clean & Sustainable India.

As one can imagine , we were delighted to see the Swachh Bharat initiative . For the first time cleanliness has been given the attention it deserves . It’s been amazing to see people from all walks of life take up a broom and be willing to clean a public space.

Our take on this is that the reason why so many people have had to take up a broom is because there is litter on the streets that should NOT have been there in the first place . Bharat cannot become Swachh until her citizens become Swachh Citizens.

A truly Swachh Bharat requires a change in the mindset . We have to be Swachh 24×7 . Else we will always need to take up a broom and clean some public space or the other . Let’s tackle the root cause of littering by pledging to NEVER Litter a Public Place – EVER .

This Republic Day let’s make India ‘Sare Jahan se Accha‘ by pledging to Go Swachh .

Become a SWACHH CITIZEN .

#SwachhCitizen #CleanPlanet #SwachhBharat

 

QZ8501

Sunday, December 28th, 2014

air asia

 

Most of Asia woke up today to the news of Air Asia flight QZ8501 having disappeared en route to Singapore . Across the world people tracked the news hoping for a miracle of the passengers being rescued . That hope still burns bright . Hopefully tomorrow will bring good news about the passengers on board being rescued from the sea .

As it always happens with such flights – there are people who made a last minute reservation to take the flight . And some who cancelled their tickets close to departure . One such lucky individual was Mr Chandra Susanto who was scheduled to travel on QZ8501 along with his wife and 3 children . They cancelled the plan a day prior as his father was unwell .

‘I am very thankful to God for his mercy for me and my family. But I am so sad and very sorry for the people on the plane,’ Mr Susanto said. He also had this to say ‘ Our lives have changed. We are so grateful. We have an opportunity to be the best people we can and to help others. We are so thankful to God

Reading the article it struck me that most of us are blessed to have that opportunity daily . Just because we did not miss a flight that crashed we don’t often realize the enormity of the gift that each day represents .

Our thoughts and prayers with those onboard the flight and their families and loved ones . A real tribute would be living each day for the GIFT it truly is #Be the Best People We can & Help Others.