A joint initiative, Cartons 2 Classroom, between Tetra Pak, Nestle a+, Reliance Retail, and RUR Greenlife, saw school desks being given to the Mahim Police Colony school, Mumbai, on World Earth Day. The school has 150 students up to the eighth standard from lesser privileged families.
In this unique programme, Nestlé a+ milk and other used cartons are collected and converted into school desks. The pilot project in Mumbai will be scaled up to other cities.
Beverage cartons such as the ones made by Tetra Pak, are paper-based, recyclable and can be converted into useful items such as classroom furniture. With an intent to make this initiative accessible to all, 54 collection points across Reliance Smart Superstores and Sahakari Bhandar outlets have been made available in Mumbai.
Mohan Bhogade, Principal, Mahim Policy Colony school said, “The joy of receiving these desks among the students was unparalleled and we are thankful for the support we have got from all the partners. ‘Cartons to Classroom’ programme ensures that the basic necessities to acquire education are not compromised. Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has championed this initiative.”
World Earth Day initiative
Ashutosh Manohar, Managing Director – Tetra Pak South Asia, said “We are grateful to Mumbaikars for supporting our Go Green with Tetra Pak programme since 2010, and now extending the same love and support to Cartons to Classroom. Not only are we able to support schools that need better infrastructure, but it also acts as an inspiration for the community about the difference we all can make by adopting simple environment-friendly practices like recycling.”
Commenting on this latest development under the initiative, Mehernosh Malia, Head – Dairy Business, Nestlé India, said, “It’s truly heartening to see Nestlé a+ Cartons to Classroom programme come to life. It is a unique program where Nestlé a+ milk and other used cartons will be collected and converted into school desks.”
“Reliance Retail has always been committed to building a greener and cleaner future for the generations to come. Supporting Cartons to Classroom has been extremely gratifying and it’s heartwarming to see these desks making a significant impact in the lives of these children,” adds Vinay Adhye, Vice-President and Business Head – Reliance Retail.