The Business Bytes
Jharsuguda, November 14, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a bid to foster environmental consciousness and sustainable hygiene practices, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, recently conducted a community-oriented training session on “Zero Menstrual Waste” in Jharsuguda. The program, led by Malini Parmar, co-founder of the waste management social enterprise Stonesoup, aimed to equip participants with the knowledge to reduce menstrual waste and adopt eco-friendly solutions. Employees, local residents, and women from the Subhalaxmi Cooperative — Vedanta’s flagship women’s empowerment initiative — actively participated in the session.
The training emphasized the environmental impacts of non-biodegradable menstrual waste, which contributes significantly to pollution and landfill problems. Sustainable alternatives, including menstrual cups, cloth pads, and biodegradable sanitary products, were introduced as viable solutions for reducing waste while promoting healthier, eco-conscious lifestyles. Attendees also received practical insights into waste segregation and composting, empowering them to integrate eco-friendly practices into their daily lives.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, highlighted the initiative’s importance, stating, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we are dedicated to empowering communities with sustainable practices that promote a healthier, environmentally responsible society. This session on menstrual waste management aligns with our commitment to fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level.”
Pankajini Oram, President of the Subhalaxmi Cooperative, praised the training for its impact, noting, “Learning about sustainable menstrual hygiene practices and eco-friendly products has empowered us to make choices that positively affect our health, our community, and the environment.”
Vedanta’s social initiatives in Jharsuguda encompass education, healthcare, livelihood support, skill development, sports, and the arts, with a primary focus on women’s and children’s development. Currently, Vedanta’s outreach spans nearly 80 villages, benefiting over 300,000 people each year. Through the Subhalaxmi Cooperative, Vedanta has empowered almost 5,000 women across more than 350 self-help groups, provided healthcare services to approximately 50,000 residents, and supported the education of over 13,000 students. Furthering its commitment to environmental sustainability, Vedanta has planted around 1.5 lakh trees in collaboration with local communities.
As India’s largest aluminium producer with a production of 2.37 million tonnes in FY23, Vedanta Aluminium leads the sector in sustainability, ranking first globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 for the aluminium industry. The company’s advanced smelters, alumina refineries, and power plants underscore its dedication to establishing aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future,’ supporting a greener, more sustainable future for all.
