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33 Percent Green Cover

Green+ Goals

We are working towards achieving 33% green cover in Delhi by planting and protecting trees, conserving biodiversity and urging all members of the society to donate trees to Mother Earth by supporting our tree protection and plantation activities.

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Zero Waste Lifestyle

Green+ Goals

Achieving Zero Waste Lifestyle is a necessary Green+ Goal and we are working to achieve it by ensuring that every citizen is sensitised for adopting an eco-conscious approach in their daily lives. Segregation of waste and giving up Single-use plastic are two of our key focus.

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WASH for All

Green+ Goals

We are working to ensure that the present and future generations continue to have access to Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) by advocating for inclusive policies, implementing water conservation initiatives and generating awareness for protecting water resources.

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Carbon Neutral Economy

Green+ Goals

We are working to achieve this Green+ Goal by consistently advocating for clean energy and empowering the youth to take Environmental Leadership for safeguarding the present and future generations from global warming and anthropogenic climate change.

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100. Always pre-cycle

Think and judge before you buy anything. Always buy only things that you absolutely need, find sustainable and plastic-free or recycled plastic options in them. Start refusing plastic bagging for single items that can easily be carried in hand.

99. Reuse existing plastic bags

A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. Make sure to not throw away exiting ones.

98. Plastic free party decorations

When planning a party, remember to avoid single use non-biodegradable materials such as plastics. Plastic balloons, confetti, and other decorations made from plastic should be replaced with environmental friendly options.

97. Buy zero-plastic pet toys and accessories

Buy your pet only the toys made out of natural materials like wood, coconut husk, leather, wool, cotton or even those made from recycled materials. Look pet furniture that does not have any plastic.

96. Feeding bowls for pets

Plastic at times causes acne in pets. Avoid plastic feeding bowls and use metal ones instead.

95. Use bags made of handmade or recycled paper

These work great as gifting bags, wrapping sheets and of course as carry bags for lightweight materials.

94. Skip the worst plastic types

If you do nothing else, try to steer clear items that are made out of Polyvinyl Chloride, Polystyrene and Polycarbonate. Apart from being bad for the environment these are harmful for our health also.

93. Buy wisely

Estimate your consumption of all items in daily life be it food, clothes, personal hygiene or electronics. Do not buy many packages in smaller quantities if your requirement is more. Likewise do not buy in bulk only to throw the items when they reach past expiry date and could not be consumed.

92. Buy from second hand stores

Surprisingly a lot of good quality, rarely used stuff ends up at second hand stores. Acquire second-hand plastic-ware than buying new plastic. Also make a habit of donating your old plastic-ware to such stores, rather than they ending up in landfills.

91. Buy natural fibre clothes

Clothes made out of synthetic materials like polyester, acrylic, nylon etc. are essentially plastic fibre. Millions of microfibers entre the water system with each wash cycle. Natural fibres on the other hand e.g. cotton, hemp, wool etc. are degradable.

90. Buy clothing made of recycled plastic

Some multinational brands have come up with apparel made out of recycled plastic bottles. While they are a little pricier than regular apparel, give these a chance.

89. Opt for natural footwear

Buy footwear made out of jute, hemp or natural rubber instead of PVC.

88. Buy clothes but not plastic

Remember your purpose was to buy clothes and not the plastic that comes with them. It’s better to refuse the vendor/ retail outlet for their plastic packaging.

87. Share and repeat clothing

If possible your dresses, formals, party wear etc. with your family and friends. This way, you end up buying less as a group, but still have lots of variety. Also make sure to value the clothes you buy and repeat them often before buying new.

86. Recycle clothes

Instead of throwing out old clothes, send them for recycling or donate at thrift stores. These would help people looking for cheaper yet good quality clothes. It definitely reduces plastic footprint in the long run.

85. Request zero plastic packaging on online orders

Online ordered packages come with a whole lot of unnecessary packaging. Make sure to request the retailer against the plastic packaging when placing the order.

84. Buy electronics with minimum plastic and rubber

Plastic bodies often break and rubber casings usually pull off after continued use, forcing us buy new products. Instead look for metal body electronics as they have a greater shelf life.

83. Buy refurbished electronics

Electronic goods such as laptops, mobiles, TVs, cameras etc. can be purchased at much cheaper prices if they are refurbished. The stores repair the previously used or damaged items to ‘almost good as new’ condition. Warranty is also provided on such products

82. Repair mobile phones instead of buying new

Mobile phones use plastic for their casings and not to mention the amount of plastic packaging with a new box. Try to get your phones repaired than throwing them away. This goes a long way in reducing e-waste as well.

81. Use rechargeable batteries

Single use batteries and their packaging hurts the environment. Switch to rechargeable batteries that can be used for hundreds of charging cycles before they need to be disposed.

80. Avoid buying new CDs or DVDs

These are made of polycarbonate plastic. Today it is much simpler to buy your music and movies online.

79. Use cloth pouches as pencil cases

Use cloth pouches or DIY cloth pencil boxes instead of plastic cases and transparent plastic pouches.

78. Use newspaper for notebooks covers

Cover your books, notebooks and novels with newspaper or recycled paper instead of plastic covers. Ask your school to support this cause.

77. Buy wooden exam-board and drawing boards

Buy wooden drawing or exam boards instead of plastic ones when you shop for stationery next time.

76. Buy plastic free envelopes

Choose envelopes that do not come with a plastic window or a plastic lining inside. You could even opt for variety of recycled paper options.

75. Sign up for e-statements

Instead of receiving monthly bank and other utility statements in bulk post, sign up for e-statements. Posted paper statements usually come with a small plastic window on the letter envelope. This would help save both paper and plastic.

74. Don’t buy plastic wrapped newspapers and magazines

Often magazines come wrapped in a plastic. Refuse the plastic when buying them at shops. Ask your newspaper vendor to deliver the daily paper without the plastic wrapping.

73. Don’t use plastic paperweights

Paperweights can be found in almost all offices. Instead of using plastic ones, go for trendier options such as stone, wood glass or ceramics.

72. Use paper tapes instead of the plastic cello tape

Paper tapes work just the same as the plastic ones we are so used to and are an environmental friendly alternative.

71. Use paper pens and paper pencils

Various brands provide pens and pencils made from upcycled newspapers. Some pencils also come with seeds and can be planted after they have served their purpose. This stationery reduces both plastic and wood waste.

70. Stop using use and throw pens

Instead of such use and throw plastic pens that are quite cheap, buy good reusable pens. Refillable fountain pens with a cartridge converter allow refilling the pen from a bottle of ink, decreasing the plastic footprint.

69. Don’t buy plastic flowerpots

Use traditional flowerpots made of clay, terracota or ceramics instead. You can even make DIY flowerpots from old jeans, jute bags etc.

68. Shun plastic ropes

Switch to alternatives such as jute ropes or metal based binding wires instead of plastic ropes. Small fibres of plastic from wear and tear after prolonged use ultimately enter the food chain.

67. Plastics in furniture

Opt for plastic free furniture. Use charpais or folding beds made of jute ropes or cotton niwars instead of plastic ones.

66. Refuse plastic wrapping on bouquets

Say no to plastic wrapping on flower bouquets. Either provide the vendor with newspaper to pack your bouquet or refuse any sort of packing.

65. Avoid plastic table mats and coasters

Buy trendy looking natural fibre table mats and coasters made from tree bark rather than plastic ones. These are aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly as well.

64. Don’t buy plastic electric fans

Most electric fans sold today are made of plastic bodies. While these are lightweight, the metal ones in comparison are sturdy and last longer.

63. Don’t use plastic shelves, book cases and storage boxes

Give up on buying shelves, book cases and other storage boxes made out of plastic for your homes or office space. Look out for designs available in wood or metal or other eco-friendly alternatives.

62. Install metal handles on doors

As great as plastic handles may look their metal counter parts are always more classy, durable and have a good afterlife value.

61. Use natural fibres to keep house cool

Instead of fibre sheet and plastic coverings we can use tin sheds and jute/bamboo blinds or sheds to keep our houses and rooftops cool in the summers.

60. Use metal bathroom fittings and pipes

Use metal pipes and other bathroom fittings like taps and showerheads for your building or house, they are more durable, long-lasting and won’t end up in the landfill.

59. Start composting your trash

This will drastically reduce the amount of organic waste from homes ending up in landfills, reducing the number plastic trash bags. As a benefit you don’t need to buy fertilizers and can simply use your DIY organic compost for gardens.

58. Make gardens out of plastic bottles and containers

As a consumerist society we end up with a lot of plastic containers, beverage bottles etc. Make lively vertical gardens, flower pots or even kitchen herb gardens out of these.

57. Reuse paint container buckets

Reuse the paint container buckets for bathing or moping purposes instead of buying new buckets. These can also be used as storage bins.

56. Choose cotton table cloths

Use natural fibre cloth as table covers instead of plastic table cloths.

55. Use cloth rags

These get the clean-up job done and can be easily washed when dirty, unlike paper towels. Such practice will reduce your waste and also the need for trash bags.

54. Line trash bins mindfully

Line small trash bins in your house (especially those which do not have a lot of wet waste) with paper bags instead of plastic bags. If you can do away with lining them altogether it is even better.

53. Use natural fibre scrubbers

A variety of plastic scrubbers are used everywhere from scrubbing dishes to cleaning toilets. Compressed natural cellulose sponges and natural fibre brushes and mops are great plastic free alternatives.

52. Make DIY home cleaners

It is really easy to make your own all-purpose cleaners. Vinegar and baking soda are excellent for cleaning windows, counter tables, kitchen slabs etc. Prepare your DIY cleaners and store them in reused containers rather than buying from market in plastic ones.

51. Use dish wash bars

Use bar soap in the kitchen to wash your dishes instead of liquid dishwashes. Look for the bar soap that are plastic free.

50. Don’t buy liquid detergents

Buy laundry detergent that comes in cardboard boxes and not the liquid detergents that come packaged in plastic containers.

49. Carry your own personal care products

When out on a vacation or business meetings, ensure to carry your own set of shampoos, soaps and lotions in travel sized containers. Just because they are provided without charge at hotels doesn’t mean it won’t add to your plastic footprint.

48. Use soaps instead of body wash

A bar of soap that comes in paper or cardboard package is very eco-friendly as compared to plastic bottles of body wash. Similarly switch to shampoo bars as well.

47. Use zero-waste band aids

Band aids comprise of layers of plastic that are non-recyclable. Try using organic cotton plaster made of natural fibres and natural adhesives. Another option is to use paper medical tapes.

46. Say no to plastic based jewellery

Avoid artificial jewellery made out of plastic. Look out for designs in metal, wood, semi-precious stones or natural fibres.

45. Use plastic free ear swabs

Cotton ear buds or swabs made from bamboo instead of plastic are available in the market. Look out for the ones that don’t have plastic packaging.

44. Use handkerchief

People in older times carried handkerchiefs to dry and clean their hands. These are washable and can be used again instead of single use tissue papers. Both plastic and paper waste can be thus reduced.

43. Install water sprays in toilets

Water sprays are much more hygienic alternative than using toilet paper. This way you are not only cutting down on plastic consumption (from all the product packaging) but immensely on paper consumption as well.

42. Buy cloth diapers

Disposal diapers for babies are poor choice as they have no reuse value and keep leaching toxins at landfill sites. Instead prefer to buy cloth diapers.

41. Use wooden combs and hair brushes

Combs made out of tree bark e.g. Neem are good for the scalp and are entirely environment friendly. In case of hair brushes, choose the ones with wooden handles instead of plastic ones.

40. Use natural latex gloves

Many hair colouring products sell one size transparent plastic gloves along with them. Instead ask for latex gloves. These are made out of natural rubber and are a safer option compared to plastic gloves.

39. Check labels of personal care products

Some facial scrubs and other personal care products contain tiny micro-plastic beads. Avoid anything that has ‘polyethylene’ listed as an ingredient.

38. Use reusable makeup remover pads

Choose organic fibre makeup removers pads that can be washed and reused again instead of synthetic and plastic based materials.

37. Plastic free menstrual hygiene

Conventional sanitary napkins generate high plastic waste. Buy silicone menstrual cups, they are hygienic and can be reused for almost 10 years. Plastic applicator free tampons are also an excellent alternative. Otherwise choose bio-degradable sanitary napkins.

36. Plastic toothbrushes are a big NO

Plastic toothbrushes are another everyday item that needs to be replaced every few months. Consider the good you will do for the environment by switching to biodegradable toothbrushes made of natural fibre body and bristles. Also find plastic-free, zero waste dental floss.

35. Give solid shave soap a try

Shave soap last many times longer than foam creams and other shaving creams. Look for plastic free packages.

34. Shun plastic and disposable razors

Use a razor whose blades can be replaced instead of buying disposable razors. Also look for razors with a metal body instead of a plastic one.

33. Eat home cooked food

Most fast food chains and food courts in malls serve food in single use plastics. Reduce the number of times you dine-out at such places. Also decrease takeaways and home-delivery orders. Instead start cooking more at home.

32. Refuse mini-bar

Many hotels stock mini bars with snacks and drinks at exorbitant prices. All these packaged products are nothing but high in plastic footprint and low in nutrition value. Instead call room service for some real food.

31. Give homemade yogurt a try

The yogurt you love so much comes in plastic containers which are thrown away after consumption. Making yogurt at home is pretty simple. All you need is a container, milk and some yogurt from the previous batch.

30. Say no to plastic cutlery when ordering in

If you are ordering food for home-delivery, ensure to tell the restaurant to not send plastic cutlery with the food. Just use your own cutlery from your kitchen

29. Use wooden matches

Opt for wooden safety matches over disposable plastic lighters. If not, at least switch to the habit of using refillable lighters preferably made out of metal.

28. Try natural beeswax wraps

These wraps are perfect alternatives to the plastic cling film wraps available in the market. They retain moisture just like the plastic ones, are completely natural and what’s more- they are entirely reusable!!

27. Return reusable containers

Make a habit of returning glass jars, bottles or plastic containers to your local farmers market or grocery shops. They can either refill these containers for you or can be reused to pack other items (after proper cleaning and sanitization!)

26. Pack your lunch in containers

Preferably use metal tiffin boxes or in other circumstances reusable plastic boxes over packing lunch in use-and-throw sandwich baggies.

25. Ask for aerated drinks and beverages in glass bottles

Aerated drinks and certain beverages come in both glass as well as plastic bottle packaging. Prefer to opt for glass bottles whenever you can.

24. Stop buying peeled fruits

It takes a few seconds to peel a fruit. The same time and effort goes into buying already peeled and pre-cut fruits from the market. Unpeeled fruits come with their own natural protective layer that does not require use of plastics.

23. Stop buying individually wrapped fruits and vegetables

Ask yourself why do you need a potato or a carrot wrapped and sealed in plastic? They have no purpose and hurt the environment. Buy items kept in bins without such wrappings.

22. Make freshly squeezed juice or eat fruit

Instead of buying juice in plastic bottles or tetrapaks, try to consume fresh squeezed juices at home. It's even healthier if you eat the fruit instead. That way you will get the roughage that the body requires.

21. Switch to fresh produce

Avoid buying frozen foods as far as possible because their packaging is mostly plastic. Plus you'll be eating lesser processed foods.

20. Give up gum

Almost all gum is primarily made of a synthetic rubber, aka plastic. Not only are you chewing on plastic, but you may also be chewing on toxic plastic. Plastic free alternatives do exist, switch to these types of gum.

19. Stop snipping corners of milk bags

These small pieces of cut corners are hard to segregate and are unable to escape even the most sophisticated filters ending up clogging the drains or worse into the food chain as microplastics. Instead partially cut the packet, enough to pour milk out.

18. Always carry a cloth bag with you

For impromptu shopping trips it is good to always have a carry bag lying around in your bag or purse rather than having to purchase items in a plastic carry bag

17. Refuse double bagging of grocery items

Politely refuse unnecessary extra plastic at the checkout lines. Stores tend to double bag heavy groceries or other shopping items. It would be great if you bagged them in your own cloth bag instead.

16. Learn to love the bulk bins

Look for stores in your area that sell foods from bulk bins and allow you to use your own bags or containers.

15. Choose milk in returnable glass bottles

Many areas have local dairies that provide milk in returnable glass bottles rather than plastic or plastic-coated cardboard. These support your local economy as well.

14. Buy fresh bread that comes in either paper bags or no bag

At the farmers market or natural food stores, you can buy bread that comes wrapped in paper or even without wrappings. Choose these fresh and plastic-free alternatives over bigger brands.

13. End use of plastic bottled water in official meetings

Keep water in eco-friendly glass/ stainless steel/ copper/ bamboo bottles instead of plastic bottles.

12. Switch to water purifiers

Install water purifiers instead of buying water in the form of packaged bottles in huge numbers.

11. Switch to eco-friendly water bottles

Instead of buying plastic based water bottles, use bottles made out of glass/ stainless steel/ copper or even bamboo.

10. Carry your own containers for take-out food and leftovers

Request takeout places to use your carry on containers for leftovers instead of their disposable doggy bags.

9. Refuse Styrofoam

Styrofoam is big nuisance as it is not recyclable and does not degrade for a really long time. Refuse the Styrofoam plates, cups, bowls and many other such and use your reusable dinnerware instead.

8. Choose traditional leaf pattals

Whenever you eat street food choose the vendors that sell their products in leaf pattals. These are sustainable alternatives and also support the local economy.

7. When throwing a party, buy hemp plates and glasses

Hemp is a wonderful biodegradable material. The next time you throw a house or office party, buy hemp plates and glasses instead of single use plastic plates and glasses.

6. Carry your own reusable mug

Whenever you head out of the house carry your own reusable mug to be used in various places for coffee, tea, juice or any other drink.

5. Use eco-friendly cutlery

Instead of single use plastic forks, spoons and knives switch to cutlery made of natural materials e.g. bamboo fibres, birch wood, etc.

4. Use trendy jute and cloth bags

Purchase or make your own DIY reusable produce bag made from jute or cotton. Be sure to wash them often and keep reusing.

3. Refuse paper cups

Don’t accept paper cups as far as possible as they also come with a thin plastic lining and cannot be recycled, ultimately ending up in the landfills.

2. Buy eco-friendly straws

Make a statement by purchasing reusable stainless steel/glass/ bamboo straws. These are washable and help reduce your plastic footprint.

1. Stop using plastic straws

Refuse plastic straws given in restaurants, diners and takeaways. If a straw is a must, ask for agro-waste paper straws.

Environmental Issues of Delhi

The environmental issues and concerns of Delhi have collectively become a key urban sustainability...

Appeal to Schools and Colleges

Delhi Greens requests all educational institutions to help in environmental protection through mainstreaming of...

Appeal to Citizens

Delhi Greens appeals to citizens for joining projects and campaigns for the protection of...

Appeal to Companies

Delhi Greens urges corporate houses located in Delhi NCR to showcase environmental responsibility at...

Sustainable Urbanisation

Taking policy influencing initiatives for sustaining the growth of rapidly emerging mega cities.

Preserving Natural Heritage

Working to protect the life supporting River Yamuna and the green lungs Delhi Ridge.

Environmental Education

Promoting environmental education at the school and college level through direct interventions.

Promoting Green CSR

Working with companies to help realize their Corporate Social Responsibility towards environmental protection.

Delhi Greens conducts interdisciplinary research for conservation of natural resources.

Delhi Greens works to generate environmental awareness using innovative strategies.

We conduct projects and campaigns for carrying out community based environmental protection.

We use advocacy and provide consultancy to help achieve sustainable development.