IMPRESSIVE! PM Sends Message Of Sustainability Through His Sadri Jacket During Chat With Bill Gates

In a recent conversation with the world’s richest man Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a message of reuse, recycling and sustainability on Friday. He emphasized that these practices are inherent in Indian culture, and showed his sleeveless Sadri or Nehru Jacket, made from recycled plastic bottles and leftover cloth pieces.

"This jacket is special," Modi said to Gates, pointing at his attire. "It's made from waste leftover clothes and plastic bottles, with 30-40 per cent of the fabric being recycled plastic bottles."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_J3vYe4VFA

Modi had previously worn a similar jacket made from recycled plastic bottles during a Parliament session last year, which drew attention for its innovative approach to sustainability. The jacket was a product of the Indian Oil Corporation's 'Unbottled' initiative, aligning with Modi's efforts to reduce single-use plastic. The IOC has introduced uniforms for its retail customer attendants and LPG delivery personnel made from recycled polydiscuester (rPET) and cotton.

Underscoring India's commitment to green growth and energy transition, the Prime Minister linked these efforts with Indian values where the circular economy is deeply embedded in everyday life, and the principles of - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are integral to the culture.

During last year’s parliament session, PM Modi highlighted the significance of initiatives like recycling plastic bottles into uniforms, which align with the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to promote sustainable living.

"These extensive efforts of India towards green growth and energy transition also reflect our values," Modi stated. "Circular economy, in a way, is a part of the lifestyle of every Indian. The mantra of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle has been ingrained in our values."

Modi noted the target of recycling 100 million such bottles every year will significantly benefit the environment.

At the COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021, Modi pledged to an ambitious "Panchamrit" commitment, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, generating half of all energy requirements from renewables, reducing emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030, reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 45 per cent, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

India took a significant step towards this goal by banning several single-use plastics starting in July 2022.