In this episode of Cool It Down, Rishika Reddy and Dr. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad delve into the urgent need for sustainable packaging and its role in combating environmental challenges.

Rishika shares the story behind the creation of The Mend, a sustainable packaging venture born during the pandemic, and discusses the hurdles of shifting consumer and business mindsets towards eco-friendly options.

Dr. Gaikwad sheds light on the environmental impact of traditional packaging, particularly plastics, and introduces innovative alternatives such as pine needle-based paper and cactus biopolymers.

Together, they explore the complexities of the circular economy, the balance between convenience and sustainability, and the future of biodegradable and smart packaging technologies.

The episode also offers practical advice for aspiring sustainability entrepreneurs and emphasizes the collective power of individual actions in driving meaningful change.

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Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, Aditi Mayer, Gigi Mathews, and Professor Parikshit Goswami come together to discuss the pressing issue of textile waste and sustainable fashion from diverse perspectives. Aditi shares her journey as a sustainable fashion advocate, touching on the influence of the Rana Plaza tragedy on her career, and underscores the role of cultural heritage in promoting mindful, eco-conscious choices.

Gigi delves into the entrepreneurial aspect, exploring how innovative businesses and community involvement are crucial to addressing textile waste, especially in countries like India.

Professor Goswami complements these perspectives by analyzing textile waste’s environmental impact and the cultural shifts needed in consumption.

Together, they provide listeners with practical tips—from supporting local designers to starting ventures that balance social impact and profit—while underlining the collective responsibility we all hold in creating a more sustainable future.

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Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions via email at coolitdown@in.bbcmediaaction.org.

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema chats with architects Marion Weiss, Michael Manfredi, and resilience expert Dr. Anshu Sharma about the powerful link between architecture, resilience, and climate action. They uncover how the building sector shapes global greenhouse gas emissions and the untapped potential of embodied energy and sustainable design.

The discussion covers traditional building materials, evolving public spaces, and insights from past practices to inspire resilient architecture. They also spotlight opportunities for future architects and entrepreneurs to drive sustainable construction and tackle climate challenges with lasting solutions.

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Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions via email at coolitdown@in.bbcmediaaction.org.

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema delves into the pressing issue of electronic waste (e-waste) with Veena Sahajwalla, a recycling and green manufacturing expert, and Mandeep Manocha, the co-founder of Cashify.

Together, they explore the environmental and health impacts of improper e-waste disposal, the risks tied to informal recycling, and the promising innovations in this field, from e-waste micro-factories to Cashify's solutions for responsible recycling.

The conversation sheds light on the role of sustainable entrepreneurship and responsible consumption in e-waste management, along with practical steps individuals and businesses can take to make a positive impact.

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Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions via email at coolitdown@in.bbcmediaaction.org.

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, RJ Sayema engages with Professor V. Srinivas Chary, Director of the Centre for Environment, Urban Governance, and Infrastructure Development, Administrative Staff College of India to explore the urgent challenges surrounding water management and climate change.

They delve into critical topics such as non-revenue water, water footprints, the urban water crisis, and the vulnerabilities faced by low-income communities. The discussion highlights innovative solutions and entrepreneurial opportunities in the water sector.

Snehal Verma, a first-generation entrepreneur and the founder and Director of NatureDots, joins the conversation to emphasize the importance of individual responsibility, collective action, and the role of social enterprises in addressing the global water crisis. She also speaks about the founding journey of NatureDots—her social enterprise dedicated to water sustainability.

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Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions. Feel free to email us at coolitdown@in.bbcmediaaction.org.

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, Pratim Roy and Supriya Sahu explore the intricate relationship between development, climate change, and community involvement. Pratim highlights the critical role of bees in ecosystems and their connection to climate change. He shares insights on entrepreneurship that empowers local communities and reflects on the journey of the Keystone Foundation, which he co-founded.

The conversation underscores the vital roles of biodiversity and natural resource protection, with a special focus on the importance of bees in ecosystems.

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary with the Government of Tamil Nadu, who previously led the Department of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, emphasizes the need to shift focus toward protecting natural resources and highlights successful initiatives that have engaged local communities in sustainable practices. She shares insights from her extensive experience in civil service, particularly the importance of collaboration between governments, civil society, and local communities.

Together, they stress the importance of partnerships with indigenous and local communities in fostering sustainable practices, drawing on their vast experience in entrepreneurship.

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Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions. Feel free to email us at coolitdown@in.bbcmediaaction.org.

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State

In this episode of Cool It Down, host RJ Sayema is joined by two experts, Rupa Nandy and Girish, for an insightful discussion on the future of public transport and its role in combating climate change.

Rupa delves into the impact of rapid urbanization on transportation, stressing the need to prioritize public transport over private vehicles, while exploring the challenges of adopting electric buses and the opportunities for innovation.

Girish shares his entrepreneurial journey with Metro Ride, highlighting the importance of last-mile connectivity, sustainability, and electric vehicles. Together, they discuss the cultural shifts required to embrace public transport and the value of learning from failure in building sustainable mobility solutions.

We value your feedback! Please participate in this survey to share your thoughts on the episode: https://forms.office.com/e/8YCL8vyv6j

Additionally, we’d love to hear your suggestions. Feel free to email us at coolitdown@in.bbcmediaaction.org.

Host: RJ Sayema

Created by: BBC Media Action India

Supported by: U.S. Department of State